Shalena is a unique and captivating name of African origin. It is derived from the Swahili language and means "calm" or "peaceful." In Swahili culture, names are often chosen to reflect desired qualities in a child, and Shalena embodies the wish for tranquility and harmony.
The history of the name Shalena can be traced back to its roots in African culture. The Swahili people, who are native to the East Africa coastal region, have a rich tradition of naming their children based on attributes they hope to instill or characteristics they admire. Names like Shalena reflect this deep cultural connection and express the values that are important to the community.
In many cases, African names like Shalena were brought to other parts of the world through the diaspora caused by historical events such as slavery. As a result, you can find individuals with the name Shalena in various countries around the globe today, each with their own unique story and connection to this beautiful moniker.
Despite its African origins, Shalena has gained popularity beyond the continent and is recognized as an international name. It is not tied to any specific religion or cultural practice, making it appealing to people from diverse backgrounds. The meaning of "calm" or "peaceful" also adds a universal appeal that transcends geographical boundaries.
In conclusion, Shalena is a charming name with deep African roots and a timeless meaning. Its history reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Swahili people and their desire for harmony and tranquility in life. As an international name, Shalena carries this beautiful message to communities around the world, making it a wonderful choice for those who wish to honor African culture or simply appreciate its captivating sound and meaning.
The name Shalena has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 966 babies being named Shalena between 1968 and 2008. The name first appeared on the scene in 1968 with five births recorded that year. It gained some traction the following year with ten births, but fluctuated throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s, ranging from eight to fourteen births annually.
However, the popularity of Shalena began to rise significantly in the mid-1970s. In 1973, there were 22 recorded births, which doubled to 47 births in just two years by 1975. This trend continued into the late 1970s and early 1980s, with Shalena peaking at 46 births in 1982.
The name maintained a steady level of popularity throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, with between 19 to 40 births each year. However, beginning in the mid-1990s, the popularity of Shalena started to decline once again, with fewer than 25 births recorded annually until 2006.
Since 2006, there has been a consistent decrease in the number of babies named Shalena, with only seven or eight births per year from 2006 to 2008. Despite this recent decline, it's clear that Shalena was once quite popular, particularly between the mid-1970s and early 1980s.