Cheryl Name Meaning | Origin, History & Popularity
Cheryl is a female given name that has been popular for decades. It is of English origin and has a simple, straightforward meaning. This article will explore the meaning of Cheryl, its popularity, history, cultural significance, and famous people who bear the name.
Cheryl Name Meaning
The name Cheryl is of English origin and means “darling” or “beloved.” It is a variant of the French name Chérie, which is the feminine form of Chéri, meaning “dear” or “beloved.”
Popularity of Cheryl
Cheryl was at its peak of popularity in the 1950s and 1960s. It was consistently ranked in the top 20 most popular names for girls in the United States during those decades. However, its popularity has declined since then, and it is now a less common name. According to the Social Security Administration, Cheryl was not ranked in the top 1,000 most popular names for girls in 2020.
History of Cheryl
The name Cheryl became popular in the mid-20th century in the United States, although it has roots in both French and English history. It is a variant of the French name Chérie, which is derived from the word cher, meaning “dear” or “beloved.” The name was introduced to English speakers as a variant of the English name Shirley, which was popular in the 1930s and 1940s. Cheryl’s popularity soared in the 1950s and 1960s, and it was a common name for baby girls born during that time.
Cultural Significance of Cheryl
Cheryl has been associated with several notable figures in popular culture. In the 1960s, the American singer and actress Cheryl Ladd became famous for her role in the television series Charlie’s Angels. She helped to popularize the name among parents of baby girls during that decade.
The name Cheryl has also been featured in several popular songs, including “Cheryl’s Going Home” by Bob Lind and “Cheryl Tweedy” by Girls Aloud member Cheryl Cole. In addition, the name is associated with a character in the video game series Pokémon.
Famous People Named Cheryl
Several famous people bear the name Cheryl. Here are a few notable examples:
- Cheryl Ladd: An American actress and singer who rose to fame in the 1970s for her role in the television series Charlie’s Angels.
- Cheryl Cole: A British singer and television personality who was a member of the girl group Girls Aloud. She has also served as a judge on the television series The X Factor and The Greatest Dancer.
- Cheryl Burke: An American professional dancer who has appeared on the television series Dancing with the Stars. She has won the competition twice.
- Cheryl Dunye: An American filmmaker who has directed several feature films and documentaries, including The Watermelon Woman and Stranger Inside.
In conclusion, Cheryl is a simple, straightforward name of English origin that means “darling” or “beloved.” While it was once a very popular name, its popularity has declined in recent years. Despite this, the name has been associated with several notable figures in popular culture, including Cheryl Ladd and Cheryl Cole.