All about the name

Shaila

Female

« Shaila is an Arabic name meaning 'asking for rain' or 'petitioning for rain'. »

#4721 last year

Meaning, origin, history

Shaila is a beautiful and unique name of Arabic origin. It means "asking for rain" or "petitioning for rain". This name is often given to children in areas where rainfall is crucial for agriculture and survival. The history of Shaila dates back to ancient Arabia, where it was believed that invoking the name would bring about much-needed rainfall during times of drought. Over time, this tradition spread throughout the Middle East and North Africa, making Shaila a popular name among various cultures in these regions. Today, Shaila is still widely used as a given name for girls in many Arabic-speaking countries. However, it has also gained popularity beyond its traditional borders, appearing on baby name lists around the world. Despite its growing international recognition, Shaila remains deeply rooted in its cultural heritage and continues to evoke images of lush landscapes and life-giving rain. In terms of pronunciation, Shaila is typically pronounced /ʃaɪlə/. The first syllable rhymes with "shy", while the second syllable rhymes with "la". The stress falls on the first syllable, making it sound like SHY-lə.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Shaila since 1880

Total births
3,212
Total since 1880
Peak year
2010
241 births
in 2023
29
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-48%
vs previous 5 years