Shirlee is a unique and beautiful name of American origin. It is a variant spelling of the name Shirley, which has its roots in Old English. The name Shirley itself comes from the surname Shirley, which was derived from the place name Shirley in Worcestershire, England. The place name is composed of the elements 'scir', meaning bright or clear, and 'leah', meaning wood or clearing.
The name Shirlee is believed to have gained popularity during the mid-20th century in America, following the trend of giving children names with a more modern and unique sound. While Shirley was traditionally spelled with one 'l', parents began using different variations such as Shirlee, Sherry, Shirl, and even Sheryle to make the name stand out.
Despite its relatively recent usage as a given name, Shirlee has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous is Shirley Temple Black (1928-2014), the former U.S. Ambassador and iconic child actress known for her memorable performances in films like "Little Miss Marker" and "Curly Top". This may have contributed to the name's popularity and helped establish it as a classic American moniker.
Today, Shirlee remains a less common but still recognizable name, often given to girls born in the United States. It offers a charming alternative to traditional spellings of Shirley while retaining its historic roots and beautiful meaning. Parents who choose this name for their daughter may appreciate its unique sound, rich history, and meaningful origin.
The given statistics show the annual number of births with the name Shirle in the United States from 1919 to 2019. The data reveals that the popularity of this name has fluctuated over time, with periods of higher and lower usage.
Between 1919 and 1935, there were noticeable fluctuations in the number of babies named Shirle each year. The peak occurred in 1935 with 17 births, while other years saw significantly fewer, ranging from 5 to 8 births annually. From 1937 onwards, the name's popularity appears to have declined steadily, with only five births recorded per year until 1948.
After a gap of nearly two decades, there were again five babies named Shirle born in both 1963 and 1964. This indicates a brief resurgence in the use of this name during that period. However, since then, it seems that the name has not been widely used in the United States.
In total, over these years, there were 104 babies named Shirle born in the United States. While this number may seem relatively low compared to more popular names, it is essential to remember that each of these individuals carries a unique identity tied to their given name.