Find out how popular the first name Shirlene has been for the last 37 years (from 1974 to 2010) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Shirlene by gender

Based on the last 37 years of data, Shirlene is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2010, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Shirlene.

The history of the first name Shirlene

The name Shirlene is an English feminine name derived from the Old English words "scir" meaning "bright" or "shining" and "lēne" meaning "lane" or "path". It is a variant spelling of the more common name Shirley, which emerged in the Middle Ages as a surname before becoming a popular given name.

Shirlene can be traced back to the 12th century, when it was used as a surname for people who lived near a bright or shining lane or path. The earliest recorded example of the name Shirlene dates back to 1273, when it appeared in the Hundred Rolls of Huntingdonshire, England, as a reference to a woman named Shirlene de Brampton.

In the 14th century, the name Shirlene began to be used as a given name, particularly among the English nobility and gentry. One of the earliest recorded instances of its use as a first name was in 1327, when a woman named Shirlene de Montfort was mentioned in the Patent Rolls of Edward III.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Shirlene. One of the earliest was Shirlene de Vere (1362-1400), an English noblewoman and the daughter of John de Vere, 7th Earl of Oxford. Another notable Shirlene was Shirlene Bulstrode (1550-1628), an English poet and courtier during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

In the 18th century, the name Shirlene gained popularity among the upper classes in England and Scotland. One notable bearer of the name was Shirlene Seton (1718-1792), a Scottish aristocrat and socialite who was a prominent figure in the literary and intellectual circles of Edinburgh.

In the 19th century, the name Shirlene appeared in works of literature, such as the novel "The Mill on the Floss" by George Eliot, where a character named Shirlene Lammeter is featured. Another notable Shirlene from this period was Shirlene Paget (1835-1901), an English artist and illustrator known for her portraits and book illustrations.

The 20th century saw the name Shirlene become more widely used, particularly in the United States. One notable bearer of the name was Shirlene Ardizzone (1927-2009), an American artist and children's book illustrator who was best known for her illustrations in the "Little Tim" book series.

While the name Shirlene has fallen somewhat out of fashion in recent decades, it remains a unique and historically significant name with roots dating back to the Middle Ages in England.

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

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

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