Rising since 2016, #8,243 for boys today.
Popularity of Sher since 1953
Babies named Sher per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s | 62 | 0 |
| 1960s | 22 | 0 |
| 1970s | 35 | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 | 59 |
| 1990s | 0 | 46 |
| 2000s | 0 | 10 |
| 2010s | 5 | 17 |
| 2020s | 0 | 45 |
Meaning & origin
Sher is a concise, modern-sounding name with an uncertain etymology. It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1980, but remains extremely rare, ranking 8,243rd in 2025 with just 1 in 189,786 newborns receiving it. The name has shown a rising trend since 2016, reaching its peak popularity in 2023, though still at a very low frequency. Sher has not been recorded in any U.S. state with sufficient frequency to list top states. Its similarity to the common word 'sher' (as in 'sheriff') or to names like 'Sheridan' may contribute to its occasional use. Due to its scarcity and unclear origins, Sher remains a distinctive choice without strong historical or cultural associations.
The name Sher is of uncertain origin. It may be a modern invention or a diminutive of longer names such as Sheridan or Sherwood. It could also be a transferred use of the English surname Sher, which itself derives from the Old English 'scir' meaning 'bright' or 'clear'. As a given name, Sher has seen sporadic use in the United States since the late 20th century.
Sibling names for Sher
Names that share Sher's style, for a brother or sister.
