The name Sherlyn is a modern English variant of the French name Cherlyne, which itself is derived from the Old French name Charleine. This name traces its roots back to the Germanic name Karlina, which was a feminine form of the male name Karl, meaning "free man" or "peasant farmer."

The earliest recorded use of the name Sherlyn can be found in England during the late 19th century, where it was likely influenced by the popularity of other names with similar sounds, such as Shirley and Arlene. It gained some traction in the early 20th century, particularly in the United States, where it was seen as a fashionable and modern alternative to more traditional names.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Sherlyn was Sherlyn Crisler, an American actress born in 1908 who appeared in several films during the 1930s and 1940s. Another notable early bearer of the name was Sherlyn Oppenheim, an American historian and academic who lived from 1920 to 2008.

In the mid-20th century, the name Sherlyn gained further recognition when it was given to the character Sherlyn Fenn on the popular television series Twin Peaks, which aired from 1990 to 1991. The actress who portrayed her, Sherlyn Fenn, was born in 1965 and helped popularize the name during this period.

Another famous Sherlyn was Sherlyn Chopra, an Indian actress and model born in 1984, who gained notoriety for being one of the first Indian actresses to appear in a Playboy magazine pictorial. She has appeared in numerous Bollywood films and television shows throughout her career.

While the name Sherlyn has never been among the most popular names in English-speaking countries, it has maintained a steady presence over the past century, appreciated for its unique sound and modern flair.