Meaning & History
Cheryl is a feminine given name that emerged in the English-speaking world as an elaboration of Cherie, possibly influenced by Beryl. The name combines the French word chérie, meaning "darling" (from the past participle of chérir, "to cherish"), with the ending of Beryl, a gemstone name popular in the 19th century. Although rare before the 20th century, Cheryl saw a surge in popularity mid-century, particularly in the United States. It is also considered a variant of Charles (pronounced SHARL in French), though its primary usage has been feminine.
Historical Rise
Cheryl began gaining notice in the 1920s and reached its peak between the 1940s and 1970s. The name's rise in America is often credited to actress Cheryl Walker (1918–1971), who played a prominent role in the 1943 film Stage Door Canteen. After a period of high frequency in the 1950s, Cheryl steadily declined in use, becoming less common by the early 21st century.
Cultural Significance
The name has many spelling variants, including Cheri, Cherie, Cherryl, Sharyl, Sheree, and Sherie. Diminutives include Cher and Cherette, with Cher notably standing alone as the name of American singer and actress Cher (born Cherilyn Sarkisian). While Cheryl has predominantly been used as a feminine name, rare instances of masculine usage exist.
Notable Bearers
- Cheryl Walker (1918–1971), American actress who helped popularize the name
- Cheryl Ladd (born 1951), American actress, known for her role in Charlie's Angels
- Cheryl Crow (born 1962), American singer-songwriter
- Cherylynne ... [abbreviated for example]
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Cheryl