Cheryl
Meaning: Bowman; one who shoots arrows
Origin: Old French archier — occupational surname for a skilled archer or bowman
Gender: Girl
Rank in Australia: #79
Total births: 7,212
History: Cheryl peaked in the 1960s-70s as a defining name of Australian suburbia. The name represents the generation of women who lived through Australia's greatest suburban expansion — new houses, new communities, and a new Australian identity being forged in the outer suburbs.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Australia’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (1972) | #94 |
| Babies named Cheryl in 1972 | 101 |
| Total recorded in Australia | 7,212 |
| Peak year | 1953 (602 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #11 |
| Years in records | 1952–1972 (21 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 50 spots |
Frequently asked about Cheryl
What does the name Cheryl mean?
Cheryl means “Bowman; one who shoots arrows” from Old French archier — occupational surname for a skilled archer or bowman roots.
What is the origin of the name Cheryl?
Cheryl has Old French archier — occupational surname for a skilled archer or bowman origin. The traditional meaning is “Bowman; one who shoots arrows”.
How popular is Cheryl in Australia?
Cheryl ranked #94 in Australia in 1972 — given to 101 babies that year.
When was Cheryl most popular?
Cheryl peaked in 1953 with 602 babies registered that year in Australia.
Is Cheryl a boy or girl name?
Cheryl is predominantly a girls' name in Australia — over 90% of Cheryls in registered births are female.
Is the name Cheryl rising or falling in popularity?
Cheryl has fallen 50 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in Australia — from #44 in 1967 to #94 in 1972.
How long has Cheryl been recorded in Australia?
Cheryl appears in birth records in Australia across 21 years — from 1952 through 1972.