Find out how popular the first name Shelah has been for the last 35 years (from 1974 to 2008) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Shelah by gender

Based on the last 35 years of data, Shelah is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2008, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Shelah.

The history of the first name Shelah

The name Shelah is of ancient Hebrew origin, with its roots tracing back to the Old Testament era. It is derived from the Hebrew word "shalah," which means "to send" or "to release." The name carries a sense of being dispatched or set free, often interpreted as a symbolic representation of a journey or a mission.

In the biblical context, Shelah is mentioned in the Book of Genesis as one of the sons of Judah and the daughter of Shua, a Canaanite woman. This reference places the name's usage in the ancient Middle Eastern region, where the Hebrew culture flourished. The name's appearance in the Old Testament suggests its antiquity and deep-rooted connection to the Abrahamic faiths.

One of the earliest recorded individuals bearing the name Shelah was a biblical figure mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:21-23. This Shelah was said to be a descendant of Judah and the father of several children, including the residents of Netaim and Gederah.

Throughout history, the name Shelah has been associated with various notable figures. In the 2nd century AD, Shelah ben Admon was a renowned Talmudic scholar and a member of the Sanhedrin, the supreme rabbinical court in ancient Judea. His teachings and insights on Jewish law and tradition have been preserved in the Talmud.

Another significant figure was Rabbi Shelah HaKadosh, a prominent 16th-century Kabbalist and mystic from Tzfat, Galilee. He authored the influential work "Shelah HaKadosh," which delved into Jewish mysticism and ethical teachings. His contributions to the Kabbalistic tradition earned him a revered place in Jewish spiritual literature.

In the realm of literature, Shelah was the name of a character in the epic poem "Paradise Lost" by John Milton, published in 1667. The name was used to represent one of the sons of Judah, reflecting the biblical reference.

Additionally, Shelah was the name of an ancient town mentioned in the Book of Samuel, located in the territory of the tribe of Benjamin. This geographical reference further underscores the name's deep roots in the ancient Near Eastern region.

While the name Shelah has its origins in the Hebrew tradition, it has also been adopted across various cultures and languages over time, albeit with slight variations in spelling and pronunciation. However, its core meaning and historical significance remain tied to its ancient Semitic roots.

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

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

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