English Place-name Society

Survey of English Place-Names

A county-by-county guide to the linguistic origins of England’s place-names – a project of the English Place-Name Society, founded 1923.

Shirley

Early-attested site in the Parish of Owston

Historical Forms

  • Scherlay 1379 PT
  • Sherlaye haull 1552 NCWills
  • Shirlaye 1600 PRBw

Etymology

Shirley, Scherlay 1379 PT (p), Sherlaye haull 1552 NCWills, Shirlaye 1600 PRBw. 'Bright glade or clearing', v. scīr 2 , lēah .