Shalimar is a unique and elegant given name of Persian origin. It is derived from the Persian word "Shah Lahores," which translates to "Tomb of Lahore." This name has a rich history tied to the Mughal Empire, which ruled much of India and Pakistan during the 16th to 19th centuries.
The name Shalimar gained prominence when it was used as the title of a beautiful garden laid out by Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor, in Lahore, Pakistan. This garden is considered one of the most renowned gardens in South Asia and served as an inspiration for many other gardens around the world, including the famed Shalimar Bagh in Kashmir.
The name Shalimar evokes images of beauty, opulence, and grandeur, reflecting its association with the lavish Mughal era. Despite its masculine origins, Shalimar has been used as a unisex name in recent years, gaining popularity among parents looking for distinctive and meaningful names for their children.
In literature and popular culture, Shalimar has made appearances in various forms of media. For instance, it is the title of a poem by American poet Langston Hughes, and it was also used as the name of a perfume created by French fashion house Chanel.
Overall, Shalimar is an intriguing and captivating given name with a fascinating history that spans centuries and cultures. Its association with beauty, luxury, and royal elegance makes it an attractive choice for parents seeking a distinctive and meaningful name for their child.
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe an interesting trend regarding the number of babies named Shalimar born annually in the United States over several decades.
The earliest data point available is from 1954, with a total of 5 births that year. This number remained relatively consistent throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s, with only slight variations ranging between 5 to 8 births annually.
However, starting in the mid-1970s, we notice an upward trend in the popularity of the name Shalimar. Between 1972 and 1979, the number of babies named Shalimar more than doubled, from a total of 19 births in 1972 to a peak of 24 births in 1980.
This trend continued throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, with the highest numbers recorded during this period being 25 births in 1992. However, after reaching this peak, the popularity of the name Shalimar began to decline once again.
From 1993 onwards, we see a steady decrease in the number of babies named Shalimar, with only one year (2012) showing an increase compared to the previous year. The most recent data point available is from 2015, with just 5 births recorded that year.
Overall, despite fluctuations over time, it's clear that the name Shalimar has experienced periods of both popularity and decline in the United States since the mid-20th century. With a total of 639 babies named Shalimar born in the U.S. during this period, it remains a relatively uncommon yet unique choice for parents seeking an distinctive name for their child.