All about the name

Shelah

Female

« Shelah is an uncommon Hebrew feminine name which means 'petition' or 'request'. It has biblical roots, being the name of one of Canaan's sons in the Old Testament. »

#11409 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

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.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Shelah since 1880

Total births
510
Total since 1880
Peak year
1974
15 births
in 2008
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years