Declining since 1985, #5,045 for boys today.
Popularity of Sherman since 1880
Babies named Sherman per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1950, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Sherman's real moment was 1894.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 615 |
| 1890s | 766 |
| 1900s | 838 |
| 1910s | 3,372 |
| 1920s | 5,059 |
| 1930s | 4,833 |
| 1940s | 5,456 |
| 1950s | 5,787 |
| 1960s | 4,296 |
| 1970s | 3,280 |
| 1980s | 2,248 |
| 1990s | 1,351 |
| 2000s | 715 |
| 2010s | 416 |
| 2020s | 158 |
Meaning & origin
Sherman is an English occupational surname turned given name, with its roots in the trade of shearing wool or cloth. It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1880 and reached its peak popularity in 1894, when it was most often chosen for boys. The name's trajectory has been falling since 1985, and by 2025 it ranked 5,045th, with a rarity of 1 in 89,899 births. Though not currently fashionable, Sherman carries a sturdy, historic feel, reminiscent of the late 19th century when it was most common. Its decline over the past four decades places it among once-familiar names that are now seldom heard, appealing to parents seeking an old-fashioned, straightforward choice.
Sherman is an English occupational surname derived from the Middle English 'sherman' or 'scherman', meaning 'shearer of wool cloth' or 'sheep-shearer'. It originated as a trade name for someone who trimmed the nap from finished cloth or sheared sheep. The name transitioned to a given name in the 19th century, particularly in the United States, where it was sometimes bestowed in honor of General William Tecumseh Sherman, a Union general in the Civil War. It saw peak use in the 1890s but has since declined.
Where Sherman is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys 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: Sherm, Manny
Sibling names for Sherman
Names that share Sherman's style, for a brother or sister.
