Holding steady.
Popularity of Shirl since 1915
Babies named Shirl per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 0 | 33 |
| 1920s | 0 | 87 |
| 1930s | 17 | 127 |
| 1940s | 75 | 121 |
| 1950s | 288 | 62 |
| 1960s | 796 | 18 |
| 1970s | 124 | 0 |
| 1980s | 23 | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Shirl is a short and punchy name that saw modest use in the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States. Its highest recorded usage came in 1964, but it never broke into the top 1000 rankings, indicating its rarity. The name's trajectory has been stable, with no significant spike in recent years. While it is unisex, it has been predominantly given to girls. Shirl's etymology is uncertain, but it likely originated as a diminutive of the more familiar Shirley. This brevity and simplicity give it a retro feel, similar to mid-century nicknames like Bobbie or Jo.
Shirl is a short form or diminutive of Shirley, which itself is from an English surname derived from a place name meaning 'bright clearing' or 'shire meadow'. It emerged as an independent given name in the early 20th century, particularly in the United States. Shirl may also be a variant of Sheryl, itself a feminine form of Cheryl, which originated as a blend of Cherry and Beryl.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Shirl
Names that share Shirl's style, for a brother or sister.
