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Shelah

♀ Girl

Pronounced SHEE-luh /ˈʃiː.lə/Medium

Meaning: Shelah appears in the Hebrew Bible as a personal name, borne by a son of Judah, and as a place name; it is variously linked to ideas of 'petition' or 'sprout.' In modern use it is sometimes read as a spelling of Sheila (Irish, from Cecilia). The biblical route is primary here, though senses vary.Low

In 30 seconds: Shelah is a Hebrew biblical name, variously read 'petition,' also used as a form of Sheila. It appeared in US records in small numbers across the twentieth century (said SHEE-luh).

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Origin LowHebrew

MeaningShelah appears in the Hebrew Bible as a personal name, borne by a son of Judah, and as a place name; it is variously linked to ideas of 'petition' or 'sprout.' In modern use it is sometimes read as a spelling of Sheila (Irish, from Cecilia). The biblical route is primary here, though senses vary.

U.S. rank (2008)#20027 ↘ Falling

2008 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1974

Total births (all-time)≈ 510

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Shelah is a biblical Hebrew name. In Genesis it belongs to a son of Judah, and it appears elsewhere as a place name; interpreters variously link it to 'petition' or 'sprout.' In modern American use it can also read as a spelling of Sheila. We present the scriptural sense as primary and note that meanings vary.

It was never common, appearing in small numbers from the nineteen-thirties onward and reaching only about fifteen girls in its best year in the mid-nineteen-seventies. It reads as an unusual scriptural name rather than a trend.

Did you know? Shelah appears in the Bible both as a son of Judah and as a place name, giving it deep scriptural roots; in the United States it stayed a quiet, uncommon choice.

Overall data confidence 40%

References - Shelah — Biblical Hebrew name (son of Judah; also place); 'petition/sprout'; also form of Sheila; senses vary

Variations

SheilaShelaShelach

Nicknames

Shel

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If you like Shelah…

Sheila— a like name Shelah can also spell

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Tirzah— a like biblical Hebrew name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Shelah mean?

It is a biblical Hebrew name variously read 'petition' or 'sprout,' borne by a son of Judah; it is also used as a form of Sheila. Senses vary, which we note.

How do you pronounce Shelah?

It is said SHEE-luh /ˈʃiː.lə/ - two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Shelah a boy or girl name?

In the Bible Shelah is a man's name; in these US records it is used as a girl's name.

Is Shelah a popular name?

No; it was never common, appearing in small numbers across the twentieth century.