Summary

Surname Shelly is of English origin and is believed to be a variant of the name Shelley. It can be traced back to the medieval period and has historical associations with England. The name is said to have originated from a place name meaning 'clearing on a bank' or 'bright meadow'.
There are
5134
Shellys in the USA
Shelly is the
6598th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Shelly

PercyBysshe

English Romantic poet, known for his lyrical poetry and radical political views.

MaryShelley

English novelist, best known for her Gothic novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus.

JaneShelley

American author and teacher, known for her novel The Stoneman.

SidneyShelley

American politician, served as a U.S. Congressman from Alabama.

ShelleyWinters

American actress, known for her roles in A Place in the Sun and The Diary of Anne Frank.

Shelly Genealogy

OriginsThe surname Shelly is of English origin.
Geographic DistributionThe surname is mainly found in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
VariationsVariations of the surname include Shelley, Schell, Schelley, Scholl, and Shelley-Baker.
Migration and ImmigrationMigration and immigration of individuals with the surname Shelly occurred during various times and in different places. Some notable instances include migration to the United States during the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly from Ireland and the United Kingdom. Reasons for migration and immigration include seeking better economic opportunities and escaping political or religious persecution.