UK girl's name
Shula
A feminine name of Hebrew origin meaning "feminine form of 'Saul'".
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2003. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Shula is a girl's name in the UK records. People looking for Shula popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2003 in this profile. In that release it ranked #3099, with 5 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2003, with 5 births.
This profile covers 19 England and Wales registrations across 5 recorded years from 1996 to 2003. 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.
Shula is at its recorded peak in the England and Wales series.
We estimate that about 19 living people in the UK are called Shula. 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 2004 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Shula ranked #3099 for girls in England and Wales in 2003, with 5 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 2003, when 5 girls were registered as Shula.
- • About 19 living people in the UK are estimated to have Shula as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
Latest rank (E&W)
#3099
2003
Births in 2003
5
Latest year
Peak year
2003
5 births
Estimated living
19
2026
Meaning
What does Shula mean?
The name Shula has its origins in the Hebrew language and culture, with roots that can be traced back to ancient times. It is derived from the Hebrew word "shalom," which means "peace" or "prosperity." The name was particularly popular among Jewish communities during the biblical era and throughout the Middle Ages.
In the Hebrew Bible, there are several references to the concept of "shalom," which was seen as a divine blessing and a state of wholeness and well-being. However, the name Shula itself is not directly mentioned in these ancient texts, suggesting that it emerged as a derivative name later on.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Shula can be found in the Talmud, a central text of Rabbinic Judaism. In the Talmud, there is a mention of a woman named Shula who lived during the 3rd century CE. She was known for her wisdom and her contributions to the interpretation of Jewish law.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Shula. One of the most famous was Shula bat Shlomo, a 12th-century Jewish philosopher and commentator from Spain. She was renowned for her extensive knowledge of Torah and her ability to engage in intellectual discourse with the leading scholars of her time.
Another prominent figure was Shula Cohen, an Israeli spy who played a crucial role in gathering intelligence for the Mossad in Lebanon during the 1960s. Her daring exploits and unwavering dedication to her mission made her a celebrated figure in Israeli history.
In the realm of literature, Shula Reines was a distinguished Yiddish poet and writer who lived in the early 20th century. Her works explored themes of identity, displacement, and the complexities of the human experience. She was widely acclaimed for her poetic prowess and her ability to give voice to the struggles of her generation.
Shula Zaken was an Israeli film and television actress who rose to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s. She was known for her versatility and her ability to portray a wide range of characters with depth and authenticity. Her performances in classic Israeli films have left an indelible mark on the country's cultural landscape.
Shula Frenkel was an Israeli sculptor and artist who gained recognition for her unique and thought-provoking works. Her sculptures often explored themes of the human condition, and she was celebrated for her ability to convey complex emotions through her art.
These are just a few examples of the many individuals who have carried the name Shula throughout history, each leaving their own mark and contributing to the rich tapestry of cultural heritage associated with this ancient and meaningful name.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Popularity
Shula over time
The chart below shows babies named Shula registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 1996 to 2003. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.
For Shula, the clearest high point is 2003. The latest England and Wales figure is 5 births in 2003, compared with 5 at the peak.
Babies born per year
Decades
Shula by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Shula 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 | #3448 | 12 | 3 |
| 1990s | #3487 | 7 | 2 |
Related
Names similar to Shula
- 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
Shula: questions and answers
How popular is the name Shula in the UK right now?
In 2003, Shula was ranked #3099 for girls in England and Wales, with 5 births registered.
When was Shula most popular?
The peak year on record was 2003, with 5 babies registered as Shula in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Shula?
A feminine name of Hebrew origin meaning "feminine form of 'Saul'".
How many people are called Shula in the UK?
A total of 19 babies have been registered as Shula across the 5 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.