Shirley is a name of English origin that has gained popularity over the years. The name is derived from the Old English word "scir" which means "bright" or "clear", and the word "leah" which means "woodland clearing". Therefore, Shirley can be interpreted to mean "clear wooded area".
The name Shirley was first used as a place name in England, with several villages and towns bearing this name. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that Shirley began to be used as a given name for girls. The name gained popularity during the Victorian era and continued to be popular throughout the early to mid-20th century.
One of the most notable people named Shirley is the American actress Shirley Temple, who was a child star in the 1930s and 1940s. Her success helped to further popularize the name Shirley during that time.
Today, Shirley remains a classic and timeless name that is still used for girls born around the world. Despite its origins as a place name, Shirley has become widely recognized as a given name with a unique and beautiful meaning.
"Statistics show that the name Shirlye was given to six babies in the United States in 1928 and five babies in 1935. In total, there were eleven children born with this unique name across these two years."