Bright meadow
Derived from the Old English elements scir, meaning bright or clear, and leah, meaning wood, clearing, or meadow. It was originally a surname and place name before becoming a popular feminine given name in the 20th century. This specific spelling is a less common variant of the more traditional Shirley.
Less common today
Shirly isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #5,977 in 2008.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
Israeli politician and disability rights activist
Israeli-American actress and producer
