Shalaka is a name of Indian origin, derived from the Sanskrit word "Shalakā," which means "growing, increasing." It is typically given to girls and has a rich history in Indian culture.
In Hindu mythology, Shalaka is the name of one of the nine daughters of the mountain king Himavat. These daughters were born with extraordinary beauty and charm, and they are often referred to as the nine "Nava Durga" or "Navadurga." Each of these daughters represents a different aspect of the divine mother goddess Shakti.
The name Shalaka is also associated with the ancient Indian festival of Shitala Satam. This festival is celebrated in honor of Goddess Shitala, who is believed to protect her devotees from diseases like smallpox. According to legend, the name "Shitala" means "cool" or "cold," and it was chosen because the goddess brings cooling relief from fever. However, some sources suggest that Shitala might be a corruption of Shalaka.
Throughout history, the name Shalaka has been carried by several notable individuals in India. For instance, there is a reference to a queen named Shalaka in the "Rajatarangini," a medieval chronicle written by Kalhana about the history of Kashmir. This indicates that the name was in use among the royal families of ancient India.
In modern times, Shalaka continues to be a popular choice for girls' names in India and among the Indian diaspora around the world. Its meaning, "growing, increasing," is often seen as a symbol of hope and prosperity, making it a beloved name among parents. Despite its popularity, however, Shalaka remains relatively uncommon outside of South Asian communities.
In conclusion, Shalaka is an ancient Indian girl's name with a rich historical and mythological significance. Its meaning, "growing, increasing," adds to its appeal as a name that symbolizes growth and prosperity. Whether you're looking for a unique yet meaningful name for your daughter or simply interested in the cultural history behind Indian names, Shalaka is certainly worth considering.
Shalaka is a unique and distinctive name that has made its mark on the American population, albeit minimally. According to data from the United States Social Security Administration, only five babies were given the name Shalaka each year between 2003 and 2018.
This means that since 2003, there have been a total of 5 births for each year in the U.S., with no variation in numbers. This consistency over such a long period indicates that while Shalaka is not a common name, it has maintained a steady presence among newborns across different years.
It's worth noting that having only five births per year for this particular name is quite rare compared to other names. For instance, in the same timeframe, some names were given to hundreds or even thousands of babies each year. This further underscores the uniqueness and singularity of the name Shalaka in the American context.
Despite its low occurrence rate, the consistent number of births annually suggests that the name Shalaka holds significant value for those who choose it for their children. Perhaps it's a family name passed down through generations, or maybe it's a name that resonates with parents due to its rarity and distinctive sound. Whatever the reason, these statistics show that while Shalaka may not be one of the most popular names in the U.S., it has carved out a unique niche for itself over the years.