Find out how popular the first name Shalini has been for the last 46 years (from 1975 to 2020) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Shalini by gender

Based on the last 46 years of data, Shalini is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2020, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Shalini.

The history of the first name Shalini

The name Shalini originates from the Sanskrit language, and its roots can be traced back to ancient India. Sanskrit, one of the oldest documented languages, was the literary language of the Indian subcontinent and played a pivotal role in the development of Hindu culture and philosophy.

Shalini is a feminine name derived from the Sanskrit word "shalina," which means "gentle" or "modest." The name's origin reflects the cultural emphasis on virtues such as gentleness, modesty, and grace that were highly valued in traditional Indian society, particularly for women.

Historically, the name Shalini has been mentioned in various Hindu religious texts and scriptures, including the Vedas and the Puranas. It was a prevalent name among the upper classes and aristocratic families in ancient India, symbolizing the desirable qualities of a woman.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Shalini can be found in the epic poem Mahabharata, where it was the name of a character. This ancient Sanskrit text, dated between the 8th and 9th centuries BCE, is considered one of the longest epic poems in the world and a significant work of Hindu mythology and philosophy.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Shalini. One such figure was Shalini Puri (1937-2004), an eminent Indian classical dancer and choreographer who made significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of traditional Indian dance forms.

Another prominent Shalini was Shalini Devi (1925-2007), an Indian actress and dancer who gained fame in the 1940s and 1950s for her performances in Bollywood films. She was known for her graceful dance moves and became a celebrated figure in the Indian film industry.

Shalini Rajneesh (1958-2017) was a spiritual leader and the former chief minister of the controversial Rajneesh movement. She played a significant role in the organization and was known for her leadership and administrative skills.

Shalini Bharat (born 1971) is an Indian politician and social activist who has been actively involved in women's empowerment and the promotion of education in rural areas. She has served as a member of the Indian Parliament and has been recognized for her efforts in addressing social issues.

Shalini Pandey (born 1994) is a contemporary Indian actress who has gained popularity for her roles in Telugu and Tamil films. She made her debut in the critically acclaimed movie "Arjun Reddy" in 2017 and has since appeared in several successful productions, showcasing her acting talent.

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 Shalini was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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