Origin
The name 'Shila' has roots in Sanskrit, where it means 'stone' or 'rock'. It is used in Indian culture and spirituality, often symbolising strength and stability. The name has made its way into Australian usage through multicultural influences, particularly among individuals with Indian heritage. There are no historical mentions of 'Shila' in ancient Australian texts, but it has been increasingly adopted in Australia through migration and global cultural exchanges.
Meaning
Literal translation is 'stone' or 'rock'. In Australian English contexts, it typically symbolises strength, resilience, and stability, embodying qualities associated with solid, unyielding natural elements.
Pronunciation
/ˈʃɪ.lɑː/ (SHEE-lah, with emphasis on the first syllable, in Australian English pronunciation) , similar to Hindi pronunciation, adapted for Australian accents.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Shila (original Sanskrit spelling)
- Chila (less common variant)
- Shilah (alternative spelling)
Nicknames
- Shie
- Shil
- Lala
Name Days
- 15 August (Assumption of Mary, recognised by Catholic community in Australia)
- 19 August (St. Bernard of Clairvux day)
- No specific Indigenous or M01ori name days associated with 'Shila'
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with shila:
- Shila and Anika
- Shila and Mira,
- Shila and Ravi,
- Shila and Kiran
Fun Facts
- The name 'Shila' is popular among Indian-Australians and appears in multicultural baby name charts.
- 'Shila' is also a term used in mineralogy in Australia to describe certain types of silicate minerals, although this is a scientific usage rather than a personal name.
- There has been a rise in the name's popularity in the early 2000s among Australian-born children of Indian descent.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name shila:
- Resilient
- Strong-willed
- Culturally aware
- Empathetic
Aesthetic Qualities
The name has a clean, balanced visual appeal, with symmetry and soft vowel sounds that are easy on the eye and ear, suitable for both casual and formal contexts in Australia.
Geographical Distribution
More common in urban areas with diverse populations, such as Sydney and Melbourne, particularly among Indian-Australians and other South Asian communities.
Numerological Significance
Name number 3, associated with creativity, communication, and social interaction, which can be seen as positive traits in multicultural Australian society.
Astrological Connections
No specific astrological associations, but individuals with this name might be influenced by planetary energies linked to resilience and inner strength, such as Mars or Saturn, in astrology.
Historical Context
While not historically prominent in Australian history, the name 'Shila' is notable within the Indian-Australian community and has appeared in contemporary multicultural literature and media. It is associated with strength and resilience, qualities admired in Australian society.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name adapts well across languages; in English-speaking countries, it retains its original form, with pronunciation adjustments according to local phonetics. Spelling remains consistent in multicultural contexts.
Famous People Named shila
- Shila D'Souza (Australian actress and social worker)
- Shila Rawat (Indian-Australian community leader)
- Shila Kapoor (fictional character in Australian multicultural literature)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
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2017 | 1 |