Sherley is a unique and elegant female given name of English origin. Its meaning and history are deeply rooted in English literature and culture.
The name Sherley is derived from the English surname "Sherley," which is believed to have originated from a Norman French place name, "Cherlieu," located near Rouen in Normandy. The name was brought to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest of 1066.
The name gained prominence and popularity during the Elizabethan era (late 16th century) due to its association with the Sherley family, a prominent English noble family who were close associates of Queen Elizabeth I. The most notable members of the Sherley family were Sir Robert Sherley and his brothers, who were famous explorers and adventurers.
Sir Robert Sherley was a diplomat and explorer who traveled extensively in Asia during the late 16th century. His adventures inspired several works of literature, including Thomas Nashe's play "Summer's Last Will and Testament" (1592) and Sir Walter Raleigh's unfinished work "The Historie of the World" (1614). These literary associations helped to popularize the name Sherley during this period.
Today, Sherley remains a unique and distinctive female given name that evokes images of elegance, adventure, and English literary history. While it is not as commonly used as some other English names, those who bear the name Sherley can take pride in its rich historical origins and literary associations.
The name Sherley has been used consistently over the years in the United States, with a total of 1,238 babies given this name since 1910. The most popular year for the name was 1947, when it was given to 30 newborn girls. However, the number of births has fluctuated significantly throughout the decades.
In the early 20th century, there were fewer than 15 births each year, with some years having only 5 or 6 births. The peak popularity of the name Sherley occurred in the mid-20th century, between the 1930s and 1960s. During this period, the number of births varied from a low of 7 in 1932 to a high of 30 in 1947.
After the 1960s, the popularity of the name began to decline steadily. By the late 20th century and early 21st century, there were fewer than 15 births each year for girls named Sherley. In recent years, the name has seen a slight resurgence, with 11 births in both 2017 and 2023.
Overall, while the name Sherley has been used consistently over the past century, its popularity has varied significantly over time.