Shirley
Pronunciation: [ sh-ERL-ee ]
Does Shirley flow with your last name?
A distinctive boy name with a rare, memorable quality.
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
Similar Names
Names Like Shirley
Same sound, same style — different options
Nicknames
Nicknames for Shirley
9 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
Playground Safety
Similar to Shirley
See all →What the Shirley report tells you
$9Personalized to your state, siblings, and priorities. Free playground safety preview included.
Is Shirley the #1 name in your state, or barely on the radar?
Enter your other kids' names. We score how well they sound together.
Playground safety check is free. Full report is $9.
What do you want to do with this name?
Add it to your shortlist. Not losing this one.
Put Shirley head-to-head with your other picks.
Start comparing →See what Shirley actually gets called.
Browse nicknames →Historical Record
Shirley first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 1,098 babies have been named Shirley in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Shirley is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #13,710 for boy names in the US .
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Names You Might Also Love
See all →"tree field"
"the reinforced, the backed"
"Effort; endeavor; to try"
"to make famous"
"one who experiences joy and music"
Compare Shirley with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Popularity Rank
- #13,710
- Total SSA Count
- 7
Nicknames
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
-
Timeless choice, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Sibling Match
Premium
Check how Shirley fits with existing sibling names — style, sound, and origin.
Enter sibling names above to see compatibility.
Also a Girl Name
Shirley is also used as a girl name, ranked #1454.
View Shirley as a girl name →Similar Names
See all names like Shirley →For Parents
Start a baby registry
Free welcome box on Amazon
The Baby Name Wizard
Names that age well — book
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
We may earn a commission from these links.
Compare Shirley with...
Can't decide?
Start a tournament bracket with Shirley and other names you're considering.
Start a TournamentLike this name?
Check how Shirley sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.
Analyze This NameExplore More Generators
-
🧝
Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
-
🐾
Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
-
🎭
Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres
Names You Might Also Like
View all →Japanese origin
"tree field"
#13,711 in US
Arabic origin
"the reinforced, the backed"
#13,741 in US
Sanskrit origin
"Effort; endeavor; to try"
#13,813 in US
Ancient Greek origin
"to make famous"
#13,830 in US
Old English origin
"one who experiences joy and music"
#13,691 in US
South Slavic origin
"gift, given"
#13,770 in US
Hebrew-influenced American origin
"exalted by God"
#13,695 in US
Save Your Name Card
Download a shareable image with Shirley's meaning, origin, and popularity. Ready for Instagram, Pinterest, or texting to your partner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shirley
Is Shirley a boy or girl name?
How do you pronounce Shirley?
How popular is the name Shirley?
What are common nicknames for Shirley?
Is Shirley a common or rare name?
About the Name Shirley
Shirley is a boy name .
Is Shirley a boy or girl name? Shirley is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #13,710 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #1,454. Shirley is more commonly used as a girl name.
Shirley is currently ranked #13,710 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
Common nicknames for Shirley include Shi, Shir, Shiry, Shirie, Ley, Leyie, Shy, Shie, and Shikins. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Keep Exploring
Recommended for Parents
Start a registry
Free welcome box on Amazon
Baby Name Wizard
Names that actually age well
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
We may earn a commission from these links.
Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis