Declining since 1985, #7,885 for girls today.
Popularity of Sheryl since 1921
Babies named Sheryl per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 61 |
| 1930s | 527 |
| 1940s | 10,713 |
| 1950s | 30,384 |
| 1960s | 26,058 |
| 1970s | 7,356 |
| 1980s | 2,273 |
| 1990s | 749 |
| 2000s | 361 |
| 2010s | 243 |
| 2020s | 101 |
Meaning & origin
Sheryl entered U.S. records in 1921 and rose steadily, reaching its peak popularity in 1957 when it ranked among the top names. Since 1985, its usage has steadily declined; by 2025 it ranked 7,885 with only 1 in 123,636 newborns receiving the name. The name was most popular in New York state, reflecting its mid-century appeal in urban and suburban settings. While its exact etymology is debated, Sheryl carries a melodic, feminine sound that epitomized the naming trends of the 1950s. Today, it remains recognizable but uncommon, often seen as a vintage choice evoking mid-20th century Americana.
Sheryl is a feminine given name that emerged in the early 20th century, likely as a combination of the name Cherry and the popular suffix -yl (as in Beryl and Meryl). Alternatively, it may derive from the French word chérie, meaning "darling" or "beloved." The name gained popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, peaking in the 1950s.
Where Sheryl 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.
“Sheryl” around the world
Where Sheryl lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sher, Sheri, Cherry
Sibling names for Sheryl
Names that share Sheryl's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Linda, Susan, Deborah, Karen, Barbara, Jerilyn, Denita, Sherice, Tesha, Charmin, Roshelle, Dwanda, Sharmane, Sherrin, Charman, Kerline, Sharalee, Shenetta, Sherald, Sherlonda, Terilynn
Brothers: Gary, Larry, Terry, Ronald, Kenneth, Durell, Denell, Tedrick, Darvell, Davell, Ladell, Shawon, Jermine
