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Shem
The Israeli Names Portal

שילו


Meaning of the name שילו

Shilo is an ancient and multifaceted Hebrew name carrying profound historical, spiritual, and cultural depth. The name appears in the Bible in various contexts and bears diverse meanings that have evolved throughout generations. The primary meaning of the name relates to the phrase "shi lo" - a gift for him, or "shelo" - belonging to him. This interpretation transforms the name into an expression of love, belonging, and uniqueness, as if the child is a precious gift given especially to the parents and to the world. In the Bible, Shilo (Shiloh) is a sacred city in the territory of the tribe of Ephraim, which served as the central spiritual hub of the people of Israel for approximately 369 years during the period of the Judges. In this city, the first Tabernacle was established after the Israelites entered the land of Canaan, and the Ark of the Covenant dwelt there until the days of Eli the High Priest and Samuel the Prophet. Shilo was effectively the first spiritual capital of Israel, a place to which the Israelites made pilgrimages during the three festivals and where the central holy service took place. The site is mentioned in the Torah and the books of the Prophets as a place of special sanctity, and its destruction by the Philistines became a symbol of loss and exile in the prophecies of Jeremiah. Beyond its geographical-historical significance, the name Shilo carries deep messianic meaning. In Jacob's blessing to his sons in Parshat Vayechi, the famous prophecy appears: "The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes" (Genesis 49:10). This verse has been interpreted by Jewish sages throughout the ages as an allusion to the Messiah, and Shiloh became synonymous with the future redeemer. The word "Shiloh" in this context is interpreted as "shai-lo" - a gift that will come, or as "she-lo" - he to whom rulership naturally and eternally belongs. This messianic meaning endows the name with dimensions of hope, redemption, and renewal. In modern Israeli culture, Shilo has become particularly popular since the late 20th century and is perceived as a delicate and special unisex name. The name combines biblical strength with contemporary softness, expressing values of peace, belonging, and giftedness. Many parents choose this name as an expression of the feeling that their child is an especially precious gift, a "shai" given to them. The name also carries associations of tranquility and completeness, connected to the root "sh-l-h" or "sh-l-o." In recent years, the name has gained popularity among both secular and religious families alike, thanks to its rich and varied meanings and its pleasant and distinctive sound.

The name שילו with vowels

שִׁילוֹ

The name שילו in English

Shilo | Shiloh | Shaylo

שילו is mainly suitable for

Boy and Girl

Is the name שילו considered international

No

Origin of the name שילו from the Bible

Genesis 49:10 - The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes, and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples

Origin of the name שילו from Kabbalah

In Kabbalah, the name Shilo symbolizes a state of inner completeness and tranquility. The name carries the energy of a divine gift, of special destiny, and of connection to the supreme spiritual source. It represents the idea that every soul is a "shai" - a unique gift that has a special role in the world. The name is also connected to the messianic concept of redemption and the revelation of light.

Gematria value for the name שילו

346

=

300

ש

+

10

י

+

30

ל

+

6

ו

Numerology value for the name שילו

4

=

300

ש

+

10

י

+

30

ל

+

6

ו

=

346

=

3

+

4

+

6

=

13

=

1

+

3

=

4

Famous people named שילו

Shilo Ayalon (Israeli actor) | Shiloh Jolie-Pitt (daughter of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt)

Names similar to שילו

Total times the name שילו was registered

188 times

Graph of the name שילו

* Source: Central Bureau of Statistics. As of April 2022