Shilpa
Meaningart, sculpture · Sanskrit
Shilpa is an Indian girl name meaning “art, sculpture”, with Sanskrit roots. Sanskrit names are rich in meaning, often drawn from nature, virtues or Hindu tradition. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds soft and friendly, it's simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length.
Did you know?
- Word funShilpa doesn't repeat a single letter: 6 letters, all different.
- GenerationShilpa peaked in 1973, which makes it a Gen X name. The typical Shilpa you'd meet today is about 52 years old.
- HistoryShilpa first shows up in US birth records in 1968, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 57 years since.
US births per million girls, 1968–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Shilpa
Shilpa is a girl name of Indian origin meaning “art, sculpture”. Its two syllables give it an easy rhythm, and the open vowel at the end makes it sound soft and warm. It hit its peak in the 1970s, so it feels familiar without being trendy. It's rarely heard today, so it stands out while still being a real, established name.
Origin:Indian names
More Indian girl names
- Girl name: Maya · illusion
- Girl name: Lyla · night
- Unisex name: Arya · noble
- Girl name: Kali · black
- Girl name: Serena · calm, serene
- Girl name: Mira · wonderful
- Girl name: Amber · amber resin
- Unisex name: Veda · knowledge
Questions about the name Shilpa
What does the name Shilpa mean?
Shilpa means “art, sculpture” and comes from Sanskrit.
What is the origin of the name Shilpa?
Shilpa is Indian in origin, and its meaning traces back to Sanskrit. Other Indian names to consider are Maya (“illusion”), Lyla (“night”), Arya (“noble”) and Kali (“black”).
Is Shilpa a boy or girl name?
Shilpa is a girl name.
How popular is the name Shilpa?
Shilpa is rare: fewer than 5 US girls got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 2010. It peaked at #2,455 in 1973, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What should I know before naming my baby Shilpa?
Shilpa is an Indian girl name meaning “art, sculpture”, with Sanskrit roots. Sanskrit names are rich in meaning, often drawn from nature, virtues or Hindu tradition. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds soft and friendly, it's simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.