UK girl's name
Shefali
A feminine name of Sanskrit origin meaning "good fortune" or "auspicious".
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2002. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Shefali is a girl's name in the UK records. People looking for Shefali popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2002 in this profile. In that release it ranked #4137, with 3 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 1997, with 5 births.
This profile covers 23 England and Wales registrations across 6 recorded years from 1996 to 2002. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.
The latest count is about 60% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.
We estimate that about 23 living people in the UK are called Shefali. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2003 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Shefali ranked #4137 for girls in England and Wales in 2002, with 3 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 1997, when 5 girls were registered as Shefali.
- • About 23 living people in the UK are estimated to have Shefali as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
Latest rank (E&W)
#4137
2002
Births in 2002
3
Latest year
Peak year
1997
5 births
Estimated living
23
2026
Meaning
What does Shefali mean?
The name Shefali has its roots in the Sanskrit language, originating from the Indian subcontinent. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "shefal," which means "lotus" or "water lily." The name is believed to have been in use since ancient times, with its earliest recorded mentions found in Hindu religious texts and scriptures.
The lotus flower holds significant symbolism in Hindu mythology and is considered a sacred flower representing purity, enlightenment, and spiritual awakening. As such, the name Shefali has been associated with grace, beauty, and spiritual elegance throughout its history.
One of the earliest recorded references to the name Shefali can be traced back to the ancient Hindu epic, the Mahabharata, which is believed to have been composed between the 8th and 9th centuries BCE. In this epic, the name is mentioned in connection with a character, although the specifics are unclear.
Over the centuries, several notable individuals have borne the name Shefali. One of the earliest recorded examples is Shefali, a renowned Indian classical dancer and choreographer who lived during the 16th century CE. She is credited with popularizing the Kathak dance form and is considered a pioneer in the field of Indian classical dance.
Another notable figure is Shefali Chowdhuri (1913-1998), an Indian freedom fighter and social activist. She played a significant role in the Indian independence movement and was actively involved in various social causes, particularly in the areas of women's rights and education.
In the realm of literature, Shefali Vaidya (1922-2005) was a prominent Indian author and poet. Her works, written in both English and Marathi, explored themes of identity, feminism, and social issues. She was a recipient of several literary awards and honors, including the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award.
Shefali Shah (born in 1972) is a renowned Indian actress who has made her mark in both mainstream and independent cinema. Known for her versatile performances and strong character portrayals, she has received numerous accolades, including a National Film Award and several Filmfare Awards.
Finally, Shefali Chhaya (born in 1979) is an Indian-American actress and model. She has appeared in various Hollywood and Bollywood films, as well as television shows. Her notable works include the films "Bride and Prejudice" and "Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love."
These are just a few examples of individuals who have carried the name Shefali throughout history, each leaving their mark in their respective fields and contributing to the rich cultural tapestry associated with this name.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Popularity
Shefali over time
The chart below shows babies named Shefali registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 1996 to 2002. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.
For Shefali, the clearest high point is 1997. The latest England and Wales figure is 3 births in 2002, compared with 5 at the peak.
Babies born per year
Decades
Shefali by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Shefali was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.
| Decade | Average rank | Total births | Years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000s | #3692 | 7 | 2 |
| 1990s | #3234 | 16 | 4 |
Related
Names similar to Shefali
- Sophie 103,803
- Sophia 46,936
- Scarlett 34,261
- Sienna 32,418
- Sofia 29,136
- Sarah 27,961
- Shannon 25,510
- Summer 24,167
- Sara 14,205
- Skye 13,654
- Samantha 12,697
- Stephanie 9,309
FAQ
Shefali: questions and answers
How popular is the name Shefali in the UK right now?
In 2002, Shefali was ranked #4137 for girls in England and Wales, with 3 births registered.
When was Shefali most popular?
The peak year on record was 1997, with 5 babies registered as Shefali in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Shefali?
A feminine name of Sanskrit origin meaning "good fortune" or "auspicious".
How many people are called Shefali in the UK?
A total of 23 babies have been registered as Shefali across the 6 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here.
Which records is this page based on?
The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.