Shirlley
Shirlley Origin and Meaning
Shirlley is a feminine name representing a variant spelling of Shirley, which originally derived from an Old English place name meaning 'bright clearing' or 'bright meadow.' The doubled 'l' gives this version a distinctive visual appearance while maintaining the familiar pronunciation. Historically, Shirley transitioned from a surname to a given name, and later from primarily masculine to feminine usage. The name gained significant popularity in the 1930s following the success of child star Shirley Temple. While the traditional spelling remains more common, Shirlley offers a more unique option for parents drawn to the name's vintage charm but wanting something slightly different. As with many mid-20th century names, Shirley and its variants have become less common for newborns in recent decades but retain their classic appeal.