Shelly
Shelly is a girl's name of English origin.
Meaning
Clearing on a slope or meadow on a ledge.
Origin and history
Shelly originated as an English surname derived from a place name meaning 'clearing on a slope.' While historically used as both a given name and a diminutive, it grew popular in the mid-to-late 20th century in the United States. Today, it is less common for newborns but remains a recognizable classic.
Popularity in the United States
84,420 babies in the United States have been named Shelly since 1880. It ranks #425 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1947.
States where it is most popular
- CA (11.1 %)
- TX (7.3 %)
- MI (6.3 %)
- OH (6.1 %)
- PA (4.3 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 5 |
| 1920-1930 | 47 |
| 1930-1940 | 194 |
| 1940-1950 | 748 |
| 1950-1960 | 8,795 |
| 1960-1970 | 35,661 |
| 1970-1980 | 25,533 |
| 1980-1990 | 9,099 |
| 1990-2000 | 2,732 |
| 2000-2010 | 1,029 |
| 2010-2019 | 423 |
| 2020-2029 | 154 |
Famous people named Shelly
- Shelly West: Singer, Musician
- Shelly Yheem: Actress
Fun facts
- Shelly originally developed as an English surname derived from several places in England named Shelley.
- The name peaked in U.S. popularity during the 1960s and 1970s before declining in contemporary usage.