name
Uncommon
Shelley
SHEH-lee
Shelley (name) means the English Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792 to 1822), known for works like "Ozymandias.". Example: “Students studied Shelley's poetry alongside that of Byron and Keats.”
name
1
The English Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792 to 1822), known for works like "Ozymandias."
"Students studied Shelley's poetry alongside that of Byron and Keats."
2
A given name, used for both men and women, taken from the surname.
"Shelley started her own bakery downtown."
How to use Shelley
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBest known as the surname of the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley; also a common first name.
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Students studied _____'s poetry alongside that of Byron and Keats.
Etymology
From Old English, meaning roughly "clearing on a riverbank."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for Shelley
See all rhymes for Shelley →Frequently asked questions
What does “Shelley” mean?
The word “Shelley” means the English Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792 to 1822), known for works like "Ozymandias.". In plain terms, best known as the surname of the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley; also a common first name.
How do you pronounce “Shelley”?
“Shelley” is pronounced SHEH-lee (/ˈʃɛli/ in IPA).
How do you use “Shelley” in a sentence?
Here is “Shelley” used in a sentence: “Students studied Shelley's poetry alongside that of Byron and Keats.”
What part of speech is “Shelley”?
“Shelley” is a name.
Where does the word “Shelley” come from?
The word “Shelley” comes from Old English. From Old English, meaning roughly "clearing on a riverbank.".
Is “Shelley” a common word?
“Shelley” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Shelley” have?
“Shelley” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the English Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792 to 1822), known for works like "Ozymandias.".
Is "Shelley" a man's name or a woman's name?
"Shelley" is a given name used for both men and women, in addition to being closely associated with the English Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. Context usually clarifies which reference is intended.
What is Percy Bysshe Shelley known for?
Percy Bysshe Shelley was an English Romantic poet who lived from 1792 to 1822 and is known for works such as "Ozymandias." His surname, "Shelley," is also used independently as a given name.
Does "Shelley" always refer to the poet?
No, "Shelley" is also a common given name for both men and women, unrelated to the poet in most everyday use. Only context indicates whether a reference is to the historical writer or to a personal name.
