Sherlock
Old English · Boy · 2 syllables
Popularity & facts
Relative popularity index, 2010–2025Popularity over time
Popularity indexHistorical popularity from 1880–2025 · US Social Security Administration data
About the name Sherlock
Sherlock derives from the Old English elements "scir" (shire/district) and "loc" (lock/enclosure), meaning "fair-haired man from the bright clearing" or literally "bright lock." The name is primarily Anglo-Saxon in origin and gained prominence through Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's fictional detective Sherlock Holmes (1887), making it iconic in English-speaking cultures rather than rooted in religious tradition.
This meaning was compiled with AI assistance and is awaiting community review. Know this name well? Help verify or improve it.
Etymology
Sherlock derives from the Old English elements "scir" (shire/district) and "loc" (lock/enclosure), meaning "fair-haired man from the bright clearing" or literally "bright lock." The name is primarily Anglo-Saxon in origin and gained prominence through Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's fictional detective Sherlock Holmes (1887), making it iconic in English-speaking cultures rather than rooted in religious tradition.
Sherlock currently ranks #14,029 in the United States as a boy's name. It reached its peak popularity around 2017.
Contribute to this name
Help improve this page with a meaning, origin, or correction—and get credited as a contributor.
Share your knowledge about this name—meaning, origin, pronunciation, or correction. Your contribution is reviewed and credited with your name.
Login to contributeWe use Google & Facebook login — no password needed.
Sibling name ideas
Anglo-Saxon names that sit beautifully beside SherlockSimilar names you might like
Names starting with SMore names starting with S
- Saadi
- Safiyo
- Sahand
- Saalim
- Saheim
- Sacario
- Sabena
- Sabastian
- Sadao
- Saalihah
- Sahad
- Sahim
- Safin
- Sabirin
- Sachit
- Safari
- Saakshi
- Sahily
Find middle names for Sherlock →
🧬 See Sherlock's popularity the year you were born →
🔢 Get Sherlock's free numerology report card →
💫 Is Sherlock your name? Get your free “My name means…” card →
👶 Have a Sherlock already? Find sibling names that fit →
💬 Does Sherlock go with your surname? Check the rhythm, rhyme and initials →
Names that sound like Sherlock
Phonetic match, not just spelling"The name 'Sarah-Louise' combines Sarah, meaning "princess" or "noblewoman" from Hebrew *śārāh*, and Louise, the feminine form of Louis, meaning…"
"The name 'Sara-Louise' combines Sara, meaning "princess" from Hebrew *śārā*, and Louise, the feminine form of Louis meaning "famous warrior"…"
"The name 'Sarahlouise' is a compound of 'Sarah' (Hebrew for "princess" or "noblewoman") and 'Louise' (feminine form of Louis, from…"
"Srilakshmi is a Sanskrit compound name combining "Sri" (meaning auspiciousness, wealth, or beauty) and "Lakshmi" (the Hindu goddess of wealth,…"
"Sreelakshmi is a Sanskrit compound name combining "Shree" (श्री), meaning prosperity, wealth, and auspiciousness, with "Lakshmi" (लक्ष्मी), the Hindu goddess…"
"Sharleez is a modern phonetic spelling variant of Charlize or Charles, derived from the Germanic root "carl" meaning "man" or…"
"Srilekha is a Sanskrit name combining "Sri" (meaning auspicious, goddess, or wealth) and "lekha" (meaning writing or line), thus signifying…"
"Saara-Liisa is a Finnish compound name combining Saara (the Finnish form of Sarah, from Hebrew Ṣāra meaning "princess") and Liisa…"
"Sari-Liisa is a Finnish compound name combining "Sari" (a diminutive of Sara, meaning "princess" from Hebrew) and "Liisa" (the Finnish…"
"Sarah-Lisa is a compound given name combining Sarah (meaning "princess" from Hebrew שָׂרָה) and Lisa (a diminutive of Elisabeth, meaning…"
"Sarah-Lise is a compound name combining Sarah, derived from Hebrew meaning "princess," and Lise, a French diminutive of Elisabeth (Hebrew…"
"Saraelizabeth is a compound name combining Sara (from Hebrew שָׂרָה, meaning "princess") and Elizabeth (from Hebrew אלישבע, meaning "God's oath"…"