Find out how popular the first name Cher has been for the last 47 years (from 1974 to 2020) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Cher by gender

Based on the last 47 years of data, Cher is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 86% of people named Cher being female.

For the most recent data in 2020, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Cher.

The history of the first name Cher

The name Cher has its origins in the French language, where it is a shortened form of the feminine name Chère, meaning "dear" or "beloved." This name can be traced back to the Old French chiere, derived from the Latin cara, meaning "precious" or "valued."

In the Middle Ages, the name Chère was commonly used as a term of endearment, particularly in French literature and poetry. It was a popular name among the French nobility and upper classes during this period.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Cher can be found in the 12th-century French epic poem "The Song of Roland," where it is mentioned as a term of affection. The name also appears in various medieval French texts and manuscripts.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Cher. One of the earliest was Cher Ami, a famous homing pigeon during World War I, who received the Croix de Guerre medal for her bravery in delivering a crucial message despite being shot and injured.

In the realm of literature, Cher Herta Victor was a French author and playwright who lived from 1897 to 1967. Her works, including the play "Le Renard et les Raisins" (The Fox and the Grapes), were widely acclaimed.

Another notable figure was Cher Bono, the American singer, actress, and TV personality, born in 1946. She rose to fame as part of the duo Sonny & Cher and later enjoyed a successful solo career, winning numerous awards and becoming a cultural icon.

In the world of fashion, Cher Horowitz was the name of the protagonist in the 1995 film "Clueless," played by Alicia Silverstone. The character's name became synonymous with a particular style and attitude, influencing fashion trends of the time.

Additionally, Cher Thornton was a British singer and songwriter, born in 1959, who achieved success in the 1980s with hits like "Shake the Bamboo" and "Walking on the Broken Glass."

The name Cher, with its French roots and connotations of affection, has been embraced across various cultures and eras, leaving an indelible mark on history through the accomplishments of those who bore it.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Cher was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Cher, please contact us.

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