National Cheryl Day is celebrated on December 30 every year. The name Cheryl is a traditionally feminine name of Italo-Celtic origin. There have been many famous Cheryls throughout history, from actors to singers to politicians. Perhaps one of the most well-known fictional characters with this name is Cheryl Blossom from “Archie Comics,” and its latest T.V. adaptation, CBS and Warner Bros.’ “Riverdale.”
History of National Cheryl Day
Theories abound regarding the etymology of the name Cheryl. Some historians say it is either an Anglicized version of the French Cherie,” meaning ‘cherished’ or ‘beloved,’ or the Welsh Carys. Others think it is most likely a combination of Cherie (from the Latin ‘cara,’ which means ‘beloved’) and Beryl (which comes from the name of a green mineral whose varieties include precious stones such as emerald and aquamarine), which was popular in the early 2000s.
Pronounced “sheh-ruhl,” Cheryl has several variations such as Cheril, Cher, Sheryl, Cherilyn, and Cherrylle.
Four famous Cheryls stand out in the entertainment world: actress and model Cheryl Tiegs, actress Cheryl Ladd who starred in the T.V. hit series “Charlie’s Angels” in the 1970s, British actress Cheryl Campbell and actress Cheryl Chin.
In 1915, less than five girls were named Cheryl in the U.S but the name increased in popularity. The name enjoyed its highest popularity, ranking 13th in 1958 with 24,111 newborns given this name. It has seen its “lowest point” in 2018 in the U.S., ranking 2,898th.
National Cheryl Day timeline
Cheryl becomes a popular name ranking 36th across the U.S. and is registered 7,972 times as a girl’s name.
The character portrayed by Madelaine Petsch is introduced in “Betty and Veronica #320.”
British singer Cheryl Cole becomes a member of the pop group Girls Aloud, making her an overnight star.
Well-known American writer and podcast host Strayed is born; she is the author of four books, one of them is “Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail,” on which the film adaptation “Wild” starring Reese Witherspoon is based.
National Cheryl Day FAQs
When did parents start using Cheryl?
Many parents chose the name for their newborns starting in the 1900s; it became popular in the U.S. after the rise of Sherry.
What are Cheryl’s alternative spellings?
Some alternative spellings include Cheril, Cherylle, Cheryll, Cherill, Sharyl, Sharyll, Sharylle, and Sharil.
How popular was Cheryl?
Cheryl ranked 36th in 50 lists of girl names in America in 1944. It was included in the top 50 names until 1971 and the top 100 until 1975; in 1997, it was registered on the Social Security Popularity Index at number 986.
National Cheryl Day Activities
Show your appreciation
If you have a family member or friend named Cheryl, show you appreciate her. You may tell her its various meanings, and probably how she was so named. She will definitely value your input — and your kindness.
Read an “Archie” comics edition
Read these immensely popular comic book series that have printed thousands of copies for more than 75 years! It’s about four teenagers who try to understand the world around them.
Watch “Riverdale”
If you think you’d enjoy “Riverdale,” go watch it. You’ll encounter a character named Cheryl Blossom whose twin brother Jason meets a tragic death.
5 Interesting Facts About The Name Cheryl
One variation is short for Charity
Cheryl is thought to be a variation of Cherry, which is short for the name Charity.
There were only a few Cheryls
Only one out of every 37,861 baby girls born in 2021 was named Cheryl.
A Cheryl was raped by four men
A 21-year-old American named Cheryl Araujo was gang-raped in 1983 in a tavern in New Bedford, Massachusetts.
It means “beloved pool”
The variation Sheryl means “beloved pool” in Hebrew.
It has other meanings
Because it is of French and Greek origin, Cheryl means “cherry fruit” or “green gemstone.”
Why We Love National Cheryl Day
It’s a fun thought experiment
Names like Cheryl have multiple origins and meanings. It’s definitely fun to list and remember them.
It reminds us of the past
Certain names are like fossils. They can be reminders of words that are no longer used in languages that are scarcely spoken today.
It’s a time to appreciate loved ones
We love appreciating people. We fully endorse any “excuse” to show our appreciation to all the wonderful Cheryls around the world!
National Cheryl Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | December 30 | Monday |
| 2025 | December 30 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | December 30 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | December 30 | Thursday |
| 2028 | December 30 | Saturday |
Log In With Google 