Summary

Surname Shelley originated from England and is derived from the Old English name 'Scylf', which means a ledge or shelf. It is believed to have been a topographic name given to someone who lived near a prominent ledge or shelf. The name has a long history and has been passed down through generations.
There are
14300
Shelleys in the USA
Shelley is the
2533rd
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Shelley

MaryShelley

Mary Shelley was an English novelist and writer, best known for her Gothic novel 'Frankenstein,' which has become a literary classic.

PercyBysshe

Percy Bysshe Shelley was one of the major English Romantic poets. He is best known for his poems 'Ozymandias' and 'Ode to the West Wind.'

IanShelley

Ian Shelley is a renowned Australian football player who played as a forward for the Geelong Football Club in the Australian Football League.

ShelleyDuvall

Shelley Duvall is an American actress, producer, and writer known for her roles in movies like 'The Shining' and TV shows like 'Faerie Tale Theatre.'

AdrianShelley

Adrian Shelley was an American actor and director known for his work in independent films, including 'One Eyed King' and 'The Good Girl.'

MaryShelley

Mary Shelley was an English novelist and writer, best known for her Gothic novel 'Frankenstein,' which has become a literary classic.

PercyBysshe

Percy Bysshe Shelley was one of the major English Romantic poets. He is best known for his poems 'Ozymandias' and 'Ode to the West Wind.'

IanShelley

Ian Shelley is a renowned Australian football player who played as a forward for the Geelong Football Club in the Australian Football League.

ShelleyDuvall

Shelley Duvall is an American actress, producer, and writer known for her roles in movies like 'The Shining' and TV shows like 'Faerie Tale Theatre.'

AdrianShelley

Adrian Shelley was an American actor and director known for his work in independent films, including 'One Eyed King' and 'The Good Girl.'

Shelley Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Shelley' is of English origin and is derived from a place name meaning 'clearing on the ledge' or 'clearing on a slope.' It may have originally referred to someone who lived near such a clearing.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Shelley' is found predominantly in English-speaking countries, particularly the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Shelley' include 'Shellie,' 'Shelly,' 'Sheley,' 'Shellee,' 'Sheeley,' 'Seely,' 'Shealey,' 'Shell,' and 'Shill.'
Migration and ImmigrationThe name 'Shelley' has been carried by immigrants to various countries, especially during periods of British colonization and migration.