Shanley is a surname of Irish origin, anglicised from any of the following Gaelic phrases:
Mac Seanlaoich meaning 'son of Seanlaoch'Nic Sheanlaoich meaning 'daughter of Seanlaoch'Ó Seanlaoich perhaps? meaning 'descendant of a son of Seanlaoch 'Ní Sheanlaoich perhaps? meaning 'descendant of a daughter Seanlaoch'Those bearing it include the following:
American Catholic priests:Paul Shanley (born 1931), defrocked priest & convicted child-rapistBrian J. Shanley, priest of the Order of Preachers & president of Providence CollegeOthers:Bernard M. Shanley (1903-1992), associate of U.S. President EisenhowerGib Shanley (1931-2008), sports anchor/reporterMary Lyndon Shanley (born 1944), feminist legal scholarJohn Patrick Shanley (born 1950), American playwrightMai Shanley (born c. 1963), beauty queenEleanor Shanley, Irish vocalist