What does Shirlee mean and where does it come from?
Shirlee is a variant of the name Shirley, which originated from Old English. The name Shirley was typically given to girls to denote a place name meaning 'clearing on the hill'. It has historical roots in English literature and was popularized in the early to mid-20th century. Notable people with th
Cultural significance
Shirlee has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of sheltered from the wind.
Peak popularity
Reached #347 in 1935 — currently #17333 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Shirlee?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Shirlee?
Shirlee works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Shirlee Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Shirlee Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Shirlee Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Shirlee Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Shirlee Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Shirlee Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Shirlee right now?
Falling — down 16052 spots — currently #17333 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2024 | #17333 | 5 | ▼ down 16052 · -99% births |
| 2023 | #1281 | 919 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1286 | 899 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1291 | 869 | ▲ up 10631 · +14383% births |
| 1995 | #11922 | 6 | ▼ down 2561 · -25% births |
| 1990 | #9361 | 8 | ▲ up 111 · +33% births |
| 1985 | #9472 | 6 | ▼ down 2571 · -33% births |
| 1980 | #6901 | 9 | ▼ down 4018 · -62% births |
| 1970 | #2883 | 24 | ▼ down 661 · -17% births |
| 1965 | #2222 | 29 | ▼ down 668 · -44% births |
| 1960 | #1554 | 52 | ▼ down 287 · -19% births |
| 1955 | #1267 | 64 | ▼ down 321 · -29% births |
| 1950 | #946 | 90 | ▼ down 183 · -7% births |
| 1945 | #763 | 97 | ▼ down 43 · +3% births |
| 1940 | #720 | 94 | — |
The story of Shirlee
Shirlee entered American naming records in 1915 and has been in use for over 109 years. With 5,709 total births recorded, Shirlee remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3785 in 1915 to #1281 in 2023. Shirlee is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Shirlee in 1935:
Shirlee by decade
Shirlee peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 103 | |
| 1920s | 1,511 | |
| 1930s ★ | 1,685 | |
| 1940s | 1,049 | |
| 1950s | 786 | |
| 1960s | 332 | |
| 1970s | 105 | |
| 1980s | 82 | |
| 1990s | 41 | |
| 2000s | 15 | |
| 2020s | 5 | |
💎With 5,709 total births, Shirlee is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Shirlee?
What names sound and feel like Shirlee?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Shirlee also consider these
How is Shirlee written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Shirlee
What does the name Shirlee mean?
Shirlee means "Sheltered from the wind" — 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 Shirlee?
Shirlee is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Shirlee?
Shirlee 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.
Is Shirlee a common or rare name?
Shirlee is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Shirlee more of a girl or boy name?
Shirlee is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.