Shirley is a female name with English origins. It is pronounced as SHUR-lee (/ʃərli/). Shirley has been a popular name in the United States over the years, with its peak popularity in the mid-20th century. The name gained attention through famous individuals like actress Shirley Temple, who was a beloved child star in the 1930s. The data for newborns in the United States shows that Shirley was consistently ranked among the top names during this time. While its popularity has declined since then, Shirley still holds historical significance and carries a sense of nostalgia.