Cher is a diminutive of Cheryl or Cherilyn. Cheryl originates in French language and means "darling, beloved". It is probably a combination of the names Cherie and Beryl. It is relatively new and has been used since the 20th century. Since then, it has been a fairly popular feminine given name. The name Cher was popularized by the American musician and the Goddess of Pop, Cher, born Cherilyn Sarkisian.