Origin and Meaning of Shirleyan

Meaning & Origin

Meadow near a bright clearing

Origin: English - Derived from the name Shirley, which originates from Old English 'scir' meaning 'bright' and 'leah' meaning 'meadow' or 'clearing'. The suffix '-an' can denote belonging or relating to.

Interesting Facts

  • Shirleyan is a relatively modern variation of Shirley, which itself gained popularity in the 20th century.
  • While Shirley is often associated with English-speaking countries, the variation Shirleyan may not have a widespread cultural significance and is unique.
  • Notable figures with the name Shirley include actress Shirley Temple and writer Shirley Jackson.
  • Shirley peaked in popularity in the U.S. during the 1930s and 1940s. Variations like Shirleyan may not appear in popularity statistics as they are quite niche.
  • Variations and related names include Shirley, Sherilyn, and Shirlene.