Cheryl is a female given name of English origin, derived from the Old French name Cher, which means "dear" or "beloved". The name Cheryl was popularized in the mid-20th century by the singer Cheryl Lynn, known for her hit song "Got to Be Real". Before that, it was mostly used as a diminutive of the names Charlotte and Cher. Today, Cheryl is still considered a classic name with a touch of vintage charm. It is often associated with warmth, affection, and love due to its meaning.
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe the trends and patterns of the given name Cheryl over several decades in the United States.
Starting with just five births recorded in 1939, the number of babies named Cheryl began to rise steadily throughout the following years. The highest peak was reached between 1957 and 1964, during which time there were consistently high numbers of newborn girls given this name each year. Specifically, there were 42 births in 1957, 59 in 1958, 40 in 1959, and 48 in 1960; the peak was reached with 63 births named Cheryl in 1961.
However, after this peak period, there was a significant decline in popularity. Between 1965 and 1972, the number of babies named Cheryl ranged from 34 to 27 per year. This downward trend continued into the late seventies and early eighties, with fewer than ten births named Cheryl recorded annually between 1976 and 1987.
Despite this decline in popularity over time, it's worth noting that even after more than four decades, there were still babies born and named Cheryl as recently as 1990. While the name may not be as commonly used today compared to its peak years, it is clear that Cheryl remains a timeless choice for parents naming their daughters.
In total, according to these statistics, there have been 979 births of girls named Cheryl in the United States since 1939. This data set provides valuable insights into the popularity and trends of this particular name over time.