IPA Pronunciation

ˈʃɑː.lɑː

Say It Like

SHAH-lah

Syllables

2

disyllabic

The name Shahla originates from Persian roots, where it is used predominantly for females and signifies 'dark-eyed.' It is derived from the Persian word 'shahlā,' which emphasizes the striking beauty of dark, enchanting eyes, a trait culturally admired in Persian and Middle Eastern traditions.

Cultural Significance of Shahla

In Persian culture, the eyes are considered windows to the soul, and the name Shahla celebrates this belief by highlighting the deep, dark eyes as a symbol of beauty and allure. The name also evokes poetic imagery often found in Persian literature and art.

Shahla Name Popularity in 2025

Shahla remains a popular name in Iran and among Persian-speaking communities worldwide. Its timeless charm and meaningful origin keep it relevant, and it's increasingly appreciated by parents seeking names with cultural depth and lyrical beauty.

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Popular Nicknames5

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International Variations9

ShahlaShalaShahlaaShahlaahShahllaShahilaShahlaeShahelaShahleh

Similar Names You Might Love9

Name Energy & Essence

The name Shahla carries the essence of “Dark-eyed” from Persian tradition. Names beginning with "S" often embody qualities of spirituality, sensitivity, and inner strength.

Symbolism

Shahla symbolizes beauty, mystery, and depth, all embodied in the metaphor of dark, expressive eyes that captivate and communicate unspoken emotions.

Cultural Significance

In Persian culture, the eyes are considered windows to the soul, and the name Shahla celebrates this belief by highlighting the deep, dark eyes as a symbol of beauty and allure. The name also evokes poetic imagery often found in Persian literature and art.

Shahla Habibi

Politics

Prominent Iranian political figure and advocate for women's issues in the late 20th century.

  • Advisor to the Iranian President on women and family affairs
  • Advocated for women’s rights in Iran

Shahla Sherkat

Journalism

Influential Iranian journalist known for advancing women's rights through media.

  • Founder and editor-in-chief of Zanan magazine
  • Prominent feminist and journalist in Iran

Shahla Riahi

Actress and Director

1940s–2010s

  • Acting in Iranian cinema
  • Directing the first Iranian feature film by a woman

Shahla Sherkat

Journalist

1980s–present

  • Founding Zanan magazine
  • Advocacy for women's rights

Shahla and the Night Birds ()

Shahla

A young woman navigating love and tradition in rural Iran.

Shahla’s Secret ()

Shahla

A strong female protagonist uncovering family secrets.

The Eyes of Shahla ()

Shahla

A story focusing on the life of a woman with captivating dark eyes, symbolizing inner strength.

Shahla

🇪🇸spanish

Shahla

🇫🇷french

Shahla

🇮🇹italian

Shahla

🇩🇪german

シャーラ (Shāra)

🇯🇵japanese

莎赫拉 (Shāhèlā)

🇨🇳chinese

شهلا

🇸🇦arabic

שהלא

🇮🇱hebrew

Fun Fact About Shahla

The name Shahla is often used in Persian poetry and songs to depict beloved heroines with beautiful, expressive eyes, symbolizing love and longing.

Personality Traits for Shahla

Individuals named Shahla are often perceived as mysterious and captivating, much like the meaning of their name. They tend to have a strong presence, combined with warmth and depth, reflecting the cultural appreciation for inner and outer beauty.

What does the name Shahla mean?

Shahla is a Persian name meaning “Dark-eyed”. The name Shahla originates from Persian roots, where it is used predominantly for females and signifies 'dark-eyed.' It is derived from the Persian word 'shahlā,' which emphasizes the striking beauty of dark, enchanting eyes, a trait culturally admired in Persian and Middle Eastern traditions.

How do you pronounce Shahla?

Shahla is pronounced SHAH-lah (IPA: ˈʃɑː.lɑː). It has 2 syllables with the pattern disyllabic.

What are nicknames for Shahla?

Popular nicknames for Shahla include: Shah, Shahi, Lala, Shally, Shalu.

Who are famous people named Shahla?

Famous people named Shahla include: Shahla Habibi, Shahla Sherkat, Shahla Riahi, Shahla Sherkat.

Hello dear readers! Today, I want to share with you one of my favorite names that I've come across in my years as a baby name enthusiast and cultural lover — the beautiful name "Shahla." It's a name that not only carries a rich heritage but also a poetic charm that I find utterly captivating. Let me take you on a journey through the meaning, origin, famous bearers, and the cultural significance of this enchanting name.

The Meaning Behind Shahla

The name Shahla is Persian in origin and means "dark-eyed." Now, you might wonder why dark eyes? In Persian culture, eyes are often considered the windows to the soul, and the beauty of dark, deep eyes has been celebrated in poetry and art for centuries. When you meet someone named Shahla, you can imagine a person with an intense, mysterious allure, much like the meaning of the name itself.

Origins and Etymology

Shahla comes from the Persian word "shahlā," directly referring to the striking beauty of dark eyes. It's a traditional female name deeply rooted in Persian and wider Middle Eastern cultures. The emphasis on eye color and beauty is not just physical but also symbolic of inner depth and emotional expression, which is a recurring theme in Persian literature.

Historical Figures Named Shahla

There have been several notable women named Shahla who have left their mark in history:

  • Shahla Habibi (1958–2017) was a prominent political advisor in Iran, focusing on women's and family affairs. Her work helped navigate the complex social dynamics in modern Iranian society.
  • Shahla Sherkat (born 1956) is a courageous journalist and feminist, founding the influential magazine "Zanan," which has been a platform for women's rights in Iran.
  • Shahla Riahi (1927–2019) was a pioneer in Iranian cinema, famously becoming the first woman to direct a feature film in Iran, breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry.

These women exemplify the strength and depth often associated with the name Shahla.

Shahla in Popular Culture

The name has also found its way into films and television, often symbolizing beauty and mystery:

  • In "Shahla and the Night Birds" (2018), Shahla is portrayed as a young woman balancing love and tradition.
  • The TV series "Shahla’s Secret" (2012) features a protagonist uncovering family mysteries, highlighting the strength and intelligence associated with the name.
  • "The Eyes of Shahla" (2005) is a drama centered around a woman whose captivating eyes symbolize her resilience.

These portrayals reinforce the cultural narrative of Shahla as a figure of emotional depth and beauty.

Fun Facts and Trivia

Did you know that the name Shahla is often used in Persian poetry to depict heroines with beautiful, expressive eyes? It's a common metaphor for love, longing, and sometimes sorrow. The name's musicality also makes it popular in songs and traditional stories.

Modern Usage and Trends

Today, Shahla remains a cherished name in Persian-speaking communities worldwide. While it honors tradition, it also feels timeless and elegant, making it appealing to parents looking for meaningful and culturally rich names. Interestingly, the name has also been embraced by the diaspora, symbolizing a connection to heritage.

Personal Reflections

As someone who has met many wonderful individuals named Shahla, I can attest to the name’s charm. Each Shahla I've known carries a unique blend of strength, kindness, and mystery — traits that seem to echo the name’s meaning. It's always a pleasure to see such a beautiful name thriving across generations.

Why Shahla is Special

Choosing the name Shahla means embracing a legacy of beauty, culture, and resilience. It's a name that speaks volumes without saying much, evoking images of soulful eyes and stories untold. For anyone seeking a name with depth and elegance, Shahla is truly a gem.

Thank you for joining me on this exploration of the name Shahla. If you have a Shahla in your life or are considering the name, I hope this article has offered you new insights and appreciation. Until next time, keep celebrating the power and poetry of names!