Shelah is a unique and uncommon female given name of Hebrew origin. Its meaning and history are deeply rooted in the Old Testament of the Bible.
In Hebrew, Shelah means "petition" or "request." It is derived from the Hebrew word shalal, which translates to "to ask" or "to entreat." This name holds significant biblical importance as it is the name of one of the sons of Canaan, who was a descendant of Noah. According to the Bible, Canaan was cursed by his grandfather Noah due to the actions of his son Ham, and Canaan's sons were born with this curse upon them.
Despite its biblical origins, Shelah has not gained significant popularity as a given name for females throughout history. It is still considered an uncommon and distinctive name today, making it a unique choice for parents looking for an unusual yet meaningful name for their daughter.
In summary, Shelah is a Hebrew female given name that means "petition" or "request." Its biblical origins trace back to the Old Testament, where it was the name of one of Canaan's sons. Despite its unique meaning and history, Shelah remains uncommon as a given name today.
The name Shelah has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States, with peaks and valleys in its usage. Between 1935 and 2008, there were a total of 510 births registered for this unique name.
In the early years, from 1935 to 1947, Shelah was given to between five and thirteen babies each year, with a noticeable spike in 1948 where thirteen newborns were named Shelah. This period saw a gradual increase in popularity, culminating in a decade-long stretch of consistent usage from the mid-1950s until the late 1960s.
The name's peak popularity was reached in the early 1970s and late 1980s. In 1974, fifteen babies were named Shelah, marking the highest number of births for this name during this period. This trend continued into the next decade with another peak in 1983 where fifteen newborn girls received the name Shelah.
However, from the late 1980s onwards, there was a noticeable decline in the usage of the name Shelah. Between 1987 and 2008, fewer than ten babies were named Shelah each year, with some years seeing as few as five births bearing this name.
Despite its fluctuating popularity over the decades, the name Shelah has maintained a consistent presence in the United States, with a total of 510 births recorded between 1935 and 2008.