What does Shirley mean and where does it come from?
The name Shirley originated from the surname, which was derived from places in England that featured the Old English elements 'scir', meaning 'bright' or 'clear' and 'leah', meaning 'meadow' or 'clearing'. It was first recorded as a first name in the 19th century. Shirley gained popularity in the 20
Cultural significance
Shirley has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in United Kingdom-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bright meadow.
Peak popularity
Reached #2 in 1935 — currently #1586 in the US.
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Related Reading
United Kingdom-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Shirley?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
How popular is Shirley right now?
Falling — down 131 spots — currently #1586 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1586 | 133 | ▼ down 131 · -12% births |
| 2024 | #1455 | 151 | ▼ down 3 · -80% births |
| 2023 | #1452 | 748 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1457 | 728 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1462 | 698 | ▲ up 92 · +417% births |
| 2020 | #1554 | 135 | ▼ down 244 · -25% births |
| 2015 | #1310 | 181 | ▲ up 8 · +2% births |
| 2010 | #1318 | 178 | ▼ down 431 · -37% births |
| 2005 | #887 | 284 | ▼ down 38 · +10% births |
| 2000 | #849 | 259 | ▼ down 215 · -24% births |
| 1995 | #634 | 343 | ▼ down 125 · -27% births |
| 1990 | #509 | 472 | ▼ down 68 · -4% births |
| 1985 | #441 | 494 | ▼ down 62 · -18% births |
| 1980 | #379 | 604 | ▼ down 101 · -31% births |
| 1975 | #278 | 876 | — |
The story of Shirley
Shirley has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #2 in 1935, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. Over 695K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. Once ranked #671 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1452 in 2023. Shirley is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.
Names that peaked alongside Shirley in 1935:
Shirley by decade
Shirley peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 301 | |
| 1890s | 710 | |
| 1900s | 1,926 | |
| 1910s | 13,998 | |
| 1920s | 100,902 | |
| 1930s ★ | 232,270 | |
| 1940s | 173,245 | |
| 1950s | 109,422 | |
| 1960s | 38,381 | |
| 1970s | 10,620 | |
| 1980s | 5,124 | |
| 1990s | 3,702 | |
| 2000s | 2,731 | |
| 2010s | 1,747 | |
| 2020s | 419 | |
What are good nicknames for Shirley?
How is Shirley written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Shirley
What does the name Shirley mean?
Shirley means "bright meadow" — a name rooted in United Kingdom 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 Shirley?
Shirley 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 Shirley?
Shirley originates from United Kingdom tradition. United Kingdom 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 Shirley?
Shirley is a two-syllable name pronounced SHER-lee. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Shirley a common or rare name?
Shirley is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.