Shirley
shir-lee
US Popularity:2933
Origin:British
Meaning:Bright meadow
The name Shirley comes from the Old English words scire, meaning "shire," or scīr, "bright," as well as lēah, meaning "meadow" or "clearing." This gender-neutral title was initially for boys; however, Charlotte Brontë's novel Shirley has popularized it as a chic name for girls since its publication in 1849. One of the most notable figures to bear this name is Shirley Temple Black, a child star who later became the United States ambassador to Ghana. The name Shirley sounds as lively and beautiful as its meaning, "bright meadow," and is well-known worldwide. Shirley is a charming title for baby, whether they're drawn to the theatre or called to political action, or both!
Famous People Named Shirley
Wondering who else shares this name? Check out these well known people who made this baby name famous.
- Shirley TempleActress
Shirley Name Popularity Data
The Bump Ranking
Overall:Shirley is currently #1381 on The Bump
Boy:Shirley is currently #994 on The Bump Boy Names
Girl:Shirley is currently #749 on The Bump Girl Names
U.S. Births
Overall:Shirley is currently #2933 in U.S. births
Boy:Shirley is currently #18474 in U.S. births
Girl:Shirley is currently #2997 in U.S. births
Yearly Ranking Change:
Year:
2022
Gender:
Girl
#2997
in 2022
+ 546
from 2021
Sources
Ancestry, Shirley Family History
SurnameDB, Last name: Shirley
Britannica, Shirley Temple, American actress and diplomat, January 2024
Study.com, Shirley by Charlotte Brontë | Summary, Characters & Analysis, November 2023
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