Shirley
Shirley is a classic and enduring name with English origins, meaning 'bright meadow' or 'clearing in the woods'. It's primarily used for girls, though occasionally for boys. Shirley was a popular name in the mid-20th century, reaching peak popularity in the 1950s and 1960s. It evokes a sense of warmth, sweetness, and nostalgia, reminiscent of a bygone era.
Shirley is often perceived as a friendly, approachable, and down-to-earth name. It's easy to write and pronounce, making it a familiar and comfortable choice. While not as trendy as some modern names, Shirley continues to be a beloved name, particularly for those seeking a classic and timeless feel.
Basic Information
Gender: Girl
Sounds Like: SHUR-lee
Pronunciation Explanation: The emphasis is on the first syllable, 'SHUR', and the second syllable is pronounced like 'lee'.
Summary and Meaning
Meaning: bright meadow, clearing in the woods
Origin: The name Shirley is of English origin, derived from the Old English word 'scir', meaning 'bright' or 'clear', and 'leah', meaning 'meadow' or 'clearing'.
Usage: Shirley is primarily a feminine name, though it has been used for boys in rare cases.
Name Number (Chaldean)
Name Number (Pythagorean)
Religious and Cultural Significance
Religion: None
Background: Shirley is not associated with any specific religion.
Cultural Significance: Shirley has no significant cultural associations beyond its English origins. It was a popular name in the Western world, particularly in the United States, during the mid-20th century.
Historical Significance:
Popular Culture
Literature and Mythology: Shirley is not a name that appears frequently in literature or mythology. However, it is a common name in popular culture, particularly in works set in the mid-20th century.
Movies and Television: Characters named Shirley appear in various movies and TV shows, often representing the typical woman of the mid-20th century. Some examples include 'Shirley Valentine' (1989 film) and the character Shirley on the TV show 'Laverne & Shirley' (1976-1983).
Feelings and Perceptions
Perception: Shirley is generally perceived as a friendly, approachable, and down-to-earth name. It evokes a sense of warmth, sweetness, and nostalgia, reminiscent of a bygone era. While not as trendy as some modern names, it continues to be a beloved name, particularly for those seeking a classic and timeless feel.
Positive Feelings: Classic, timeless, warm, friendly, approachable, nostalgic, sweet, down-to-earth.
Negative Feelings: Some may find it outdated or too common, associated with a specific time period.
Practical Considerations
Ease of Writing and Calling: Shirley is a straightforward name to write and pronounce. It has four syllables and is easy to remember and call.
Common Typos and Misspellings: Shurley,Shirly,Shirlee,Shurlee
Common Nicknames: Sheryl,Shelly,Shir,Lee
Related Names
Similar Sounding Names: Sheryl,Shelly,Shirley Ann,Sherri,Sherilyn
Similar Meaning Names: Meadow,Claire,Clara,Leanne,Alana
Sibling Name Ideas (Brothers): William,Thomas,David,James,Michael
Sibling Name Ideas (Sisters): Susan,Karen,Linda,Lisa,Jennifer