All about the name

Shirly

Male

« Shirley is an English feminine given name coined by Charlotte Perkins Gilman in her 1892 short story 'The Yellow Wallpaper,' portraying Shirley as an independent, strong-willed woman. Its meaning remains unclear but may evoke brightness and positivity. »

#26033 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Shirley is a feminine given name of English origin. It was coined by the American writer Charlotte Perkins Gilman in her short story "The Yellow Wallpaper" (1892). In this story, Shirley is portrayed as an independent and strong-willed young woman who rebels against societal expectations. The meaning of the name Shirley is not clear-cut as it was invented by its creator. However, some sources suggest that it may have been inspired by the English surname Shirley, which means "bright clearing" or "bright meadow." It is possible that Gilman chose this name to evoke a sense of brightness and positivity. Prior to its appearance in "The Yellow Wallpaper," the name Shirley was not commonly used. However, after the publication of the story, it became increasingly popular, particularly in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Today, Shirley is still a beloved name among parents looking for unique and meaningful options for their daughters. It has also inspired variations such as Sheryl, Cheryle, Cheryl, and Sherri, which have become common alternatives to the original Shirley. In summary, Shirley is an English given name created by Charlotte Perkins Gilman in her seminal work "The Yellow Wallpaper." While its meaning remains somewhat unclear, it evokes images of brightness and positivity. Its popularity has waxed and waned over the years but continues to be a beloved choice among parents today.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Shirly since 1880

Total births
27
Total since 1880
Peak year
1919
9 births
in 1936
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years