Girl · 136th of 35,406
Cheyenne
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
73,135
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1996
Peak Popularity Year
4,975
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Cheyenne stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Cheyenne has Native American origins, specifically from the Dakota Sioux language. It means 'People of the alien speech' and has evolved from 'Šahíyena' to its current form. The name gained popularity in the 19th century during westward expansion in America. It carries connotations of cultural heritage and strength, with no biblical relevance. Notable individuals with the name include actors, singers, and athletes.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ʃaɪˈæn/
Origin
Native American
Etymology
The name Cheyenne is derived from the Dakota Sioux word 'šahíyena', which refers to the people who speak the Algonquin language.
Meaning
People of the alien speech
Language Evolution
Šahíyena, Cheyenne
Historical Usage
The name Cheyenne gained popularity in the United States during the 19th century, particularly associated with the Cheyenne tribe during the westward expansion.
Variants & Derivatives
Shyann, Shyanne, Chey, Cheyanna
Modern Popularity & Image
Cheyenne is viewed positively as a name that reflects Native American heritage, often associated with strength and cultural significance.
Famous People
Cheyenne Jackson - American actor and singer, Cheyenne Kimball - American singer-songwriter, Cheyenne Woods - American professional golfer
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Gradually Declining
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 4,975 peak births in 1996
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Alaska
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 10 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 5 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 10 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2131st of 7552 | 276 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1315th of 10718 | 665 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1235th of 16616 | 1,154 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 3116th of 24088 | 521 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 9635th of 23106 | 80 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 3683rd of 12526 | 205 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1524th of 19264 | 1,056 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 213th of 27321 | 21,093 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 136th of 35406 | 40,331 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 491st of 30306 | 7,754 |