Shelley
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What does the baby name Shelley mean? Learn about what Shelley means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.
Shelley - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
- Spelling of Shelley
- S-H-E-L-L-E-Y, is a 7-letter female given name.
- Pronunciation of Shelley
- SHEL-ee
- Meaning of Shelley
- From the ledge meadow, from the sloping field, meadow on a river bank.
- Origin of Shelley
- The name 'Shelley' has English origins. It is derived from the Old English surname 'Shelley' or 'Shelleye', which was a locational name referring to individuals who lived near a meadow or clearing. The surname was first recorded in the Domesday Book in 1086 and was later adopted as a given name.
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- Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Shelley
- Rachael
- Racheal
- Rachel
- Rachela
- Rachele
- Rachell
- Rachelle
- Rae
- Raelene
- Rahel
- Rahil
- Raichel
- Rakel
- Raoghnailt
- Raquel
- Raquela
- Raquella
- Raquelle
- Rashell
- Ray
- Roch
- Rochele
- Rochella
- Rochelle
- Rochette
- Roshel
- Roshele
- Roshelle
- Shell
- Shelly
- Popularity of Shelley
- The popularity of the name 'Shelley' has varied over time. It gained significant popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom. In the United States, it reached its peak in the 1960s and 1970s, ranking among the top 200 names for girls. However, its popularity declined in subsequent decades.
- Shelley currently has 136 likes, and is in the top 6% of liked girl's names. The name Deja is slightly more popular than Shelley.
Etymology of Shelley
The etymology of 'Shelley' can be traced back to the Old English word 'scylf', which means 'shelf' or 'ledge', and 'leah', which means 'wood' or 'clearing'. Therefore, the name 'Shelley' can be interpreted as 'dweller by the ledge' or 'one who lives near a meadow or clearing'.
Cultural Significance of Shelley
While 'Shelley' does not hold specific cultural significance, it is a name that has been embraced by various cultures around the world. It has become a part of the English-speaking naming tradition and is often chosen for its pleasant sound and simplicity.