Shela is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "request" or "petition". It is derived from the Hebrew word "shelah", which means to ask for something earnestly or to make a request. The name Shela has a strong and powerful connotation, suggesting someone who is determined and persistent in their pursuits.
In the Bible, there is no direct reference to a woman named Shela. However, the name Shela appears in the Talmud, a collection of Jewish oral traditions and commentaries on the Torah. In one story, Shela is mentioned as the wife of Nachum Ish Gamzu, who was known for his wisdom and good fortune.
Throughout history, the name Shela has been popular among Jewish communities around the world. It is often used as a female given name but can also be used as a male given name in some cultures. Today, Shela remains a beloved and meaningful name for many families, carrying with it a sense of determination, strength, and wisdom.
In summary, Shela is a Hebrew name meaning "request" or "petition", derived from the Hebrew word "shelah". It has a strong and powerful connotation and is associated with determination and persistence. While not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, Shela appears in the Talmud and has been popular among Jewish communities throughout history.
The name Shela has had a varied history of popularity over the years in the United States. From 1935 to 1946, there was a steady increase in the number of babies named Shela, peaking at 26 births in both 1946 and 1947. However, from 1948 onwards, the popularity of this name began to decline significantly.
During the late 1950s and early 1960s, there was a brief resurgence in its popularity, with around 20-40 babies named Shela each year. But by the mid-1970s, the number of babies named Shela had fallen significantly once again, with fewer than 25 births per year from 1973 onwards.
Despite this decline in popularity, the name Shela has remained somewhat consistent in its usage over the past few decades, with around 5 to 20 babies named Shela each year between 1982 and 2007. Overall, there have been a total of 1,398 births of girls named Shela in the United States since 1935.