Sherlock

“bright”

English origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#14018US 2022

5Births / yr

↓Falling

73All-time births

📅 Since 193000

How to pronounce Sherlock

SHER·lahk

/ˈʃɝ.ˌlɑk/ · stress on SHER · 2 syllables

“bright”

English origin · Boy name

What does Sherlock mean and where does it come from?

Sherlock is of Old English origin, derived from a surname that combines 'shire' meaning 'bright' and 'loc' meaning 'land' or 'clearing'. It became widely known through the fictional character Sherlock Holmes, the detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The character first appeared in 'A Study i

Cultural significance

Sherlock has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of old english.

Peak popularity

Reached #3260 in 1949 — currently #14018 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Sherlock?

Sherlock works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Sherlock Grace

How popular is Sherlock right now?

Falling — down 5872 spots — currently #14018 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1930–2022#14018 · Top 10%

1930

1955

2015

2022

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2022	#14018	5	▼ down 5872 · -44% births
2015	#8146	9	▼ down 4704 · +29% births
1955	#3442	7	▲ up 1097 · +40% births
1930	#4539	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Sherlock

Best Year1955Rank #3442

Peak Count9

Average Rank#7536

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1930 - 20224 years

The story of Sherlock

Sherlock entered American naming records in 1930 and has been in use for over 94 years. With 73 total births recorded, Sherlock remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4539 in 1930, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #14018 in 2022.

Names that peaked alongside Sherlock in 1949:

James Robert John William Michael

Sherlock by decade

Sherlock peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →

Decade	Births
1930s	5
1940s	7
1950s	7
1970s	5
2010s ★	49

💎Sherlock has only 73 total recorded births since 1930 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Sherlock?

Common

SheShieShyErlock

What names sound and feel like Sherlock?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Sherlock also consider these

Sherick

English · gifted leader

Shedrick

English · Hebrew

Sherrick

American · Possibly a variant

Cheslock

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Edrock

English · A English name

Hescock

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Mattlock

English · from the meadow

Henock

Ethiopia · Dedicated, consecrated

Common questions about the name Sherlock

What does the name Sherlock mean?

Sherlock means "Old English" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Sherlock?

Sherlock is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Sherlock?

Sherlock originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Sherlock?

Sherlock is a two-syllable name pronounced SH ER1 L AA2 K. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Sherlock a common or rare name?

Sherlock is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.