Find out how popular the first name Shelana has been for the last 16 years (from 1974 to 1989) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Shelana by gender

Based on the last 16 years of data, Shelana is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1989, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Shelana.

The history of the first name Shelana

The name Shelana is of ancient Semitic origin, tracing its roots back to the Phoenician language spoken in the coastal regions of the eastern Mediterranean. Derived from the root word "shel," meaning "tranquil" or "serene," and the suffix "-ana," signifying a feminine form, the name Shelana was likely bestowed upon newborn girls as a wish for them to lead a peaceful and calm life.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name can be found in the Phoenician inscriptions uncovered in the ancient city of Byblos, dating back to the 8th century BCE. These inscriptions, carved into stone tablets, were dedicated to various deities and often included lists of names given to children born during that era.

In the 5th century BCE, the Greek historian Herodotus made reference to a Phoenician woman named Shelana in his work "The Histories." This account is one of the earliest documented instances of the name in Western literature and suggests its usage among the Phoenician people who had established trading colonies throughout the Mediterranean region.

As the centuries passed, the name Shelana continued to be used sporadically across various cultures influenced by Phoenician civilization. In the 1st century CE, a Jewish scholar named Shelana ben Shetach was renowned for his contributions to the development of the Mishnah, a foundational text of rabbinic Judaism.

During the Middle Ages, the name resurfaced in the writings of Arab scholars and poets. One notable figure was Shelana al-Andalusi, a 12th-century poet and philosopher from Andalusia, who was celebrated for her lyrical compositions and insightful works on metaphysics.

In the 16th century, a Venetian merchant named Shelana Marcelli gained prominence for her role in facilitating trade between the Republic of Venice and the Ottoman Empire. Her exploits were documented in various historical accounts, shedding light on the commercial relationships between these two powerful entities.

As the centuries progressed, the name Shelana remained relatively uncommon, but pockets of its usage could be found across various cultures and regions. In the 19th century, a French artist named Shelana Devalier gained recognition for her vivid landscape paintings, many of which captured the breathtaking vistas of the French countryside.

While the name Shelana may not be as prevalent in modern times, its rich history and enduring presence across cultures and eras serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of ancient Phoenician civilization and its influence on various aspects of human civilization.

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

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

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