Find out how popular the first name Shaelyn has been for the last 48 years (from 1976 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Shaelyn by gender

Based on the last 48 years of data, Shaelyn is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 23 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Shaelyn.

The history of the first name Shaelyn

The name Shaelyn has its origins in the Celtic languages of ancient Britain and Ireland. It is a modern variation of the Gaelic name Sìlean, which is derived from the Old Irish word síl, meaning "seed" or "descendant." The name is believed to have emerged in the early medieval period, around the 5th or 6th century AD.

While the name Shaelyn itself does not appear in ancient texts or historical records, its roots can be traced back to the rich cultural heritage of the Celtic peoples. The name's connection to the concept of "seed" or "descendant" may have held significance in the agrarian societies of that time, symbolizing continuity, fertility, and the connection between generations.

One of the earliest recorded instances of a similar name is Shillelagh, a town in County Wicklow, Ireland, which dates back to the 6th century AD. The name Shillelagh is derived from the Irish Síol Éalaigh, meaning "descendants of Éalaigh." This suggests that names with similar roots were in use among the Irish and Celtic populations during that period.

Among the notable historical figures who bore variations of this name, one can mention Saint Sillan (also known as Sillan the Elder), an Irish monk and missionary who lived in the 6th century. He is venerated as the patron saint of the town of Banagher in County Offaly, Ireland.

Another prominent bearer of a related name was Síllebaidh, a Scottish prince who lived in the 7th century. He was the son of King Ferchar Fota of Dál Riata, a kingdom that encompassed parts of western Scotland and northeastern Ireland.

In the later medieval period, the name appears in various forms, such as Silin and Silina, in records from Wales and Cornwall. One notable example is Silin ap Gwrgant, a Welsh prince who lived in the 10th century and was known for his resistance against the Anglo-Saxon rulers of England.

Moving forward in time, the name Sheila, a variant of Shaelyn, gained popularity in the English-speaking world. One famous bearer of this name was Sheila Burnford (1918-1984), a British novelist best known for her book "The Incredible Journey," a classic tale of animal adventure.

Another notable figure was Sheila Scott (1922-1988), a British aviator and pioneer in long-distance flight. She was the first British woman to complete a round-the-world solo flight in 1966.

While the spelling "Shaelyn" is a more recent variation, it carries the rich cultural heritage and historical significance of its Celtic roots, representing a connection to the ancient traditions and lineages of the British Isles.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Shaelyn was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Shaelyn, please contact us.

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