All about the name

Shirle

Female

« Shirlee is an American variant spelling of the old English name Shirley, derived from the Worcestershire place name meaning 'bright wood clearing'. »

#26160 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Shirlee is a unique and beautiful name of American origin. It is a variant spelling of the name Shirley, which has its roots in Old English. The name Shirley itself comes from the surname Shirley, which was derived from the place name Shirley in Worcestershire, England. The place name is composed of the elements 'scir', meaning bright or clear, and 'leah', meaning wood or clearing. The name Shirlee is believed to have gained popularity during the mid-20th century in America, following the trend of giving children names with a more modern and unique sound. While Shirley was traditionally spelled with one 'l', parents began using different variations such as Shirlee, Sherry, Shirl, and even Sheryle to make the name stand out. Despite its relatively recent usage as a given name, Shirlee has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous is Shirley Temple Black (1928-2014), the former U.S. Ambassador and iconic child actress known for her memorable performances in films like "Little Miss Marker" and "Curly Top". This may have contributed to the name's popularity and helped establish it as a classic American moniker. Today, Shirlee remains a less common but still recognizable name, often given to girls born in the United States. It offers a charming alternative to traditional spellings of Shirley while retaining its historic roots and beautiful meaning. Parents who choose this name for their daughter may appreciate its unique sound, rich history, and meaningful origin.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Shirle since 1880

Total births
104
Total since 1880
Peak year
1935
17 births
in 1964
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years