Shila is a name of Indian origin, derived from the Sanskrit word 'Shil' which means 'rock' or 'stone'. It is often associated with strength, stability and endurance, reflecting the qualities of a rock.
In Hindu mythology, Shila is also the name of the mother of the god Kartikeya. According to the legend, she was a devoted woman who performed severe penance to please Shiva, the lord of destruction, in order to have his son as her child. Her unwavering determination and devotion earned her the name 'Shila', which signifies her unyielding nature.
The name Shila has been popular among Indians for centuries and has gained international recognition in recent years due to globalization. It is considered a strong and unique name that stands out from more common names. However, despite its popularity, it remains relatively uncommon outside of India, making it a distinctive choice for parents looking for an unusual yet meaningful name.
In terms of numerology, the number associated with the name Shila is 7, which represents spirituality, introspection and wisdom. People named Shila are often perceived as being intelligent, independent and insightful individuals who possess a deep understanding of life's mysteries.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Shila has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States.
The name first appeared in the top 1000 names list in 1947 with five births recorded that year. It maintained this level of popularity for several years, with five to seven births annually until 1956. There was a slight decrease in popularity in the late 1950s and early 1960s, with only five or six births per year.
However, the name gained significant traction in the 1970s. It peaked in popularity during this decade, reaching as high as 28 births in both 1980 and 1981-1982. This trend continued throughout much of the 1980s, with Shila consistently ranking among the top 1000 names.
In the 1990s, while still popular, Shila's popularity began to decline. It saw fewer than 25 births per year during most years in this decade.
The early 2000s marked a significant decrease in popularity for the name Shila. From 2000 onwards, there were fewer than 25 births annually, reaching as low as seven births in some recent years such as 2015 and 2018-2020.
In total, over the period from 1947 to 2023, there have been 1080 recorded births of Shila in the United States. Despite fluctuations in popularity over the years, the name has maintained a steady presence in the U.S. naming landscape for nearly eight decades.