Shirley Gates

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Shirley Gates — English
747K People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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Shirley Gates 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 Gates: Gates is a surname or English, German, Ashkenazi or French origin. The Gates family of Seattle, Washington. Members of this family include: Bill Gates (born 1955), co-founder of Microsoft and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Mary Maxwell Gates (1929–1994), American philanthropist, Bill's mother Melinda French Gates (born 1964), American philanthropist, ex-wife of Bill Gates Mimi Gardner Gates (born 1942), American art historian, William Sr.'s second wife William H. Gates, Sr. 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: Gates

French

Gates is a surname or English, German, Ashkenazi or French origin. The Gates family of Seattle, Washington. Members of this family include: Bill Gates (born 1955), co-founder of Microsoft and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Mary Maxwell Gates (1929–1994), American philanthropist, Bill's mother Melinda French Gates (born 1964), American philanthropist, ex-wife of Bill Gates Mimi Gardner Gates (born 1942), American art historian, William Sr.'s second wife William H. Gates, Sr.

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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 Gates

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 Gates:

4
Expression Number

Stability and hard work. Represents practicality, reliability and dedication — someone who builds solid foundations.

2
Soul Urge Number

Cooperation and sensitivity. A diplomatic, gentle nature with strong empathy, thriving in partnerships and harmony.

11
Personality Number

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

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 Gates?
The surname Gates originates from French. Gates is a surname or English, German, Ashkenazi or French origin. The Gates family of Seattle, Washington. Members of this family include: Bill Gates (born 1955), co-founder of Microsoft and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Mary Maxwell Gates (1929–1994), American philanthropist, Bill's mother Melinda French Gates (born 1964), American philanthropist, ex-wife of Bill Gates Mimi Gardner Gates (born 1942), American art historian, William Sr.'s second wife William H. Gates, Sr.
What are the origins of the name Shirley Gates?
The name Shirley Gates combines two different traditions: the first name Shirley has English roots, while the surname Gates originates from French.
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