Sheldan is of Old English origin, derived from 'Scyld', meaning 'shield'. It was borne by the legendary king Scyld Scefing, whose name appears in the Anglo-Saxon epic poem Beowulf. The name Sheldan gained prominence during the Middle Ages and remained in use throughout the centuries, although it is now considered quite rare. In its modern form, Sheldan is often associated with the popular first name Sheldon, which has seen increased usage since the 20th century.
The popularity of the name Sheldan appears to have been highest in 1992 and 1997 with six births each year. The years 1993 and 1998 saw five births each, indicating a slight decline in its usage as a baby name during those periods. Overall, from 1992 to 1998, there were a total of 22 children named Sheldan.