"shearer of woolen cloth, cloth cutter"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Sherman
Pronunciation: [ sh-ERM-uhn ]
Does Sherman flow with your last name?
A dignified vintage name with Civil War heritage
American
English
Jewish
Vintage
Strong
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Traditional
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
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Things to Know About This Name
- General William Tecumseh Sherman's March to the Sea (1864) was one of the most destructive military campaigns in American history — the name carries this historical weight in the American South
The Story of Sherman
Sherman is an English occupational surname-turned-given name, derived from the Old English 'scearmann' meaning shearer of cloth, specifically one who sheared the nap from woolen cloth to create a smooth finish. Like many English occupational names (Mason, Fletcher, Cooper, Taylor), it became a family surname in the Middle Ages and later transitioned into use as a given name. It was particularly popular as a first name in the United States in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Sherman peaked in American popularity in the 1920s-1950s, when old-fashioned professional and dignified-sounding names were in vogue. It has steadily declined since mid-century. The name carries a distinctly mid-20th century American feel — very popular among Jewish Americans as well as the general population.
General William Tecumseh Sherman (1820-1891) is the most historically prominent Sherman, famous for his 'march to the sea' during the Civil War. The name also appears in beloved pop culture through Sherman from the Rocky and Bullwinkle cartoon (Sherman, the boy who operates the WABAC time machine with Mr. Peabody).
Historical Record
Sherman first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 18,234 babies have been named Sherman in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Sherman is past its peak , currently ranked #4,733 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Sherman tanks — the most widely used American tank of World War II — were named after General William Tecumseh Sherman
- Sherman (the boy with Mr. Peabody's WABAC time machine) appeared in Rocky and Bullwinkle from 1959-1964 and was later revived in the 2014 film
- Sherman as a first name was particularly popular among Jewish American families in the early 20th century
Sherman in Other Languages
English
Sherman
Popularity Over Time
#4,733
Current Rank
Peaked 1950
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Sherman
S
Sherman Hemsley
Actor
1938
American actor best known as George Jefferson in The Jeffersons (1975-1985)
W
William Tecumseh Sherman
Military
1820
Union Army General in the American Civil War, known for his March to the Sea through Georgia
S
Sherman (Mr. Peabody's boy) Fictional
Other
Boy character in the Rocky and Bullwinkle animated series who travels through time with his dog Mr. Peabody
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Compare Sherman with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #4,733
- Total SSA Count
- 21
- Cultural Origins
- American English Jewish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Sherm
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Sherman
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Sherman is also used as a girl name, ranked #68899.
View Sherman as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sherman
What does the name Sherman mean?
"shearer of woolen cloth, cloth cutter" (from Old English). Sherman is an English occupational surname-turned-given name, derived from the Old English 'scearmann' meaning shearer of cloth, specifically one who sheared the nap from woolen cloth to create a smooth finish. Like many English occupational names (Mason, Fletcher, Cooper, Taylor), it became a family surname in the Middle Ages and later transitioned into use as a given name. It was particularly popular as a first name in the United States in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
What is the origin of the name Sherman?
Sherman has Old English, American, English, and Jewish origins. In Old English, it means "shearer of woolen cloth, cloth cutter".
Is Sherman a boy or girl name?
Sherman is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #4733. As a girl name, it is ranked #68899. Sherman is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Sherman?
Sherman is pronounced sh-ERM-uhn.
How popular is the name Sherman?
Sherman is currently ranked #4733 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Sherman?
Common nicknames for Sherman include Sherm.
What are good middle names for Sherman?
Popular middle name pairings include Sherman James, Sherman Lee, Sherman Allen, Sherman Wayne, Sherman Dale, Sherman Eugene, and Sherman Franklin.
What are good sibling names for Sherman?
Names that pair well with Sherman as siblings include Howard, Eugene, Gerald, Marcia, Beverly, and Elaine.
How many syllables does Sherman have?
Sherman has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Sherman a common or rare name?
Sherman is an uncommon name, ranked #4733 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Sherman
Sherman is a boy name with American, English, and Jewish origins . The name means "shearer of woolen cloth, cloth cutter" in Old English .
Is Sherman a boy or girl name? Sherman is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #4,733 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #68,899. Sherman is more commonly used as a boy name.
Sherman is currently ranked #4,733 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Sherman has 2 syllables and is pronounced sh-ERM-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Sherman include Sherm. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis