Find out how popular the first name Shela has been for the last 33 years (from 1975 to 2007) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Shela by gender

Based on the last 33 years of data, Shela is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2007, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Shela.

The history of the first name Shela

The name Shela is believed to have its origins in Hebrew, derived from the word "Shalev," meaning "calm" or "peaceful." It is a feminine name that has been used across various cultures and time periods.

In ancient Hebrew texts, the name Shela appears as a variant of the name "Shelah," which was the name of one of the sons of Judah, as mentioned in the Book of Genesis. This biblical reference suggests that the name has been in use for several centuries.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Shela dates back to the 5th century BCE. A Jewish woman named Shela ben Avital was a prominent figure during the Babylonian exile, known for her wisdom and leadership qualities.

In the Middle Ages, the name gained popularity among Jewish communities across Europe. Shela ben Avraham, a renowned Talmudic scholar from Spain in the 12th century, is one notable figure bearing this name.

During the Renaissance period, the name Shela was also used in various European countries. One example is Shela von Habsburg, an Austrian noblewoman from the 16th century, who was known for her involvement in cultural and artistic pursuits.

In the 19th century, Shela Lefcourt was a Russian-born American author and activist who advocated for women's rights and education. She lived from 1838 to 1918 and was instrumental in establishing several educational institutions for women.

Another notable figure with the name Shela is Shela Baskin, a South African artist and sculptor who was born in 1923 and is celebrated for her contributions to the country's art scene.

While the name Shela has its roots in Hebrew and Jewish culture, it has been adopted and used across various communities and ethnicities over time, reflecting its enduring appeal and versatility.

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

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!