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Cheryl

♀ Girl

Cheryl Pronunciation

Cheryl is 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 (2024)#3970 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births37 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1958

Total births (all-time)≈ 439,502

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

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

→ See all names like Cheryl

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Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Cheryl?

Cheryl is pronounced SHAIR-əl (/ˈʃɛr.əl/). Press play above to hear Cheryl said aloud.

How do you say Cheryl?

Cheryl is said SHAIR-əl (/ˈʃɛr.əl/). Press play above to hear Cheryl said aloud.

What does the name Cheryl mean?

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

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.