The name Shelly is an English diminutive form of the name Shelley, which is derived from the Old English words "scielig" or "scelieg," meaning "ledge" or "flat rock." It is believed to have originated as a surname in areas of England with rocky landscapes, such as Derbyshire and Worcestershire, before becoming a given name.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Shelly can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as a surname in several entries. However, it wasn't until the 16th century that the name began to gain popularity as a given name, likely influenced by the renowned English poet Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822), whose works were instrumental in the Romantic movement.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Shelly. One of the earliest was Shelly Blount (c.1470-1534), an English courtier and landowner who served as a Member of Parliament during the reign of Henry VIII. Another notable figure was Shelly Defoe (1734-1810), a British naval officer who served in the American Revolutionary War.

In the 19th century, the name Shelly gained further prominence with the birth of Shelly Cobb (1813-1888), an American Baptist minister and educator who founded the Cobb Institute in Georgia. Shelly Winlock (1853-1935), an American archaeologist and Egyptologist, made significant contributions to the field through his excavations in Egypt and his role as the director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Egyptian Expedition.

In the 20th century, the name Shelly was associated with Shelly Manne (1920-1984), an American jazz drummer and bandleader who played with luminaries such as Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker. Shelly Winters (1920-2006), an American actress and singer, was a two-time Academy Award winner known for her roles in films like "A Patch of Blue" and "The Poseidon Adventure."

The name Shelly has a rich history, tracing its origins back to Old English words and evolving from a surname to a given name over the centuries. Its association with notable figures in fields ranging from literature and politics to archaeology and entertainment has contributed to its enduring popularity.