Shamala first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Shamala has been for the last 2 years (from 1980 to 1981) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Shamala

A feminine Hindu name of Sanskrit origin signifying "conducive to auspiciousness or well-being".

Popularity of Shamala by gender

Based on the last 2 years of data, Shamala is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1981, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Shamala.

Year Male Count Female Count
1981 0 6
1980 0 5

The history of the first name Shamala

The name Shamala is believed to have originated from the Sanskrit language, an ancient Indo-Aryan language that dates back to the 2nd millennium BCE. It has roots in the Sanskrit word "shama," which means "peace" or "tranquility." The name is often associated with the Indian subcontinent and is particularly popular among Hindu communities.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Shamala can be found in ancient Hindu texts and scriptures, such as the Vedas and the Puranas. In these sacred texts, the name is sometimes used as a descriptor for individuals who possess a calm and serene demeanor.

Historically, the name Shamala has been borne by several notable figures. One of the earliest known individuals with this name was Shamala Devi, a 10th-century Indian poet and scholar from the Chola Empire in present-day Tamil Nadu. She was renowned for her contributions to Tamil literature and her expertise in various fields, including philosophy and astronomy.

Another prominent figure with the name Shamala was Shamala Jayasekera, a Sri Lankan politician and activist who lived from 1918 to 2013. She played a crucial role in the country's independence movement and was a vocal advocate for women's rights and social justice.

In the realm of arts and culture, Shamala Sundara Rajan was an acclaimed Indian classical dancer and choreographer who lived from 1922 to 2005. She was widely recognized for her contributions to the revival and promotion of the Bharatanatyam dance form.

Moving to more recent times, Shamala Mitha was a Singaporean writer and educator who lived from 1924 to 2005. She was known for her children's literature and her efforts in promoting reading and literacy among young people.

Lastly, Shamala Aswathi is a contemporary Indian actress and model who has appeared in various Tamil and Malayalam films. Born in 1990, she has gained recognition for her performances in movies such as "Kalavu Thozhirchalai" and "Meesa Madhavan."

These are just a few examples of individuals who have borne the name Shamala throughout history, each leaving their mark in their respective fields and contributing to the richness and diversity of the name's legacy.

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

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

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"Shamala first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on June 8, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/shamala-meaning-and-history/.

"Shamala first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/shamala-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 8 June, 2025

Shamala first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/shamala-meaning-and-history/.

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