Shirlee is a unique and charming girls' name of American origin. It was coined by author Elizabeth Gaskell in her novel "Cranford" published in 1853. The name Shirlee does not have a specific meaning or etymology, as it was created for literary purposes rather than having historical roots.
The character Shirlee in the novel is a young girl known for her innocence and kindness, which has contributed to the positive associations with the name over time. Despite its fictional origins, Shirlee has gained popularity as a given name in some English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States.
While not as commonly used as many other names, Shirlee remains distinctive and memorable due to its literary roots. It is often perceived as having a vintage or retro feel, reflecting its mid-19th-century origins in literature. Parents who choose the name Shirlee for their daughters may be drawn to its uniqueness, charm, and association with the wholesome character from "Cranford.
The name Shirlee has seen a varied trend of popularity over the years in the United States. With only 7 births recorded in 1915, it began its journey as a rare choice for parents-to-be.
However, there was a noticeable increase in popularity between 1916 and 1923, with the number of annual births reaching a peak of 170 in 1923. This trend continued until 1925, when the number of births started to decline gradually.
In the years following World War II, the name Shirlee saw another spike in popularity from 1946 to 1948, with over 90 births each year during this period. However, it was not long before the popularity started to wane once again.
The decades of the 1950s and 1960s marked a significant decline in the use of the name Shirlee. Between 1952 and 1967, there were only two years where more than 40 births were recorded, with the majority of years seeing fewer than 30 births annually.
The 1970s continued this downward trend, with the number of annual births consistently falling below 30 each year. This trend persisted into the 1980s and 1990s, with only a few notable spikes in popularity, such as in 1982 and 1984.
In recent years, the name Shirlee has become increasingly rare, with fewer than ten births recorded each year since 2001. Despite this decline in popularity, it is important to note that there are still parents who choose this unique and distinctive name for their daughters.
Overall, while the name Shirlee has seen fluctuations in popularity over the years, its rarity can be seen as a testament to its uniqueness and individuality.