Find out how popular the first name Shelley has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Shelley by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Shelley is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 99% of people named Shelley being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Shelley.

The history of the first name Shelley

The name Shelley is an English surname that has been adopted as a given name. Its origins can be traced back to the Old English word "scieling," which means "a youth, young man, or retainer." In the 11th century, the name appeared as "Scillinges" in the Domesday Book, a record of landholdings in England commissioned by William the Conqueror.

During the Middle Ages, the name Shelley was a common surname in various parts of England, particularly in Yorkshire and Derbyshire. It was often associated with families who lived near sheltered valleys or clearings, as the word "shel" or "shell" meant a shed or shelter in Old English.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Shelley as a given name can be found in the 16th century. Percy Bysshe Shelley, the renowned English Romantic poet, was born in 1792. His works, such as "Ode to the West Wind" and "Prometheus Unbound," have had a lasting impact on literature.

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, the author of the iconic novel "Frankenstein," was born in 1797. She was the wife of Percy Bysshe Shelley and is regarded as one of the pioneers of the science fiction genre.

In the 19th century, Shelley Beaumont (1836-1896) was an English actress and singer who performed in various theaters across London and New York City.

Shelley Winters (1920-2006) was an American actress who won two Academy Awards for her performances in "The Diary of Anne Frank" (1959) and "A Patch of Blue" (1965).

Shelley Duvall (born 1949) is an American actress, writer, and producer, best known for her roles in films such as "The Shining" (1980) and "Popeye" (1980).

While the name Shelley was initially more common as a surname, it has gained popularity as a given name, particularly for women, in recent centuries. Its literary and artistic associations have contributed to its enduring appeal.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Shelley was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Shelley, please contact us.

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