| Meaning | bright meadow |
| Origin | English |
| Gender | Girl |
| Popularity | Moderate |
| Length | 7 |
| Syllables | 2 |
| Syllabification | Shir-ley |
The name Shirley is a timeless and classic choice for your baby girl, with a history that spans centuries. Originally derived from an Old English surname, Shirley's meaning, "bright wood" or "bright clearing," evokes images of beauty and illumination. This name exudes a sense of positivity and charm, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking a name with both tradition and modern appeal.
Famous female bearers of the name Shirley have left their mark in various fields, from Hollywood to politics, arts to sciences. Legendary actresses like Shirley Temple and Shirley MacLaine have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, while Shirley Chisholm made history as the first African-American woman elected to the US Congress. The name Shirley has also graced the world of music, with artists like Shirley Bassey and Shirley Manson gaining fame for their exceptional talents.
In fiction, Shirley has been portrayed as strong and endearing characters, from Shirley Bennett in "Community" to Shirley Holmes in "The Adventures of Shirley Holmes." These fictional Shirleys continue to inspire and entertain audiences of all ages.
If you choose the name Shirley for your daughter, she will carry a name with a rich legacy of influential women and fictional characters who have left a positive impact on the world. Whether she becomes an artist, a scientist, a leader, or anything she dreams of, the name Shirley will serve as a beacon of brightness and strength throughout her life.
| Shirlee |
| Sherley |
| Shirlie |
| Sheryl |
| Sheril |
| Shirl |
| Sherlee |
| Shirl |
| Shiri |
| Lee |
| Leigh |
| Ley |
| Shirley Temple | American actress, singer, and dancer |
| Shirley MacLaine | American actress, singer, and author |
| Shirley Manson | Scottish singer and songwriter - lead vocalist of Garbage |
| Shirley Chisholm | American politician and the first African-American woman elected to the US Congress |
| Shirley Jones | American actress and singer |
| Shirley Bassey | Welsh singer known for her powerful voice and James Bond theme songs |
| Shirley Henderson | Scottish actress known for her roles in "Harry Potter" and "Bridget Jones's Diary" |
| Shirley Knight | American actress and Emmy Award winner |
| Shirley Ann Jackson | American physicist and the first African-American woman to earn a Ph.D. from MIT |
| Shirley Caesar | American gospel singer |
| Shirley Hufstedler | American lawyer and the first U.S. Secretary of Education |
| Shirley Strickland | Australian Olympic athlete and triple gold medalist in track and field |
| Shirley Verrett | American operatic mezzo-soprano |
| Shirley Hughes | British author and illustrator of children's books |
| Shirley Franklin | American politician and the first female mayor of Atlanta, Georgia |
| Shirley Phelps-Roper | American activist known for her association with the Westboro Baptist Church |
| Shirley Horn | American jazz singer and pianist |
| Shirley Abbott | American author and journalist |
| Shirley Temple Black | American diplomat and former child actress |
| Shirley Williams | British politician and the co-founder of the Social Democratic Party |
| Shirley Feeney | A character from the TV series "Laverne & Shirley" |
| Shirley Valentine | The main character in the play and film "Shirley Valentine" |
| Shirley the Loon | A character from the animated series "Tiny Toon Adventures" |
| Shirley Ghostman | A character played by Marc Wootton in the mockumentary series "High Spirits with Shirley Ghostman" |
| Shirley Muldowney | A character based on the real-life drag racer in the film "Heart Like a Wheel" |
| Shirley Crandell | A character from the film "Big Business" |
| Shirley Partridge | A character from the TV series "The Partridge Family" |
| Shirley Holmes | The main character in the Canadian TV series "The Adventures of Shirley Holmes" |
| Shirley T. Benjamin | A character from the film "The World According to Garp" |
| Shirley Caesar | A character from the TV series "Amen" |
| Shirley Bennett | A character from the TV series "Community" |
| Shirley Fenette | A character from the anime series "Code Geass - Lelouch of the Rebellion" |