Meaning and history
Shailaja is an Indian feminine name from Sanskrit Śailajā, meaning “daughter of the mountain,” from śaila, “mountain,” and jā, “born.” It is an epithet of the Hindu goddess Parvati, daughter of the mountain king Himavat, and therefore carries strong religious and mythological significance. Regional spellings include Shylaja and Sailaja. Notable bearers include Indian politician and former health minister K. K. Shailaja and Indian-American historian Shailaja Paik.