What does Shaila mean and where does it come from?
The name Shaila has roots in Sanskrit and is often associated with Hindu mythology. It can also be related to 'Shaila', which means 'of the mountains'. The name has gained some popularity in the U.S., possibly due to its phonetic similarity to names like Sheila and its unique sound.
Cultural significance
Shaila has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a name derived from 'shailaja', meaning 'daughter of the mountain'.
Peak popularity
Reached #1037 in 2010 — currently #5211 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Shaila?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Shaila?
Shaila works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Shaila Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Shaila Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Shaila Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Shaila Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Shaila Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Shaila Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Shaila right now?
Rising fast — up 723 spots — currently #5211 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #5211 | 25 | ▲ up 723 · +19% births |
| 2024 | #5934 | 21 | ▼ down 1214 · -28% births |
| 2023 | #4720 | 29 | ▲ up 56 |
| 2022 | #4776 | 29 | ▼ down 185 · -3% births |
| 2021 | #4591 | 30 | ▼ down 869 · -23% births |
| 2020 | #3722 | 39 | ▼ down 1243 · -47% births |
| 2015 | #2479 | 73 | ▼ down 1442 · -70% births |
| 2010 | #1037 | 241 | ▲ up 2145 · +392% births |
| 2005 | #3182 | 49 | ▼ down 982 · -32% births |
| 2000 | #2200 | 72 | ▲ up 464 · +57% births |
| 1995 | #2664 | 46 | ▲ up 104 · +10% births |
| 1990 | #2768 | 42 | ▲ up 604 · +62% births |
| 1985 | #3372 | 26 | ▲ up 1733 · +86% births |
| 1980 | #5105 | 14 | ▼ down 351 · +8% births |
| 1975 | #4754 | 13 | — |
The story of Shaila
Shaila entered American naming records in 1960 and has been in use for over 64 years. With 3,123 total births recorded, Shaila remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6369 in 1960 to #4720 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Shaila in 2010:
Shaila by decade
Shaila peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 41 | |
| 1970s | 124 | |
| 1980s | 231 | |
| 1990s | 544 | |
| 2000s | 1,068 | |
| 2010s ★ | 1,076 | |
| 2020s | 85 | |
💎With 3,123 total births, Shaila is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Shaila?
Common
ShaShailShailieShailyIla
What names sound and feel like Shaila?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Shaila also consider these
Common questions about the name Shaila
What does the name Shaila mean?
Shaila means "A name derived from 'Shailaja', meaning 'daughter of the mountain'" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Shaila?
Shaila is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Shaila?
Shaila originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Shaila?
Shaila is a three-syllable name pronounced SHAH-EE-luh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Shaila?
Shaila pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.