Summary

Surname Shirley is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word 'scearn', meaning 'bright meadow'. The name has a rich history and is associated with noble families and prominent individuals.
There are
27224
Shirleys in the USA
Shirley is the
1292nd
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Shirley

AnneShirley

Anne Shirley is a fictional character from Lucy Maud Montgomery's novel 'Anne of Green Gables.' She is a spirited, imaginative, and talkative orphan girl who is mistakenly sent to live with an older brother and sister on Prince Edward Island.

ShirleyTemple

Shirley Temple was an American actress, singer, and diplomat who was the top box-office draw as a child actor in the 1930s. She later transitioned to a successful career in politics and served as a United States Ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia.

ShirleyChisholm

Shirley Chisholm was an American politician and educator who became the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress. She served as a U.S. Representative from New York from 1969 to 1983 and was a trailblazer for women and African Americans in politics.

ShirleyMacLaine

Shirley MacLaine is an American actress, singer, and dancer who has had a prolific career in film, television, and theater. She has received numerous awards for her performances, including an Academy Award and multiple Golden Globes.

ShirleyJackson

Shirley Jackson was an American writer known for her works of horror and mystery fiction. Her most famous work is the short story 'The Lottery,' which caused a significant controversy upon its publication in 1948.

ShirleyKnight

Shirley Knight was an American actress who appeared in numerous films, television shows, and stage productions throughout her career. She was nominated for two Academy Awards and won a Tony Award for her role in the play 'Kennedy's Children.'

ShirleyManson

Shirley Manson is a Scottish singer, songwriter, and musician who is best known as the lead vocalist of the alternative rock band Garbage. She has achieved commercial and critical success as both a solo artist and with her band.

ShirleyBassey

Shirley Bassey is a Welsh singer whose powerful voice and glamorous stage presence have made her one of the most successful and enduring artists in the history of popular music. She is best known for recording the theme songs for several James Bond films.

ShirleyAnn

Shirley Ann Jackson is an American physicist and the first African American woman to earn a doctorate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She has held prominent positions in academia and government, including serving as the president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

ShirleyHorn

Shirley Horn was an American jazz singer and pianist who was known for her lush vocal style and elegant piano playing. She released numerous acclaimed albums throughout her career and won several Grammy Awards.

Shirley Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Shirley' is of English origin and is derived from a place name. It is believed to be derived from the Old English words 'scire,' meaning 'boundary,' and 'leah,' meaning 'wood' or 'clearing.' Therefore, the name 'Shirley' likely originally referred to someone who lived near a boundary or clearing in a woodland area.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Shirley' is most common in the United States, particularly in the southern states such as Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. It can also be found in smaller numbers in the United Kingdom and Australia.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Shirley' include 'Shurley' and 'Shirleigh.'
Migration and ImmigrationIt is believed that the name 'Shirley' was brought to the United States by English settlers who established colonies in the southern states. Over time, descendants of these settlers spread throughout the country, contributing to the geographic distribution of the name.