Cheryl
Cheryl is one of those names that appears in the early 20th century without a clear etymology. It may be a blend of "Charlotte" and "Beryl," or a coinage from the suffix "-yl" popular at the time. The name first appears in records around 1900 and became wildly popular in the mid-20th century. Cheryl was a top-30 American name from 1946 to 1962, peaking at #13 in 1956. The peak was so concentrated that Cheryl now reads as definitively mid-century. Cheryl Crane, the daughter of actress Lana Turner, was at the center of a 1958 scandal when she killed her mother's abusive boyfriend at age 14. Cheryl Ladd (born 1951) replaced Farrah Fawcett on "Charlie's Angels" and became a star in her own right. Cheryl has been outside the US top 1000 since 1998. The name has a slightly dated quality — the "ch" opening and the "yl" ending both feel mid-century. But Cheryl Strayed (born 1968), author of the memoir "Wild" (2012), has given the name a more contemporary literary association in recent decades. Cheryl is a female name of English (modern coinage) origin that means "Unknown (possibly blend of Charlotte and Beryl)". Mid-century, friendly, and direct. The name sounds capable. Cheryls tend to be warm. US peaked #13 in 1956. Outside top 1000 since 1998. Well-known people named Cheryl include Cheryl Ladd (actress), Cheryl Strayed (author), Cheryl Tiegs (model), Cheryl (fictional, various). Common variations and related forms of Cheryl include Cherie (related), Cher (short form), Sheryl (variant spelling), Cheryl (variant).