Cher (born Cheryl Sarkisian LaPiere on May 20, 1946), The California Birth Index, 1905-1995 gives "Cheryl LaPiere" as the name on her birth certificate. Cher also gave "LaPiere" as her birth name on the birth certificates for both of her children. In 1964, she was known professionally as "Cherilyn", and makes a reference to it as her "real name" in her book The First Time.