Shell is a unisex given name of American origin, derived from the word for the hard outer covering of certain animals and nuts. It has been used as both a first name and a surname in various parts of the world, but it is most commonly found in English-speaking countries.
The name Shell has gained popularity over time, particularly in the United States. According to data from the Social Security Administration, its usage peaked in the 1970s and 1980s, with the highest rank being #526 for girls in 1983 and #446 for boys in 1984.
The name Shell has also been used as a middle name by some parents who wish to incorporate its unique sound into their child's full name without making it the first name. This trend is more common among girls than boys.
In popular culture, there are several notable figures with the first name Shell. For instance, Shell Bivens is an American football coach, while Shell Smith is a former Major League Baseball player from Australia. Additionally, the famous poet and writer Dorothy Parker used the pen name "Constant Reader," which was inspired by her childhood nickname, Shell.
In summary, Shell is a distinctive and memorable unisex given name with American origins. Its usage has varied over time but remains popular as both a first and middle name. Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne this name across various fields.
The name Shell saw a significant rise in popularity between 1952 and 1964, with consistent birth numbers each year before peaking at 16 births in 1963. However, after this peak, the number of births decreased significantly, reaching as low as 6 births in 1971. Overall, there were a total of 113 babies named Shell born between 1952 and 1971.