All about the name

Shirleymae

Female

« Shirleymae is a captivating American name formed in the mid-20th century by combining Shirley ('bright clearing') and Mae (short for Margaret, 'pearl'). »

#30322 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Shirleymae is a unique and captivating name of American origin. It is believed to have emerged during the mid-20th century as a combination of two popular names at that time: Shirley and Mae. The name Shirley is derived from an English surname that was originally given to people who lived in a bright clearing or wood, which comes from the Old English words "scir" meaning bright and "leah" meaning wood or clearing. Shirley gained popularity as a given name in the early 20th century due to its association with famous actresses such as Shirley Temple. Mae, on the other hand, is a short form of the name Margaret, which is derived from the Latin word "margarita," meaning pearl. Mae became popular in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to prominent figures like actresses Mae West and Mae Marsh. While Shirleymae may not have a specific meaning or history beyond its origins, it is undeniably an enchanting name that reflects the trends of its time. Today, Shirleymae remains relatively rare but continues to be used as a unique and memorable choice for parents seeking something distinctive for their child's name.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Shirleymae since 1880

Total births
71
Total since 1880
Peak year
1928
14 births
in 1937
7
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years