Shelley Smith

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Shelley Smith — English
76K People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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Shelley Smith is a name that combines English origins. The first name Shelley is a feminine given name of English origin. Shelley is a given name and surname. In many baby name books, Shelley is listed as meaning 'meadow's edge' or 'clearing on a bank'. It is Old English in origin. As with many other names (Courtney, Ashley, etc.), Shelley is today a name given almost exclusively to girls after historically being male. It is commonly used as a nickname for Michelle (and formerly as a variant of Shirley). Shelley is also a transferred surname used by those in Essex, Suffolk and Yorkshire, particularly in settlements where a wood/clearing was beside a ledge or hillside. Shelly is a common alternative spelling. The surname Smith: Smith is an occupational surname originating in England. It is the most prevalent surname in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, and the fifth most common surname in Ireland. In America, the surname Smith is particularly prevalent among those of English, Scottish, and Irish descent, but is also a common surname among African-Americans, which can be attributed either to African slaves having been given the surname of their masters, or to being an occupational name, as some southern African-Americans took this surname to reflect their or their father's trade. Shelley is a distinctive first name, carried by approximately 76K people globally, with the highest concentration in United States. The name Shelley reached peak popularity in the 1970s, reflecting the naming trends of that era.

Etymology & Origin

First Name: Shelley

English

Shelley is a given name and surname. In many baby name books, Shelley is listed as meaning 'meadow's edge' or 'clearing on a bank'. It is Old English in origin. As with many other names (Courtney, Ashley, etc.), Shelley is today a name given almost exclusively to girls after historically being male. It is commonly used as a nickname for Michelle (and formerly as a variant of Shirley). Shelley is also a transferred surname used by those in Essex, Suffolk and Yorkshire, particularly in settlements where a wood/clearing was beside a ledge or hillside. Shelly is a common alternative spelling.

Surname: Smith

Meaning: metalworker, blacksmith

Irish

Smith is an occupational surname originating in England. It is the most prevalent surname in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, and the fifth most common surname in Ireland. In America, the surname Smith is particularly prevalent among those of English, Scottish, and Irish descent, but is also a common surname among African-Americans, which can be attributed either to African slaves having been given the surname of their masters, or to being an occupational name, as some southern African-Americans took this surname to reflect their or their father's trade.

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Geographic Distribution

The first name Shelley is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:

United States 52%
United Kingdom 27%
Australia 13%
Canada 9%

Popularity Over Time

Popularity of the name Shelley by decade, based on birth registration data:

1900s
1910s
1920s
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
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Notable People Named Shelley Smith

People listed above share this name. Listed for informational purposes only. Source: Wikipedia.

Numerology

According to Pythagorean numerology, each letter in a name carries a numerical value. Here are the key numbers for Shelley Smith:

11
Expression Number

Intuition and inspiration (Master Number 11). Amplifies spiritual awareness, creative vision and sensitivity.

1
Soul Urge Number

Leadership and independence. This number suggests a self-reliant, ambitious and pioneering personality that forges its own path.

1
Personality Number

Leadership and independence. This number suggests a self-reliant, ambitious and pioneering personality that forges its own path.

Numerology is a cultural tradition for exploring symbolism in names. Results are for entertainment purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the first name Shelley?
The first name Shelley originates from English. Shelley is a given name and surname. In many baby name books, Shelley is listed as meaning 'meadow's edge' or 'clearing on a bank'. It is Old English in origin. As with many other names (Courtney, Ashley, etc.), Shelley is today a name given almost exclusively to girls after historically being male. It is commonly used as a nickname for Michelle (and formerly as a variant of Shirley). Shelley is also a transferred surname used by those in Essex, Suffolk and Yorkshire, particularly in settlements where a wood/clearing was beside a ledge or hillside. Shelly is a common alternative spelling.
When was Shelley most popular?
The name Shelley reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.
What is the origin of the surname Smith?
The surname Smith originates from Irish. Smith is an occupational surname originating in England. It is the most prevalent surname in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, and the fifth most common surname in Ireland. In America, the surname Smith is particularly prevalent among those of English, Scottish, and Irish descent, but is also a common surname among African-Americans, which can be attributed either to African slaves having been given the surname of their masters, or to being an occupational name, as some southern African-Americans took this surname to reflect their or their father's trade.
What are the origins of the name Shelley Smith?
The name Shelley Smith combines two different traditions: the first name Shelley has English roots, while the surname Smith originates from Irish.
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