Shirley is a female given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "scir" meaning "bright" or "clear", and the suffix "-leah" which refers to a clearing in wooded land. Therefore, Shirley means "bright meadow".
The name Shirley has been used since the Middle Ages as an English surname, but it was not commonly used as a female given name until the 19th century. The first known use of Shirley as a female given name was in 1827.
Shirley was a popular choice for girls' names in the mid-20th century. It reached its peak popularity in the United States during the 1930s and 1940s, when it ranked among the top ten most popular female given names each year. However, its popularity has declined since then, and today it is considered a vintage name.
Despite its decline in popularity, Shirley remains a beloved name with a rich history. It is often associated with positivity and brightness due to its meaning, and many people named Shirley have fond memories of their name being a source of comfort or familiarity throughout their lives.
In popular culture, some notable individuals named Shirley include American singer-songwriter Shirley Manson, Australian actress Shirley Jones, and American poet Shirley Jackson. These individuals have helped to keep the name Shirley alive in the public consciousness and have contributed to its enduring appeal as a unique and meaningful female given name.
The name Shirley has been a popular choice among parents in the United States for several decades, with its peak popularity occurring between the 1960s and early 1970s.
According to the data provided, there were a total of 104 babies named Shirley born in the United States from 1936 to 1971. The name's popularity fluctuated over these years, with some years seeing as many as 11 births and others as few as 5.
The highest number of Shirlies were born in 1963, with a total of 11 newborns sharing the name that year. This was followed by 8 births in both 1962 and 1964, indicating that Shirley's popularity was highest during this period.
Interestingly, there were no recorded births of girls named Shirley between 1972 and 2020, according to data from the Social Security Administration. This suggests that the name may have fallen out of fashion among parents in recent decades. However, it is still possible that some parents choose this classic name for their daughters today.
Overall, the statistics on the name Shirley provide an interesting snapshot into its popularity and trends over time in the United States. While it was once a common choice among parents, its usage has since declined and become more rare.