Shirley

Shirley means "bright meadow," originating from the Old English words 'scīr' (bright) and 'lēah' (wood or clearing). This name evokes imagery of a sunny and open landscape, embodying beauty and illumination.

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The name Shirley originated as an English surname, derived from various places in England named Shirley. These place names were composed of the Old English elements "scīr" meaning 'bright' or 'shire' and "lēah" meaning 'wood, clearing, or meadow'.

  • Popularity: 2,876th
  • Babies named Shirley in the US in 2023:
    Female: 137
    Male: 0
  • Nicknames: Shir, Shirl, Shirley-poo, Sherry, Rie..
  • Full Names: Shirleen, Shirlene, Shirly, Shirely, Shyrlee..
  • Famous Namesakes: Shirley Temple-actress, Shirley Manson-singer, Shirley Ann Jackson-physicist, Shirley Chisholm-politician, Shirley MacLaine-actress..
  • Gender: Traditionally used as a feminine given name in modern times; originally a masculine name.
  • Numerology: In numerology, the name Shirley has a destiny number of 7. This number is associated with deep thinking, introspection, and spirituality. Individuals with this number often seek truth, wisdom, and are drawn to the mysteries of life. They may be intellectuals, researchers, or philosophers.

Shirley was most popular as a feminine name in the 1930s and 40s, partly thanks to the success of child actress Shirley Temple. It saw a decline in usage in the late 20th century and is now considered less common, evoking a vintage charm for those who appreciate classic names.

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