Shelley
Meaning & Origin
Meaning: Clearing on a Bank; Meadow on a Cliff
Background: The name Shelley originates from the Old French name 'Shelley,' which is derived from the Old English elements 'scēo' meaning 'shelf' or 'bank' and 'ley' meaning 'meadow' or 'clearing.' This combination suggests a geographical feature, typically describing a meadow located on a bank or cliff.
At a glance
Quick stats based on the history of this name.
Lifetime rank
#465
Total births
74,326
Most popular decade
1960s
(75,267 births)
10-year trend
↓ Falling (-2,930 ranks)
Years in Top 100
0
First recorded year
1892
Gender usage
2.4% male
97.6% female
Stats by gender
Male
- First year
- 1893
- First year births
- 8
- First year rank
- #768
- Peak year
- 1951
- Peak year births
- 46
- Peak rank
- #1,053
- Most recent year
- 2001
- Recent year births
- 5
- Recent rank
- #10,556
Female
- First year
- 1892
- First year births
- 6
- First year rank
- #1,278
- Peak year
- 1964
- Peak year births
- 2,821
- Peak rank
- #143
- Most recent year
- 2024
- Recent year births
- 11
- Recent rank
- #8,922
Births over time
Number of babies given this name each year.
Rank over time
Popularity rank by year (1 = most popular).