Shirley: Name Meaning, Origin, and Popularity

Pronunciation: she-e-rle-he-e

Shirley Shirley

Popularity: 426

Origin: United Kingdom

Emmy Samtani

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Updated on Aug 14, 2024 · 2 mins read

Region Origin: British Isles

Meaning: Bright meadow

The name Shirley has its origins in the Old English words "scire," meaning "shire," or "scīr," meaning "bright," and "lēah," meaning "meadow" or "clearing". It is derived from the English place-name Shirley, which refers to an open space where early English assemblies of freemen, known as moots, would take place. Initially a gender-neutral name, Shirley gained popularity as a feminine name after the publication of Charlotte Brontë's novel "Shirley" in 1849. Some famous people bearing the name Shirley include child star Shirley Temple Black, who later became the United States ambassador to Ghana, and professional wrestler Shirley Crabtree.

Shirley Name Popularity Data

Shirley is currently #426 in the popularity of the name rankings.

Girl: Shirley is currently #231 on Kiindred Girl Names

Overall Unique: Shirley is currently #421 on Kiindred Unique Names

Girl Unique: Shirley is currently #231 on Kiindred Girl Unique Names

Popularity Trend Chart

Similar names

Sheryl

Parents Who Like the Name Shirley Also Like:

Parents who like the name Shirley often have similar name preferences and tend to choose popular choices like:

Megan

Kaye

Sue

Lynette

Carol

Roslyn

Tammy

Jenna

Billie

Alice

Jill

Katie

Olivia

Kay

Jan

Famous People Named Shirley

This section lists notable individuals and public figures named Shirley, showcasing their achievements and contributions in various fields.

Shirley Temple: Shirley Temple was an American actress, singer, dancer, and diplomat who was Hollywood's number one box-office draw as a child actress in the 1930s. She passed away in 2014.
Shirley MacLaine: Shirley MacLaine is an American actress, singer, author, and former dancer known for her roles in "Terms of Endearment," "The Apartment," and "Steel Magnolias."
Shirley Jones: Shirley Jones is an American actress and singer known for her roles in musical films such as "Oklahoma!" and "Carousel," and the television series "The Partridge Family."
Shirley Bassey: Dame Shirley Bassey is a Welsh singer known for her powerful voice and theme songs for the James Bond films, including "Goldfinger" and "Diamonds Are Forever."

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