Shelah

“To be quiet, tranquil” — Associated with peacefulness

Hebrew origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1589US 2023

611Births / yr

→Stable

510All-time births

📅 Since 193500

How to pronounce Shelah

SHEL·AH

/ˈʃɛl.ˈɑ/ · stress on SHEL · 2 syllables

“To be quiet, tranquil”

Associated with peacefulness · Hebrew origin

What does Shelah mean and where does it come from?

Shelah (שֵׁלָה) is a name of Hebrew origin found in the biblical context, associated with peacefulness. It appears in the Old Testament as one of the sons of Judah. The name is predominantly used in Hebrew-speaking and Israeli communities. Its historical roots give it a strong religious significance

Cultural significance

Shelah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of to be quiet, tranquil.

Peak popularity

Reached #2947 in 1948 — currently #1589 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Shelah?

Shelah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Shelah Grace

How popular is Shelah right now?

Holding steady — currently #1589 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1935–2023#1589 · Top 1.2%

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1589	611	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2022	#1594	591	▲ up 5 · +5% births
2021	#1599	561	▲ up 7821 · +6913% births
1990	#9420	8	▲ up 1582 · +60% births
1985	#11002	5	▼ down 4059 · -44% births
1980	#6943	9	▼ down 1991 · -25% births
1975	#4952	12	▲ up 232 · +20% births
1970	#5184	10	▼ down 1339 · -17% births
1965	#3845	12	▼ down 25
1960	#3820	12	▼ down 490 · -8% births
1955	#3330	13	▲ up 884 · +63% births
1950	#4214	8	▲ up 190 · +33% births
1945	#4404	6	▼ down 580 · -14% births
1940	#3824	7	▲ up 1059 · +40% births
1935	#4883	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Shelah

Best Year2023Rank #1589

Peak Count611

Average Rank#4707

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1935 - 202315 years

The story of Shelah

Shelah entered American naming records in 1935 and has been in use for over 89 years. With 510 total births recorded, Shelah remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4883 in 1935 to #1589 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Shelah in 1948:

Linda Mary Barbara Patricia Susan

Shelah by decade

Shelah peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →

Decade	Births
1930s	5
1940s	68
1950s	90
1960s ★	107
1970s	102
1980s	85
1990s	48
2000s	5

💎Shelah has only 510 total recorded births since 1935 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Shelah?

Common

SheShelShelieShelyElah

Famous people named Shelah

Shelah (historical community leader)

Shelah led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.

Shelah (historical figure)

Shelah bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Shelah?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Shelah also consider these

Ireland · From the fairy

Sheelah

Irish · Secondary form of

English · Descendant of Caoinlean

How is Shelah written in other languages?

שֵׁלָה

Ancient Hebrew

Common questions about the name Shelah

What does the name Shelah mean?

Shelah means "To be quiet, tranquil" — a name rooted in Hebrew 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 Shelah?

Shelah is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Shelah?

Shelah originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew 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 Shelah?

Shelah is a two-syllable name pronounced SH EH1 L AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Shelah a common or rare name?

Shelah is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.