cheryl

Cheryl is a female given name that gained popularity in English-speaking countries in the mid-20th century. Its exact origin is uncertain; it is commonly thought to be a modern coinage possibly derived from the French term cherie or from denoting a variation of Cherry, with the addition of traditional feminine suffix -el. The name peaked in use during the 1950s and 1960s in the United States and the United Kingdom and remains in use today, though less common.

Cheryl has several related forms and nicknames, including Cherry, Cherie, Cherlyn, Charla, and Charlene; diminutives such as Cher are also seen. The name has been used across different communities and cultures; in contemporary times, it is often associated with public figures and fictional characters rather than any single origin.

Notable bearers include Cheryl Tiegs (born 1947), an American model known for early prominence in the fashion industry; Cheryl Ladd (born 1951), an American actress; Cheryl Cole (born 1983), an English singer from Girls Aloud; Cheryl Hines (born 1965), an American actress; Cheryl Burke (born 1982), an American dancer; Cheryl Strayed (born 1968), an American writer; and Cheryl James (born 1964), a member of Salt-N-Pepa. The name remains a recognizable choice in some communities while being less common as a new baby name today.