Shelvey, of Old French origin, is an uncommon given name that has been popularized by association with notable individuals in recent times. Derived from the Norman personal name 'Seleur', which was introduced into Britain during the Norman Conquest in 1066, Shelvey translates to 'noble' or 'generous'. The name's rarity lends it a unique and distinguished quality, making it an attractive choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet meaningful name for their child. Despite its Old French roots, Shelvey has been predominantly used as a surname in England until recently, when it began to be employed as a given name.
The name Shelvey saw a significant peak in popularity in 1937 with 16 births that year, while the other years recorded between 5 and 8 births each.