What does Shirlene mean and where does it come from?
Shirlene is a feminine variant of the name Shirley, which was popularized in the early 20th century. The name combines 'Shir' and ‘ly’, which can relate to ‘bright’ or ‘meadow’. It saw widespread use in the mid-1900s and was particularly trendy in the U.S. Notable bearers include actress Shirlene Qu
Cultural significance
Shirlene has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #520 in 1936 — currently #1843 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Shirlene?
Shirlene works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Shirlene Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Shirlene Rose
Floral · soft ending
Shirlene Mae
Sweet · timeless
Shirlene Claire
French influence · crisp
Shirlene Jane
Literary · strong
Shirlene Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Shirlene right now?
Holding steady — currently #1843 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1843 | 357 | ▲ up 5 · +6% births |
| 2022 | #1848 | 337 | ▲ up 5 · +10% births |
| 2021 | #1853 | 307 | ▲ up 15340 · +6040% births |
| 2010 | #17193 | 5 | ▼ down 7519 · -37% births |
| 1995 | #9674 | 8 | ▲ up 3565 · +60% births |
| 1990 | #13239 | 5 | ▼ down 7477 · -58% births |
| 1985 | #5762 | 12 | ▼ down 2233 · -48% births |
| 1980 | #3529 | 23 | ▼ down 1046 · -28% births |
| 1975 | #2483 | 32 | ▼ down 856 · -45% births |
| 1970 | #1627 | 58 | ▼ down 687 · -51% births |
| 1965 | #940 | 118 | ▲ up 27 · -4% births |
| 1960 | #967 | 123 | ▼ down 92 · -1% births |
| 1955 | #875 | 124 | ▼ down 197 · -22% births |
| 1950 | #678 | 158 | ▲ up 86 · +63% births |
| 1945 | #764 | 97 | — |
The story of Shirlene
Shirlene entered American naming records in 1923 and has been in use for over 101 years. With 4,856 total births recorded, Shirlene remains relatively uncommon.
Names that peaked alongside Shirlene in 1936:
Shirlene by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1920s | 75 | |
| 1930s | 818 | |
| 1940s | 1,022 | |
| 1950s ★ | 1,356 | |
| 1960s | 1,039 | |
| 1970s | 301 | |
| 1980s | 146 | |
| 1990s | 67 | |
| 2000s | 27 | |
| 2010s | 5 | |
💎With 4,856 total births, Shirlene is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Shirlene?
What names sound and feel like Shirlene?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Shirlene also consider these
Common questions about the name Shirlene
What does the name Shirlene mean?
Shirlene means "English" — a name rooted in American 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 Shirlene?
Shirlene 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 Shirlene?
Shirlene originates from American tradition. American 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 Shirlene?
Shirlene is a two-syllable name pronounced SH ER1 L IY0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Shirlene a common or rare name?
Shirlene is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.