Shirley Cottrell

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Shirley Cottrell — English
747K People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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Shirley Cottrell is a name that combines English origins. The first name Shirley is a feminine given name of English origin. Shirley is a given name and a surname originating from the English place-name Shirley, which is derived from the Old English elements scire ("shire") or scīr ("bright, clear") and lēah ("wood, clearing, meadow, enclosure"). The name makes reference to the open space where the moot (an early English assembly of freemen which met to administer justice and discuss community issues) was held. The surname Cottrell: Alan Cottrell (1919–2012), British metallurgist and physicist Ann Cottrell Free, American journalist Anthony Cottrell, one of the investors in the Port Phillip Association Arthur Cottrell (1885–1918), American football coach Bill Cottrell (1944–2025), American football player Blair Cottrell, an Australian far-right extremist Chris Cottrell, American entrepreneur Con Cottrell, Irish sportsperson Dorthia Cottrell (born 1986), American singer and musician Elizabeth Cottrell (born 1975), American geologist Erin Cottrell (born 1975), American actress Frank Cottrell-Boyce, British screenwriter and n. Shirley is a well-known first name, carried by approximately 747K people globally, with the highest concentration in United States. The name Shirley reached peak popularity in the 1970s, reflecting the naming trends of that era.

Etymology & Origin

First Name: Shirley

English

Shirley is a given name and a surname originating from the English place-name Shirley, which is derived from the Old English elements scire ("shire") or scīr ("bright, clear") and lēah ("wood, clearing, meadow, enclosure"). The name makes reference to the open space where the moot (an early English assembly of freemen which met to administer justice and discuss community issues) was held.

Surname: Cottrell

Irish

Alan Cottrell (1919–2012), British metallurgist and physicist Ann Cottrell Free, American journalist Anthony Cottrell, one of the investors in the Port Phillip Association Arthur Cottrell (1885–1918), American football coach Bill Cottrell (1944–2025), American football player Blair Cottrell, an Australian far-right extremist Chris Cottrell, American entrepreneur Con Cottrell, Irish sportsperson Dorthia Cottrell (born 1986), American singer and musician Elizabeth Cottrell (born 1975), American geologist Erin Cottrell (born 1975), American actress Frank Cottrell-Boyce, British screenwriter and n.

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Geographic Distribution

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

United States 51%
United Kingdom 27%
Australia 12%
Canada 9%

Popularity Over Time

Popularity of the name Shirley 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 Shirley Cottrell

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 Shirley Cottrell:

3
Expression Number

Creativity and self-expression. Associated with artistic flair, optimism and sociability — a natural communicator.

7
Soul Urge Number

Wisdom and introspection. A deep, analytical mind drawn to philosophy, spirituality and the search for truth.

5
Personality Number

Freedom and adaptability. A dynamic, versatile personality that embraces change and seeks new experiences.

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 Shirley?
The first name Shirley originates from English. Shirley is a given name and a surname originating from the English place-name Shirley, which is derived from the Old English elements scire ("shire") or scīr ("bright, clear") and lēah ("wood, clearing, meadow, enclosure"). The name makes reference to the open space where the moot (an early English assembly of freemen which met to administer justice and discuss community issues) was held.
When was Shirley most popular?
The name Shirley reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.
What is the origin of the surname Cottrell?
The surname Cottrell originates from Irish. Alan Cottrell (1919–2012), British metallurgist and physicist Ann Cottrell Free, American journalist Anthony Cottrell, one of the investors in the Port Phillip Association Arthur Cottrell (1885–1918), American football coach Bill Cottrell (1944–2025), American football player Blair Cottrell, an Australian far-right extremist Chris Cottrell, American entrepreneur Con Cottrell, Irish sportsperson Dorthia Cottrell (born 1986), American singer and musician Elizabeth Cottrell (born 1975), American geologist Erin Cottrell (born 1975), American actress Frank Cottrell-Boyce, British screenwriter and n.
What are the origins of the name Shirley Cottrell?
The name Shirley Cottrell combines two different traditions: the first name Shirley has English roots, while the surname Cottrell originates from Irish.
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