How Many People Are Named Shell?
Complete statistics for the name Shell: rarity score, gender breakdown, age distribution, historical popularity, worldwide data, meaning and origin.
Shell means 'a protective covering', a rare female name just 1 in 1,230,720 Americans have it. With only 268 people named Shell alive today, most are over 60, reflecting its peak popularity in 1963.
📖 Meaning & Origin
Life-path number 2 symbolizes balance, harmony, and cooperation.
🌍 Worldwide Usage
⚥ Gender Distribution
📊 Births by Age Group
Avg Cohort Age: 61All 311 recorded US births for this name, grouped by the age those individuals would be today. Not adjusted for survival, so the number living today is lower (see the living estimate above).
📈 Popularity Over Time
Peak: 1963Annual US births from SSA records · Trend: Stable
🏆 Name Scorecard
Scores 0–100 based on statistical analysis of US and worldwide name frequency
📜 Shell Through the Generations
Shell has been a steady presence through the decades, peaking in 1963 with 31 births. Today, the name's bearers span across generations, but a notable 62% are over 60, indicating a strong connection to the older generation. The average age of 61 suggests that Shell is a name that carries a sense of tradition and stability, blending classic charm with a timeless appeal.
🌿 Related Names by Origin
Other names sharing Shell's English occupational surname used as a first name roots
📄 About the Name Shell
How Many People Have the Name Shell?
Based on Social Security Administration birth records and age-adjusted survival modeling, approximately 12,127 people in the United States currently share the name Shell. That works out to roughly 1 in every 27,332 Americans, placing it in the Rare category.
Is Shell a Common or Rare Name?
Shell is classified as Rare. The rarity scale runs from Very Common (shared by millions) through Common, Uncommon, Rare, and Very Rare. Understanding where a name sits helps parents gauge uniqueness, genealogists narrow down records, and individuals settle debates about their own name's distinctiveness.
What Does the Name Shell Mean?
Shell means "protective covering" and comes from English occupational surname used as a first name origins. The name carries a life-path numerology number of 2.
Gender Breakdown
Of all recorded bearers of Shell in SSA data, approximately 34% are male and 66% are female.
When Was Shell Most Popular?
The name Shell reached peak popularity in 1963, with 31 babies registered that year. Current trend: Stable.
How Is This Data Calculated?
All figures are statistical estimates, not exact government headcounts. The underlying data comes from the SSA National Baby Names dataset. Full methodology is explained on the methodology page.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How many people are named Shell?
Approximately 12,127 people named Shell live in the United States today. All-time US births on record total 12,127. That works out to roughly 1 in 27,332 Americans.
Is Shell a rare name?
Shell is classified as Rare in the United States. Approximately 1 in every 27,332 Americans has this name.
What does the name Shell mean?
Shell means "protective covering" and comes from English occupational surname used as a first name origins.
Is Shell more male or female?
Based on SSA records, 34% of people named Shell are male and 66% are female.
When was Shell most popular?
Shell peaked in 1963 with 31 births that year. Current trend: Stable.
How accurate are these statistics?
All figures are statistical estimates based on SSA birth records and age-adjusted modeling. See the methodology page for full details.