Shital

Shital is a given name of Indian origin. It is derived from the Sanskrit word śītala, meaning cool, calm, or soothing. As a personal name, it is used in multiple Indian languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, and Bengali, and is also common among members of the Indian diaspora. It is used for both genders in some communities, though it is more commonly found as a feminine name in many modern contexts.

In addition to its use as a name, the root form appears in cultural and religious contexts. The term conveys notions of cooling and relief from fever. It is connected to Shitala Mata, a folk deity venerated in parts of northern India and Nepal, who is associated with protection against illness and with healing. The association of coolness in the name reflects a traditional wish for calm, gentleness, and well-being.

Transliteration and spelling vary; common variants include Sital, Shital, and Sitāl, depending on the language and transliteration system. The usage of the name can reflect regional linguistic patterns and cultural traditions within South Asia and among South Asian communities abroad.