Shirley

What does the baby name Shirley mean? Learn about what Shirley means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Shirley - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Shirley: S-H-I-R-L-E-Y, is a 7-letter female given name.
Pronunciation of Shirley: SHUR lee
Meaning of Shirley: Shining meadow, bright meadow, sunny meadow, bright grassland.
Origin of Shirley: The name 'Shirley' has English origins and can be traced back to the medieval period. It was originally a surname derived from a place name in England. The place name 'Shirley' is believed to have originated from the Old English words 'scire' meaning 'bright' or 'clear' and 'leah' meaning 'wood' or 'clearing'. Over time, the surname 'Shirley' became used as a given name for both boys and girls.; American Names; Canadian Names; English Names; Literary Names; Old English Names; Surname Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Shirley: Sher; Sheryl; Shirl; Shirlean; Shirleen; Shirlene; Shirlynn; Shurly
Popularity of Shirley: The name 'Shirley' gained popularity as a feminine given name in the early 19th century. It experienced its peak popularity in the United States during the 1930s and 1940s. At that time, it was consistently ranked among the top 20 most popular names for girls. However, its popularity declined in the following decades, and it is now less commonly used.; Shirley currently has 220 likes, and is in the top 4% of liked girl's names. The name Taryn is slightly more popular than Shirley.

Etymology of Shirley

The name 'Shirley' does not have a specific etymology beyond its English origins. It is a combination of the Old English words 'scire' and 'leah', which together create the meaning of 'bright clearing' or 'clear wood'. The name does not have any significant religious or mythological associations.

Cultural Significance of Shirley

While 'Shirley' does not hold specific cultural significance, it is a name that has been used by individuals from various cultural backgrounds. It is most commonly associated with English-speaking countries, but it has also been adopted by people of different ethnicities and nationalities.