Shelley
sh(el)-ley
US Popularity:14189
Origin:British
Meaning:Clearing on a bank
Got a thing for tales that haunt the imagination? Let the name Shelley be your guide to some of the greatest monikers of Gothic lit. Old English in origin, Shelley comes from a place name that means “clearing on a bank.” While it may seem more feminine at first, it’s actually a rather popular family name, making it a suitable choice for book-nerdy boys and girls. Hats off to Mary Shelley for sweeping science fiction off its feet with Frankenstein, but let’s not forget her partner, poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, who also shares her legacy of pure literary genius.
Famous People Named Shelley
Wondering who else shares this name? Check out these well known people who made this baby name famous.
- Mary ShelleyAuthor
How Popular Is The Name Shelley?
U.S. Births
Overall:Shelley is currently #14189 in U.S. births
Girl:Shelley is currently #8280 in U.S. births
Yearly Ranking Change:
Year:
2025
Gender:
Girl
#8280
in 2025
+ 1150
from 2024
Was this page helpful?
Yes
No
Search Gender-Neutral Baby Names
Search by:
Article saved.Go to My Saved Articles
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List



























