Sherlock

A boys’ name of Old English origin, meaning bright or fair haired; or short-haired man.

Babies a year
12
the US, 2017
Rarity
Very rare
among names in use
US popularity
—
outside the top 1000
UK popularity
—
outside the ONS list

Sherlock by the numbers

Sherlock was given to 12 American babies in 2017, the most recent full year we hold.

Its best year in America so far is the most recent one on record, which means it was still climbing when the records end.

Spelled almost the same

Other names in the records within a letter or two of Sherlock. Close spellings are not always related names, but they are usually worth seeing together.

  • Shedrickcommand of the sun; variant of Shadrach9 in the US (2017)
  • Sherwoodbright forest or shining wood5 in the US (2017)

Other names that mean beauty

Like Sherlock, each of these has beauty in its meaning. Different names, different histories, the same idea.

  • Kevinhandsome at birth3,813 in the US (2017)
  • Finleyfair-haired warrior1,733 in England and Wales (2025)
  • Mackenzieson of the fair one; surname used as given name2,976 in the US (2017)
  • Jadejade stone; symbol of virtue and beauty2,765 in the US (2017)
  • Beauhandsome487 in England and Wales (2025)
  • Alanfair or handsome2,441 in the US (2017)

Other names that mean light

Like Sherlock, each of these has light in its meaning. Different names, different histories, the same idea.

  • Lucasbringer of light; from Lucania12,963 in the US (2017)
  • Lukefrom Lucania; light9,168 in the US (2017)
  • Robertbright fame; renowned warrior5,507 in the US (2017)
  • Lucabringer of light3,266 in England and Wales (2025)
  • Elliottbright fame; a form of Elijah2,996 in the US (2017)
  • Elliotbright fame; a form of Elijah544 in England and Wales (2025)

Names about as common as Sherlock

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