Shirley - girls name

Shirley name popularity, meaning and origin

Name Popularity: 0%

Shirley name meaning:

The name Shirley is of English origin and has multiple interpretations. It is commonly believed to mean "bright meadow" or "bright clearing" in Old English. The first part of the name, "shire," refers to a bright or clear area, while "ley" or "lea" denotes a meadow or clearing. Thus, the name Shirley can be seen as a reference to a beautiful and open natural space, full of light and vitality.

Shirley is also considered a unisex name, although it has been more popular among girls in recent times. It gained popularity in the 19th century and has since been associated with qualities like intelligence, charm, and creativity. Famous bearers of the name include Shirley Temple, an iconic child actress from the 1930s, and Shirley MacLaine, an acclaimed American actress and author. Overall, the name Shirley brings to mind a sense of brightness, nature, and a delightful spirit, making it a timeless choice for families seeking a classic yet vibrant name for their daughter.

Origin: English

Country meadow.

Categories

Unisex names

Related names

Shirley , Shirl

Other girls names beginning with S

Statistics

Overall UK ranking: 5581 out of 5581

3 recorded births last year

Change in rank

  • 10yrs

    -2396
  • 5yrs

    -3348
  • 1yr

    -2738

    Regional popularity

    Ranking for this name in various UK regions

Historical popularity of Shirley

The graph below shows the popularity of the girls's name Shirley from all the UK baby name statistics available. It's a quick easy way to see the trend for Shirley in 2024