All about the name
Shirly
Female
« Shirley is an English feminine given name derived from an ancient English surname, originally referring to someone who worked at Shire Hall or was a royal servant. It gained popularity in the 19th century and peaked mid-20th century, with notable bearers including Shirley Temple, Shirley Jackson, Shirley Chisholm, and Shirley Bassey. »
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over 10 years
Meaning, origin, history
Shirley is a feminine given name of English origin that has been widely used throughout the world. The name Shirley is derived from an ancient English surname, which was originally an occupational name for a servant in a royal household or for someone who worked at a royal residence called "Shire Hall". The name Shire itself comes from Old English words meaning "army" or "military force".
The popularity of the name Shirley can be traced back to the 19th century when it became fashionable among families in the United Kingdom and other English-speaking countries. It was particularly popular during the mid-20th century, with many baby girls being named Shirley during this time.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who have borne the name Shirley. One of the most famous is Shirley Temple, an American child actress who rose to fame in the 1930s and became a major movie star. Other notable Shirleys include Shirley Jackson, an American writer known for her short stories and novels; Shirley Chisholm, an American politician and the first black woman elected to Congress; and Shirley Bassey, a Welsh singer who is famous for singing the theme songs to several James Bond films.
Despite its historic popularity, the name Shirley has become less common in recent years. However, it remains a beloved classic that continues to be used by families around the world. The name Shir
In numbers
Popularity of the name Shirly since 1880
Total births
1,042
Total since 1880
Peak year
1936
31 births
in 2016
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-100%
↘
vs previous 5 years