Feminine dossier · first seen 1936

Shelva

Extinct Near statistical disappearance

Peak era

1937

Peak births

194

Current vitality

Dormant

Peak generation

Silent Generation

1936Peak 19372025

Quick answers about Shelva

How many people are named Shelva?

Based on SSA birth records through 1980, an estimated 515 Americans born with the name Shelva may still be living. No new bearers have been recorded since 1980.

How rare is Shelva?

Shelva has not appeared in SSA records since 1980. It is effectively extinct as a new baby name — no girls received it in the latest available data.

How old is the typical Shelva?

The median age of a living American named Shelva is approximately 81 years, with most bearers falling between 70 and 87 years old.

Is Shelva still popular?

No. Shelva is extinct in new births; the SSA last recorded it in 1980.

Peak year

1937

Decline from peak

100%

2025

All-time

1,117

Shelva disappeared from SSA records in 1980 and has not been seen in 45 years. Its absence is now longer than many names' entire recorded lifespan.

Shelva peaked in 1937, when 194 girls were given the name.

No girls were recorded with this name in 2025 — at least not five of them (the SSA's reporting floor).

Down 100% from its peak.

In all, the Social Security Administration has recorded about 1,117 Americans named Shelva since 1936.

Rarity scoreStatistical floor

Peak generationSilent Generation

StabilityHighly era-bound

TrajectoryNear statistical disappearance

Living profile

515

Estimated living Americans with this name.

Median age81

Core range70–87

Playground Density Index 0.0%

Wave type

Plateau

A name with moderate spread and no sharp recent move.