MallowbyNames

Sherwin

SHUR-win · Bright friend, from Old English elements meaning 'bright' and 'friend'.

2025 rank (boys)
#8,243
Babies named in 2025
9
Peak popularity
1935
2025 frequency
1 in 189,786 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Declining since 1986

Declining since 1986, #8,243 for boys today.

Popularity of Sherwin since 1912

Babies named Sherwin per year in U.S. Social Security records.

224466192019602000Most births 1935Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1910s103
1920s335
1930s485
1940s413
1950s461
1960s335
1970s493
1980s447
1990s323
2000s191
2010s119
2020s64

Meaning & origin

Sherwin is an English name derived from Old English elements meaning 'bright friend.' It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1912. The name achieved its peak popularity in 1935, when it ranked highest among American boys. Since 1986, its use has been steadily declining, and as of 2025 it ranks 8,243 with an estimated 1 in 189,786 newborns receiving the name. Despite its mid-century heyday, Sherwin remains a recognizable but uncommon choice today. Its nickname-friendly sound and surname heritage give it a sturdy, traditional feel.

Sherwin is derived from the Old English elements 'scīr' (bright) and 'wine' (friend). It originated as a surname and later came into use as a given name. The name saw its greatest popularity in the United States during the 1930s, peaking in 1935, and has since declined in use.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Sher, Win, Sherry

Sibling names for Sherwin

Names that share Sherwin's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

S is for Sherwin, our favorite little boy.

S is for Sherwin…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Sherwin's letter becomes Sherwin's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Sherwin's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Sherwin mean?
Sherwin means 'bright friend,' from the Old English elements 'scīr' (bright) and 'wine' (friend).
How popular is the name Sherwin?
As of 2025, Sherwin ranks 8,243 in the United States and is given to about 1 in 189,786 newborns. Its popularity peaked in 1935.
Is Sherwin a boy's name or a girl's name?
Sherwin is almost exclusively used as a boy's name.