The name Shirelle debuted impressively in the U.S. baby name data 1961:
- 1963: 25 baby girls named Shirelle
- 1962: 19 baby girls named Shirelle
- 1961: 21 baby girls named Shirelle [debut]
- 1960: unlisted
- 1959: unlisted
The variant spelling Shirell debuted that year as well.
What influenced both of these names?
The Shirelles, a New Jersey-based girl group made up teenagers Shirley Owens, Doris Coley, Addie “Micki” Harris, and Beverly Lee.
Signed in the late 1950s, the foursome became famous in the early 1960s with a string of hits including “Tonight’s the Night,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” (which ranked #1 on Billboard‘s Hot 100 chart for two weeks in early 1961), and “Mama Said.”
Here’s the audio of their biggest hit, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow”:
The group’s name — likely inspired by that of The Chantels — was created by combining the initial syllable of Shirley’s name with the French feminine ending –elle.
Which name do you like better, Shirelle or Chantel?
Sources: The Shirelles – Wikipedia, SSA
Image: Clipping from the cover of The Cash Box magazine (15 Apr. 1961)
