Thurley
A girl's name of Old English origin with 70 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Only 70 babies have been named Thurley in recorded U.S. history. That level of rarity means your child would almost certainly be the only one in their school, their workplace, and most rooms they walk into — a genuinely one-of-a-kind choice.
Thurley is not in the current top 1,000 girl names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Thurley is a girl's baby name, possibly a variant of Shirley (of Old English origin meaning 'bright meadow') or derived from an English place name. Its Th- beginning gives it a slightly more unusual, distinguished character.
Shirley was enormously popular in the 1930s–40s thanks to actress Shirley Temple. Thurley offers a similar vintage meadow-name feel with a more uncommon beginning that sets it apart.
EtymologyShow more
Thurley first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 1911. Its appearance in the 1910s coincides with waves of immigration, cultural exchange, and the early decades of American popular culture — all of which introduced and popularized new names.
Its Old English classification suggests a path from old english linguistic traditions into American usage, though the specific route — whether through immigration, literature, or cultural exchange — would require deeper historical research.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Thurley has 9+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1911.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1930s | 7 | #3719 | ▼ |
| 1920s | 11 | #5103 | ▼ |
| 1910s | 52 | #2991 | — |
The Story of Thurley
A Greatest Generation name
Peaking in 1912, Thurley is a name steeped in history. Girls named Thurley are most likely born between 1911 and 1922.
How rare is Thurley?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Thurley is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1911, peaked in the 1910s with 52 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Thurley by the numbers
- Would fill 1 school bus
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(9 years, 1911–1935)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1935 | 7 | #3719 |
| 1929 | 5 | #5211 |
| 1924 | 6 | #4994 |
| 1917 | 6 | #4542 |
| 1916 | 6 | #4354 |
| 1914 | 6 | #3565 |
| 1913 | 8 | #2519 |
| 1912 | 14 | #1531 |
| 1911 | 12 | #1435 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thurley a boy's or girl's name?
When was Thurley most popular?
How popular is the name Thurley?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1911–1935