Shalya is an unusual and captivating female given name of Sanskrit origin, meaning 'younger sister.' It is derived from the root word 'shala,' which signifies 'a small, slender plant' or 'a young girl.' This name holds significant cultural importance in India, particularly within Hinduism, as it appears in the epic Mahabharata. Shalya is also known for its variant spelling, 'Shayla,' which offers a slight twist on pronunciation while retaining the same essence.
The name Shalya has seen a steady popularity over the years, with peaks occurring every few years.