Origin and Meaning of Shirely
Meaning & Origin
Bright meadow
Origin: English - Derived from the Old English elements 'scir' meaning 'bright' and 'leah' meaning 'meadow' or 'clearing'.
Interesting Facts
- Shirley became widely popular as a given name for girls in the 19th century, particularly after the publication of Charlotte Brontë's novel 'Shirley' in 1849.
- While chiefly used for females, Shirley was originally a surname and has been used as a male name as well in certain regions.
- Notable bearers of the name include Shirley Temple, the famous American child actress and philanthropist, and Shirley Bassey, a Welsh singer known for her powerful voice.
- The name Shirley saw its peak popularity in the United States during the early to mid-20th century, particularly in the 1930s and 1940s.
- Variations of the name include Sherly, Shirlee, and Shirely, but the original form remains the most commonly used.