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Choosing a name for a baby can be one of the most exciting, yet challenging, tasks new parents face. One name that has been growing in popularity over the years is Shelly. Whether it’s for a boy, girl, or unisex, there are many similar names to consider. In this article, we have compiled a list of various names, including the meaning and origin, that will surely help you in your quest for the perfect name.
Boy Names Like Shelly
If you’re thinking about giving your son a name similar to Shelly, some of the top picks include Shawn, Shane, Sheldon, Shayne, and Shelby.
Shawn is a popular name of Irish origin that means “God is gracious.” Shane is also of Irish origin and means “gift from God.” Sheldon, meaning “from the hill on the ledge,” is of Old English origin and often associated with the character Sheldon Cooper from the popular TV series ‘The Big Bang Theory’. Shayne, spelling variant of Shane, means “God is gracious.” And finally, Shelby is of Old Norse origin and means “estate on the ledge.”
It’s important to consider the meaning and origin of a name when choosing one for your child. Some parents also choose to honor a family member or cultural tradition when selecting a name. Whatever your criteria may be, take your time and choose a name that you and your child will be happy with for years to come.
Girl Names Like Shelly
For girls, there are several names similar to Shelly that you can consider, including Shelley, Shelby, Shyla, Shiloh, and Sheila.
Shelley is a popular girl’s name of English origin that means “clearing on a bank.” Shelby is the same as the male version and also means “estate on the ledge.” Shyla, meaning “daughter of the mountain,” is of Hindu origin. Shiloh is of Hebrew origin and means “peaceful.” Sheila is of Irish origin and means “blind.”
If you are looking for a more unique name similar to Shelly, you may want to consider the name Shellsea. This name is a modern variation of Shelly and has a similar sound and spelling. Shellsea is not a common name, so it could be a great choice if you want a name that is both familiar and distinctive.
Unisex Names Like Shelly
If you’re looking for unisex names that are similar to Shelly, some of the top choices include Sheridan, Sheldon, Shay, and Shea.
Sheridan is of Gaelic origin and means “wild person.” Sheldon, as mentioned before, means “from the hill on the ledge.” Shay and Shea are both Irish names that mean “admirable.”
Another unisex name that is similar to Shelly is Shelby. It is of Old Norse origin and means “estate on the ledge.” Shelby has been a popular name since the 1920s and has been used for both boys and girls.
Unique Names Like Shelly
If you’re looking for something truly unique, names like Shelly include Shenley, Sholto, Shandon, Shaelin, and Shirell.
Shenley is of English origin and means “bright clearing.” Sholto is of Scottish origin and means “sower of seeds.” Shandon, of Irish origin, means “hill of the old fort.” Shaelin, spelling variant of Shaylyn, is of Irish origin and means “God’s gift.” Shirell is of Old English origin and means “bright meadow.”
Another unique name that you may consider is Shalene, which is of French origin and means “solitary.” Another option is Shalimar, which is of Persian origin and means “abode of love.”
It’s important to note that while unique names can be a great way to stand out, they may also come with some challenges. People may have difficulty pronouncing or spelling the name, and the child may have to constantly correct others. It’s important to consider these factors before choosing a unique name for your child.
Long Names Like Shelly
If you’re a fan of longer names and want something similar to Shelly, consider names like Shantelle, Sharmaine, Sherryann, and Shennelle.
Shantelle is of French origin and means “stone.” Sharmaine is of English origin and means “protected by shield.” Sherryann is a combination of the names Sherry and Ann, both of which are quite popular on their own. Shennelle is a variation of Chanel, of French origin, meaning “pipe.”
Another option for a longer name similar to Shelly is Rochelle, which is of French origin and means “little rock.” It’s a classic name that has been popular for decades and has a similar sound to Shelly. Other variations of Rochelle include Richelle and Rachelle.
Short Names Like Shelly
If you prefer shorter names, some options similar to Shelly include Shell, Shel, Shae, and Shay.
Shell and Shel are shorter versions of the name Shelley. Shae and Shay have already been mentioned as popular Irish names!
Another option for a short name similar to Shelly is Elle. This name is of French origin and means “she”. It is a simple and elegant name that is easy to pronounce and spell.
For those who prefer a more unique short name, the name Zellie is a great option. It is a variation of the name Zella, which means “blessed”. Zellie is a cute and quirky name that is sure to stand out.
Shelly in Other Languages
Shelly, as a name, is predominantly used in English-speaking countries. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, there are similar names in other languages that you can consider too.
In Spanish, the name Shelly translates to “Conchas,” which means seashells. In Italian, it would be spelled as “Ciglio,” meaning “eyelash.” In French, Shelly would translate to “Coquille,” another term for seashell. In German, it would be spelled as “Schuppe,” meaning “scale,” and in Japanese, it would be written as “シェリー” (sherii).
It’s interesting to note that the popularity of the name Shelly has declined in recent years. In the United States, it was most popular in the 1950s and 60s, but has since fallen out of favor. However, variations of the name, such as Michelle and Shelby, remain popular choices for parents naming their daughters.
Where did the Name Shelly Come From?
The name Shelly is a variation of the name Shelley, which was originally an English surname. The surname originated from a place called Shelley in Essex, England. The name then became popularized as a given name in the 20th century, and the feminine variant gained more popularity.
In conclusion, there are plenty of names to consider if you’re looking for something similar to Shelly, whether for a boy, girl, or unisex. From conventional names to unique ones, the world of baby naming is limitless, and the final choice should be one that resonates with you and your family.
Interestingly, the name Shelly also has Hebrew origins and means “ewe” or “lamb.” In Hebrew culture, the name is often associated with gentleness and innocence. This adds another layer of meaning to the name and may be a consideration for those looking for a name with a deeper significance.