Shirl

English

"bright meadow"

Shirl Origin and Meaning

The name Shirl is a girl's name.

Shirl is a feminine name that emerged as a diminutive of Shirley, which originated as an English surname derived from Old English words meaning 'bright clearing' or 'bright meadow.' Reaching peak popularity in the 1930s when actress Shirley Temple was a child star, Shirl became used as a standalone name. It has a brief, no-nonsense quality characteristic of mid-20th century nickname-names. Though much less common today, Shirl evokes a vintage charm and simplicity. The name carries associations with bright, sunny dispositions and the straightforward practicality of the Greatest Generation. While considered somewhat dated in contemporary naming practices, it could see renewed interest as vintage names cycle back into fashion.

Shirl Rank in US Top 1000

# 715 in the US

Famous People Named Shirl

• Shirl Bernheim (born Shirley Raphael) American actress
• Shirl Conway (born Shirley Elizabeth Crosman) American actress
• Shirl Henke American romance novelist
• Mum Shirl (born Colleen Shirley Perry Smith) Aboriginal Australian activist

The name Shirl in Pop Culture

• Shirley "Shirl" Feeney character on TV's "Laverne & Shirley"
• Shirl wife of Cockney Wanker in the British magazine Vi
• Shirl character from “Make Room! Make Room!” by Harry Harrison, and “Soylent Green”