Shanley is a surname of Irish origin, anglicised from any of the following Gaelic phrases: Mac Seanlaoich meaning 'son of Seanlaoch' Ní Sheanlaoich possibly meaning 'descendant of a daughter Seanlaoch' Nic Sheanlaoich meaning 'daughter of Seanlaoch' Ó Seanlaoich possibly meaning 'descendant of a son of Seanlaoch'Those bearing it include the following: American Catholic priests: Brian J. Shanley, priest of the Order of Preachers & president of Providence College Paul Shanley, defrocked priest and convicted child-rapist Others: Barry Shanley, American news anchor and journalist Bernard M. Shanley, associate of U.S. President Eisenhower Charles Dawson Shanly, Irish-American writer and journalist Eleanor Shanley, Irish vocalist Frank Shanley, English footballer Francis R. Shanley, professor of engineering at the University of California, developed a theory of the strength of inelastic columns Gib Shanley, sports anchor/reporter John Patrick Shanley, American playwright Mai Shanley Wikipedia