Shamila is a name of Arabic origin, derived from the male name Shamil, which means "he who strives in the path of Allah" or "the one who seeks the right path." The name Shamila is often given to girls and has gained popularity in various parts of the world, particularly in Muslim communities.
The name Shamila has a rich history and has been carried by notable figures throughout time. One such figure is Shamila Batohi, a South African lawyer who served as the National Director of Public Prosecutions from 2018 to 2021. She was the first woman to hold this position in South Africa.
In literature, Shamila is also the name of a character in the novel "Bitter Sweett" by Nobel laureate Toni Morrison. The character Shamila is a young girl who plays a significant role in the story's plot.
Overall, the name Shamila is associated with strength, determination, and righteousness, reflecting its meaning and the historical figures who have carried it. Despite its Arabic origins, the name has transcended cultural boundaries and gained popularity worldwide.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Shamila has seen varying popularity in the United States over several decades. The earliest recorded birth with this name was in 1978, with a total of 7 newborns named Shamila that year. In the following years, the number of births with this name fluctuated:
* 8 births in 1979
* No data for 1980
* 5 births in 1981
* No data for 1982
* 6 births in 1983
* No data for 1985 and 1987
* 13 births in 1986 (the highest recorded number)
* 5 births in 1988
* No data for 1989 and 1992
* 6 births in 1990
* 8 births in 1993
* No data for 1995 to 2000
* 18 births in 2001 (the second-highest recorded number)
* 10 births in 2002
After 2002, the popularity of the name Shamila seems to have declined significantly:
* No data for 2004 and 2005
* 7 births each in 2006 and 2007
* No data for 2008 and 2009
* 6 births in 2010
* No data for 2012 to 2015
* 5 births each in 2016
In total, there were 133 newborns named Shamila in the United States from 1978 to 2016. While the name has seen periods of increased popularity, particularly between 1986 and 2002, its overall usage has remained relatively uncommon throughout these years.