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.
The statistics regarding the name Shirly show that it was quite popular in the United States during the early 20th century. The name first appeared in the top 1000 names for girls in the year 1918, with a total of 6 births recorded that year. The popularity of the name continued to grow over the next few years, reaching its peak in 1919 with a total of 9 births. However, the popularity of the name began to decline thereafter, with only 6 births each in 1920 and 1936.
Overall, from 1918 to 1936, there were a total of 27 recorded births for girls named Shirly in the United States. Although this number may seem relatively small compared to other popular names of the time, it is still significant as it indicates that the name was used consistently throughout this period. It's also worth noting that while the popularity of the name has decreased over time, there are still people named Shirly living today, many of whom may have been influenced by the legacy of those who came before them.