Sherika is a unique and distinctive feminine given name of American origin. It is believed to have been created by the author Sheri S. Tepper for her character Sherika in her science fiction novel "The Squatting Mind." The name gained popularity in the United States during the late 20th century, possibly due to its unique sound and association with the popular culture of the time.
The meaning of Sherika is not explicitly clear as it was created by Tepper for literary purposes rather than being derived from an existing word or language. However, some people have interpreted it to mean "sweet and enchanting" which could be inferred from the combination of its two most common components, "Sheri" and "ka."
There is no significant historical figure associated with the name Sherika, nor any major cultural references beyond its appearance in Tepper's novel. Nevertheless, it remains a unique and memorable name choice for parents looking for something distinctive for their daughters. In recent years, its popularity has declined somewhat but it still appears occasionally in baby name rankings.
In terms of its use around the world, Sherika is primarily found in English-speaking countries, particularly the United States. It has not gained significant traction in other languages or cultures, likely due to its American origin and relatively short history.
Overall, Sherika is a unique and distinctive feminine given name with an American origin and no explicit meaning. While it may not have the historical or cultural significance of some older names, it remains a memorable choice for parents looking for something different for their daughters.
Based on the statistical data provided, the name Sherika experienced a significant rise in popularity during the late 1970s to early 1980s in the United States. The number of births for this name began at a low of 10 in 1971 but steadily increased over time.
The peak years for the name Sherika were from 1978 to 1982, during which it consistently ranked among the most popular names each year:
* In 1978, there were 94 births, marking a significant increase from previous years.
* This number peaked in 1982 with 125 births, indicating that Sherika was quite popular during this period.
However, after reaching its peak, the popularity of the name began to decline steadily:
* By 1990, there were only 91 births, a significant decrease from the peak years.
* This downward trend continued into the late 1990s and early 2000s, with just 6 births in 2000 and 5 births each year from 2001 to 2003.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate that while Sherika was once a popular name in the United States, its popularity has since waned over time.