Cheryl is a feminine given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old German word "cheruskan," which referred to an ancient Germanic tribe known as the Cheruscans. The name Cheryl was popularized in the United States during the mid-20th century, particularly after the release of the 1957 film "Cheri," a French drama starring Dean Martin and Shirley MacLaine.
While there is no specific meaning attributed to the name Cheryl, it is believed to have been associated with nobility or strength due to its origins. Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne this name, such as Cheryl Ladd (an American actress), Cheryl Miller (a former professional basketball player), and Cheryl Tiegs (an American model). Despite being less commonly used today than in the past, Cheryl remains a classic choice for parents looking for an enduring yet distinctive name for their daughters.
The name Cheryl has had a fascinating journey in popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1909 and 1922, it was relatively uncommon, with only five to 28 births per year. However, starting from 1923, there was a significant increase in its popularity, with 28 births that year.
From 1923 onwards, the name Cheryl began to gain traction and its popularity grew steadily. In 1927, it reached 32 births, and by 1934, it had doubled to 60 births. The trend continued, reaching 145 births in 1937.
The post-World War II era saw an unprecedented surge in the popularity of the name Cheryl. In 1943, there were 2878 births, and by 1946, it had more than tripled to 11526 births. The peak popularity of the name occurred in 1957 with a staggering 24121 births.
However, like many names, Cheryl's popularity began to decline after its peak. From 1958 onwards, there was a steady decrease until it reached 307 births in 1994. The late 1990s and early 2000s saw another slight increase, but since then, the name Cheryl has become quite rare again.
In recent years, Cheryl's popularity has continued to decline, with only 29 births reported in 2020 and 31 in 2023. Despite this decline in popularity, it is interesting to note that from 1909 to 2023, a total of 439459 babies named Cheryl were born in the United States.
This statistical journey of the name Cheryl demonstrates how fashion and trends can greatly influence naming choices over time. While once a popular choice, Cheryl has now fallen out of favor in recent years. However, its historical popularity ensures that it remains a significant part of American naming history.