US Popularity Rank: 2881

Origin: British

Meaning: Bright meadow

The name Shirley comes from the Old English words scire, meaning "shire," or scīr, "bright," as well as lēah, meaning "meadow" or "clearing." This gender-neutral title was initially for boys; however, Charlotte Brontë's novel Shirley has popularized it as a chic name for girls since its publication in 1849. One of the most notable figures to bear this name is Shirley Temple Black, a child star who later became the United States ambassador to Ghana. The name Shirley sounds as lively and beautiful as its meaning, "bright meadow," and is well-known worldwide. Shirley is a charming title for baby, whether they're drawn to the theatre or called to political action, or both!