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Home › Baby Names Directory › Cheryl

Cheryl

♀ Girl

Pronounced SHAIR-əl /ˈʃɛr.əl/High

Meaning: 20th-century blend of Cherie ('darling') with the -yl of Beryl — 'beloved', mid-century beloved indeedMedium

In 30 seconds: Darling of the carpool generation: Cheryl blends French 'cherie' with Beryl's polish — a 1950s superstar name now ripening toward revival. Beloved, literally.
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Origin MediumFrench, American
Meaning20th-century blend of Cherie ('darling') with the -yl of Beryl — 'beloved', mid-century beloved indeed
U.S. rank (2025)#4376 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births32 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1958
Total births (all-time)≈ 439,534

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 195819092025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Cheryl arose in early-20th-century America, most readably a blend of Cherie, French 'darling, beloved', with the -yl flourish of Beryl (the routes are debated, which we note). It reigned mid-century and now rests in mom-and-grandma chic.

It registers thinly today. Rare, beloved at the root, and due a knowing revival.

Did you know? Cheryl barely existed before the 1920s, conquered mid-century America, and gave us Cheryls Ladd, Tiegs, and Strayed — a complete one-century life cycle awaiting its second act.
Overall data confidence 72%
Behind the Name — Cheryl — blend background

Variations

CheryleSherylCherilyn

Nicknames

Cher

Famous Bearers

  • ★Cheryl Strayed (1968–present)
    American author of the memoir Wild.

If you like Cheryl…

Carol— a fellow mid-century staple
Chanel— a fellow French choice
Annette— another French name
Paulette— another vintage pick
Lorraine— lands in the same popularity range

Explore names like Cheryl

By themeuncertainfrenchvintageblend
By meaningLove

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Cheryl mean?

Cheryl most readably blends Cherie, 'darling', with Beryl's ending; the routes are debated.

How do you pronounce Cheryl?

It's said SHAIR-əl /ˈʃɛr.əl/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Cheryl a boy or girl name?

Cheryl is a girl's name.

How popular is Cheryl?

Cheryl is a rare name for newborns in the U.S. today.

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