Origin & Meaning of the Shirley Surname
What does the last name Shirley mean?
The surname Shirley carries the meaning "From a meadow or clearing." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 27,224 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Shirley ranks as the #1,292 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Shirley come from?
The Shirley surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Shirley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Shirley trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Shirley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,292 |
| US Count (2010) | 27,224 |
| Per 100K People | 9.23 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Shirley
According to the US Census, the Shirley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 27,224 Americans with the Shirley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 82.63% |
| Black | 9.1% |
| Hispanic | 2.23% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.62% |
| Native American | 3.33% |
| Two or More Races | 2.08% |
Popularity of Shirley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Shirley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Shirley surname decreased by 76 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Shirley Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Shirley ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Shirley Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Shirley Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Shirley
- ✓ The Shirley coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Shirley families live today
- ✓ Notable Shirley bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Shirley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Shirley.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Shirley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shirley
Top Surnames Starting with S
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter S, ranked by population.
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