Cheryl is a feminine given name with multiple origins. The name might have originated as a combination of the name Beryl with the prefix Cher- from the French chérie, meaning darling (from the past participle of the verb chérir, to cherish). The name has also been considered a variant of Charles, which is pronounced SHARL in French. Cheryl has been in use as a feminine name since the early 19th century. It came into greater use in the 1920s and was at the height of popularity between 1944 and 1979. It has many spelling variations. It has also been in rare use as a masculine name. Notable people with the first name include:
