Cher is undoubtedly one of the most iconic figures in entertainment. Her name alone evokes images of the legendary singer and actress. However, many are surprised to learn that Cher’s real name isn’t actually Cher.
In her memoir, *Cher: The Memoir, Part One*, Cher reveals that for most of her life, she believed her legal birth name was “Cherilyn.”
However, when she attempted to change her name legally in the late 1970s, she was shocked to discover that her actual name was “Cheryl.”
Cher’s mother, Georgia Holt, was just 19 years old when she gave birth to Cher. At the time, the nurse asked for the baby’s name, but Georgia had never decided on one.
Inspired by Lana Turner’s daughter, she chose “Cherilyn.” However, this name wasn’t properly recorded on the birth certificate.
In 1979, Cher made the decision to officially adopt just “Cher” as her name, streamlining her public image and brand. She dropped her surnames to solidify her iconic single-name persona.
Writing her memoir was a challenging experience for Cher, due to her dyslexia and the emotional weight of her past. The first part of the memoir, which reflects on her early life and career, was released this month, with the second part expected in 2025.
