Shelley
Peaked at #126 nationally in 1972, based on real US Social Security Administration birth records.
Girls vs. boys, all-time
Since 1892, Shelley has been recorded 98% of the time for girls and 2% of the time for boys.
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Shelley — Girls (United States)
FallingPeak rank
#126
in 1972
Current rank
#9430
in 2024
Years tracked
113
1892–2024
Trend
Falling
Tracked since 1892, Shelley reached its peak popularity for girls in 1972, ranking #126 nationally with 2,384 babies given the name that year.
Over the last 10 years of data, its rank has slipped from #6179 (2014) to #9430 (2024) — a 34% drop.
As of 2024, Shelley ranks #9430 nationally for girls, with 11 babies given the name that year.
Recent years
| Year | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | #9,430 | 11 |
| 2023 | #12,026 | 8 |
| 2022 | #13,372 | 7 |
| 2021 | #9,457 | 11 |
| 2020 | #7,517 | 15 |
| 2019 | #9,035 | 12 |
| 2018 | #9,072 | 12 |
| 2017 | #9,267 | 12 |
Shelley — Boys (United States)
FallingPeak rank
#772
in 1899
Last ranked
#12036
in 2001
Years tracked
98
1893–2001
Trend
Falling
Tracked since 1893, Shelley reached its peak popularity for boys in 1899, ranking #772 nationally with 9 babies given the name that year.
Shelley hasn't appeared among the national top ranks for boys since 2001, when it stood at #12036.
Recent years
| Year | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | #12,036 | 5 |
| 1998 | #6,225 | 10 |
| 1995 | #5,844 | 10 |
| 1991 | #9,413 | 5 |
| 1990 | #7,964 | 6 |
| 1989 | #7,765 | 6 |
| 1988 | #7,114 | 6 |
| 1987 | #7,959 | 5 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, National Data, 1880–2024.
Similar trajectory
Other names that peaked around the same era and rose or fell on a comparable curve.
Based on US data — girls' names only.
Common Questions
When was Shelley most popular?
Shelley was most popular in 1972, when it ranked #126 nationally for girls — the highest rank it has reached in this data.
Is Shelley becoming more or less popular?
For girls, it's currently falling; for boys, it's currently falling, based on the last decade of SSA data.
How many babies have been named Shelley?
At least 74,326 babies have been recorded with the name Shelley in the US since 1892, according to Social Security Administration birth records.
Looking for more name ideas like Shelley? Try the Baby Name Generator or compare it against other names on the Name Trends hub.