Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Sherman has its roots in Old English, meaning 'shearer'. It has evolved through various forms over the centuries. The name is associated with strength and has gained popularity in America, particularly during the 19th century. It does not have biblical relevance, yet it is linked to notable historical figures.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈʃɜːrmən/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Sherman derives from the Old English term 'sciere-man', which means 'shearer' or 'one who shaves'. It was historically used to denote individuals who were involved in the wool trade, specifically those who sheared sheep.
Meaning
shearer
Language Evolution
Sciere-man (Old English), Schereman (Middle English), Sherman (Modern English)
Historical Usage
The name Sherman became popular in the United States in the 19th century, partly due to the prominence of figures such as General William Tecumseh Sherman during the American Civil War.
Variants & Derivatives
Sherm, Sher, Sherry
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Sherman is viewed as a classic surname that has also become a first name. It carries connotations of strength and resilience due to its historical associations.
Famous People
William Tecumseh Sherman, Sherman Hemsley, Sherman Alexie
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Moderately Popular name with 644 peak births in 1951
Geographic Spread
Popular across 45 US states, with strongest presence in West Virginia
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (1 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 1 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 244th of 7545 | 8,160 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 248th of 6773 | 9,054 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 320th of 7552 | 10,485 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 441st of 10718 | 5,432 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 721st of 16616 | 2,989 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1806th of 24088 | 1,151 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 3240th of 23106 | 426 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 6167th of 9107 | 27 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 5645th of 9204 | 38 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 5999th of 12526 | 76 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 11010th of 19264 | 36 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 17545th of 27321 | 26 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
16.24% 230th/1416 |
19.14% 264th/1379 |
8.83% 209th/2366 |
25.04% 286th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
15.91% 246th/1546 |
16.90% 263rd/1556 |
9.31% 219th/2353 |
18.94% 293rd/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
14.19% 316th/2227 |
15.06% 366th/2430 |
9.39% 268th/2853 |
15.21% 422nd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
15.19% 446th/2937 |
15.68% 546th/3483 |
9.55% 336th/3518 |
15.41% 623rd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
18.67% 688th/3685 |
19.49% 872nd/4475 |
11.47% 596th/5194 |
16.00% 1011th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
41.79% 1915th/4582 |
49.40% 2551st/5164 |
22.43% 1640th/7313 |
29.20% 2179th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
71.34% 2842nd/3984 |
79.30% 3558th/4487 |
53.28% 3635th/6822 |
63.67% 3996th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in West Virginia across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 244th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 248th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 320th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 441st out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 721st out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1806th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3240th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 6167th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 5645th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 5999th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 11010th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 17545th out of 27321 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.