Shirley
Meaning: Peaceful, tranquil, or his gift
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Girl
Rank in Australia: #265
Total births: 1,198
History: Shirley peaked in the 1960s in Australia. Shirley Strickland won Olympic gold in athletics — one of Australia's greatest track athletes. Shirley means Australian women pioneering in sport.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Australia’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (1961) | #100 |
| Babies named Shirley in 1961 | 82 |
| Total recorded in Australia | 1,198 |
| Peak year | 1952 (178 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #48 |
| Years in records | 1952–1961 (10 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 33 spots |
Frequently asked about Shirley
What does the name Shirley mean?
Shirley means “Peaceful, tranquil, or his gift” from Hebrew roots.
What is the origin of the name Shirley?
Shirley has Hebrew origin. The traditional meaning is “Peaceful, tranquil, or his gift”.
How popular is Shirley in Australia?
Shirley ranked #100 in Australia in 1961 — given to 82 babies that year.
When was Shirley most popular?
Shirley peaked in 1952 with 178 babies registered that year in Australia.
Is Shirley a boy or girl name?
Shirley is predominantly a girls' name in Australia — over 90% of Shirleys in registered births are female.
Is the name Shirley rising or falling in popularity?
Shirley has fallen 33 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in Australia — from #67 in 1956 to #100 in 1961.
How long has Shirley been recorded in Australia?
Shirley appears in birth records in Australia across 10 years — from 1952 through 1961.