Shirley

Shirley is a girls' name of English origin, derived from the Old English words "scir" meaning bright or clear, and "leah" which means wood or clearing. Thus, Shirley literally translates to "bright clearing." The name was originally used as a surname before evolving into a given name in the late 19th century. The earliest known use of Shirley as a first name is found in the novel "The Bridal Companion" by English writer Mary Ann Hanway, published in 1768. However, it wasn't until the late Victorian era that Shirley began to be used regularly as a given name. The popularity of the name can be attributed in part to Sir Walter Scott's poem "The Lady of the Lake," which features a character named Shirley. In the early 20th century, Shirley became particularly popular in North America. It reached peak popularity during the mid-1930s when it was among the top ten names for girls in the United States and Canada. Although its popularity has since declined, Shirley remains a classic name with a rich history. Some notable people named Shirley include Shirley Temple (1928–), an American actress and diplomat; Shirley Chisholm (1924–2005), an American politician who was the first African American woman elected to Congress; and Shirley Manson (1966–), the Scottish singer-songwriter and lead vocalist of the rock band Garbage.