SHELLY

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Shelly

Shelly is a British surname of Anglo-Saxon origin. The surname is derived from the Old English word "scylf" or "scelf," which means "shelf" or "rocky ledge." It is believed that the surname Shelly was used to describe someone who lived near a ledge or a rocky overhang.

The Shelly surname has been recorded in various forms throughout history, including Shelly, Shelley, and Shell. The name is most commonly found in southern England, particularly in counties such as Kent, Sussex, and Hampshire.

Historically, the Shelly family has been associated with occupations such as farming, fishing, and trade. Some notable individuals with the surname Shelly have made significant contributions to various fields, including literature, politics, and the arts.

Overall, the surname Shelly carries a sense of heritage and tradition within the British context, reflecting the rich history and diverse cultural landscape of the British Isles.

There are approximately 260 people named Shelly in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around four in a million people in Britain are named Shelly.

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Ireland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

Andrew
Brendan
Daniel
David
Dominick
John
Joseph
Michael
Oliver
Paul
Peter
Richard
Sebastian
Simon

Female

Christine
Elaine
Elisabeth
Elizabeth
Helen
Joyce
Katherine
Lesley
Louise
Michelle
Nicole
Rachel
Sarah
Shirley
Vanette

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.