Shirlean is a unique and elegant given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname "O'Shirlaugh," which means "descendant of Shiarlach." Shiarlach is an old Irish personal name that means "graceful" or "elegant."
The name Shirlean first appeared in records as a given name in the late 19th century, likely as a variation of the more common names Shirley and Lean. Despite its recent appearance as a given name, however, the surname O'Shirlaugh has been recorded in Ireland since at least the 13th century.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the surname O'Shirlaugh or its variants. For example, in the 16th century, an Edmund O'Sherleogh was listed as a chief of his sept in County Mayo. And in the 19th century, a Michael Shirlaugh was recorded as living in County Cork.
Today, Shirlean remains relatively rare as a given name, but it continues to be associated with elegance and grace, reflecting its Irish origins and meaning. It is often chosen by parents who wish to give their daughters a unique and meaningful name that honors their Irish heritage or simply stands out from more common names. Overall, Shirlean is a beautiful and distinctive choice for those seeking an unusual yet significant given name for their child.
The name Shirlean has a unique history of usage in the United States, with fluctuations in popularity over several decades. Between 1937 and 1971, there were a total of 336 babies named Shirlean born in the U.S., according to the provided statistics.
The name's popularity peaked during the late 1940s to early 1950s, with a significant number of births occurring annually during this period. In 1948 and 1949, there were 13 and 18 Shirlean births respectively, marking the highest years for this name's usage.
Interestingly, the name saw a brief resurgence in the late 1950s to early 1960s, with 17 births in 1956, 14 in 1957, and 19 in 1959. However, after 1962, its usage declined significantly, with fewer than 13 Shirlean births occurring annually until the end of the recorded period.
It's worth noting that while Shirlean was not one of the most popular names during these decades, its consistent presence over several years indicates that it has been a unique and distinctive choice for parents. The name's usage demonstrates a degree of individuality and perhaps even a fondness for uncommon or lesser-known names among certain groups of parents.
In conclusion, while Shirlean may not have been one of the most popular names in the United States during the specified period, its consistent appearance over several decades indicates that it has held a special place in the hearts of many parents looking for a distinctive and unique name for their daughters.