Shirley is a girl's name of English origin that has gained popularity over the years. It is derived from the English surname "Sherley," which was originally an Anglicized form of the Scottish Gaelic name "Siorrach." This name has a significant historical background, as it was borne by many notable individuals throughout history.
One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Shirley can be traced back to the 13th century in Scotland. During this time, the name was associated with the Sherlies or Siorraiches, a Scottish clan that hailed from the region around Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.
The use of Shirley as a given name became more prevalent during the late Victorian era when it began to be used independently of its association with the surname. In fact, many authors and playwrights of this period popularized the name by using it in their works. For example, the British poet John William Ingram composed a poem titled "Shirley" around 1860.
Today, Shirley is still widely recognized as a classic girl's name with a rich history behind it. Despite its Scottish roots, the name has been adopted globally and can be found among various cultures and communities around the world. Its timeless appeal lies in its unique sound and its association with notable individuals throughout history.
In conclusion, Shirley is a girl's name of English origin that traces back to its Scottish Gaelic roots. With a rich historical background and numerous notable figures bearing this name, it has become a classic choice for parents seeking a distinctive yet familiar name for their daughter.
The statistics for the name Shirley show a significant increase in popularity from around the turn of the century up until the mid-1920s, with a peak of 22,841 births in 1934. However, there was a substantial decline afterwards, with fewer than 500 births per year recorded since the late 1970s. The most recent data shows that the name Shirley is now quite rare, with only 137 births recorded in 2023. Overall, over a span of around 140 years, there were a total of 686,089 babies named Shirley born.