Declining since 1985, #4,352 for girls today.
Popularity of Cheryl since 1909
Babies named Cheryl per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 5 |
| 1910s | 70 |
| 1920s | 268 |
| 1930s | 1,300 |
| 1940s | 70,959 |
| 1950s | 171,387 |
| 1960s | 135,650 |
| 1970s | 40,393 |
| 1980s | 14,319 |
| 1990s | 3,317 |
| 2000s | 1,036 |
| 2010s | 612 |
| 2020s | 223 |
Meaning & origin
Cheryl reached its peak popularity in 1958, when it was a top choice for girls across the country. The name remained in the top 1,000 through the mid-1990s but has since experienced a steady decline; its trajectory has been falling since 1985. As of the latest data for 2025, Cheryl ranks 4,352nd, given to roughly 1 in every 50,227 girls. While no individual states stood out in recent records, the name’s mid-century ubiquity ensures it remains a recognized and familiar choice. First recorded in the United States in 1909, Cheryl exemplifies the modern invented names of the early 1900s that blended pleasant sounds and fashionable elements.
Cheryl emerged in the early 20th century as a newly coined English name. It is widely believed to blend Cherry (a fruit name sometimes used as a given name) with the -yl ending of Beryl (a gemstone name of Greek origin). Alternatively, it may derive from the French endearment chérie ('darling'), or be a feminine elaboration of Charles. The name gained traction in the United States during the 1940s and became a defining name of the mid-20th century.
Where Cheryl is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cher, Cherie, Sherry, Cheri
Sibling names for Cheryl
Names that share Cheryl's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Cynthia, Deborah, Pamela, Sharon, Janice, Diane, Leanne, Charmaine, Denice, Sharla, Sherrill, Cherilyn, Denese, Janise, Lauralee, Laurene, Leeanne, Sharell, Sherilyn, Sherrell, Balinda, Bobbette, Charmane, Jenene, Leasa, Machell, Scherry, Sharlee, Sharrell, Shelisa, Sheran, Sherian, Sherida, Sheril, Sherlin, Sherrel, Shery, Stepheny, Teryl, Candus, Cherina, Cherron, Darleny, Dawnn, Delise, Karelyn, Keryn, Pamula, Sherill, Sherran, Sherrian, Chermaine, Chalene, Geryl, Jamice, Lacheryl, Lorann, Royanne, Sharilynn, Sherilee, Sheritha, Sherleen, Sherryann, Sherryll, Shirla
Brothers: Gary, Ronald, Dennis, Larry, Keith, Darryl, Lamont, Rickey, Darin, Laron, Sherron, Terryl, Donnelle, Shermaine, Veryl, Shiron
Names like Cheryl
Names whose popularity has moved with Cheryl's over the last 50 years.
