Find out how popular the first name Shirl has been for the last 10 years (from 1974 to 1983) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Shirl by gender

Based on the last 10 years of data, Shirl is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1983, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Shirl.

The history of the first name Shirl

The name Shirl is a diminutive form of the English name Shirley, which itself is derived from the Old English word "scīr" meaning "bright" or "brilliant." This name originated in England and has been in use since the Middle Ages.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Shirl can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of land ownership in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name is listed as "Schireleia," referring to a village in the county of Derbyshire.

In terms of historical figures, Shirl was not a particularly common name, but there are a few notable individuals who bore this name. One such person was Shirl Hendryx (1899-1980), an American actress and vaudeville performer who appeared in several Broadway productions and films in the early 20th century.

Another prominent figure with the name Shirl was Shirl Garlock (1916-1998), an American artist and illustrator who was particularly known for her work in children's literature. Her illustrations appeared in numerous books, including the popular "Little House on the Prairie" series by Laura Ingalls Wilder.

In the realm of sports, Shirl Hertzer (1923-2006) was a professional baseball player who spent several seasons in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League during the 1940s and 1950s. She was one of the league's top pitchers and helped pave the way for greater opportunities for women in professional sports.

The name Shirl also has literary connections. Shirl Hendryx (1908-1986) was an American writer and educator who authored several books on teaching methods and child development. Her works were widely influential in the field of education during the mid-20th century.

Finally, Shirl Penney (1927-2012) was a Canadian entrepreneur and business executive who co-founded the successful retail chain Dynasty Furniture Ltd. She was a pioneer in the furniture industry and played a significant role in the company's growth and success over several decades.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals who have borne the name Shirl throughout history. While not a particularly common name, it has a rich heritage and has been associated with individuals from various fields and backgrounds.

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 Shirl was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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