What does Shirla mean and where does it come from?
'Shirla' is a variant of the name 'Shirley', which derives from Old English elements 'scir' (bright) and 'leah' (clearing, meadow). The name was popularized in the 20th century, especially in English-speaking cultures. While not as common today, it retains a classic charm. The name 'Shirley' has not
Cultural significance
Shirla has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #2510 in 1936 — currently #1443 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Shirla?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Shirla?
Shirla works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Shirla Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Shirla Rose
Floral · soft ending
Shirla Mae
Sweet · timeless
Shirla Claire
French influence · crisp
Shirla Jane
Literary · strong
Shirla Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Shirla right now?
Holding steady — currently #1443 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1443 | 757 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1448 | 737 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1453 | 707 | ▲ up 5429 · +14040% births |
| 1965 | #6882 | 5 | ▼ down 1346 · -17% births |
| 1955 | #5536 | 6 | ▼ down 2395 · -33% births |
| 1935 | #3141 | 9 | ▲ up 516 · +13% births |
| 1930 | #3657 | 8 | — |
The story of Shirla
Shirla entered American naming records in 1930 and has been in use for over 94 years. With 159 total births recorded, Shirla remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3657 in 1930 to #1443 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Shirla in 1936:
Shirla by decade
Shirla peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1930s | 47 | |
| 1940s | 36 | |
| 1950s ★ | 50 | |
| 1960s | 21 | |
| 1970s | 5 | |
💎Shirla has only 159 total recorded births since 1930 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Shirla?
What names sound and feel like Shirla?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Shirla also consider these
Common questions about the name Shirla
What does the name Shirla mean?
Shirla means "English" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Shirla?
Shirla is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Shirla?
Shirla originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Shirla?
Shirla is a two-syllable name pronounced SH ER1 L AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Shirla a common or rare name?
Shirla is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.