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 experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable spike from 1938 onwards, reaching its peak in 1957 with 24,121 births. However, after this point, its usage began to decline steadily until it reached a low of 29 births in 2020 and 31 births in 2023.