Cheyenne
Cheyenne: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ʃaɪˈæn/ · /ʃaɪˈeə̯n/
Meaning and origin of Cheyenne
Root meaning: “to speak incoherently”
- A female or male given name of modern American usage.
Etymology
Borrowed from French Cheyenne, from Dakota šahíyena, from Dakota šaia (“to speak incoherently”), from Dakota ša (“red”) and Dakota ya (“to speak”).
How popular is Cheyenne?
Since 1880, 70,732 girls and 2,696 boys in the U.S. have been named Cheyenne (96% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #68 in 1996. Its highest rank for boys was #902 in 1957. In 2025 it ranked #920 for girls, with 285 babies given the name.
Names similar to Cheyenne
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More French girl names
Sibling name ideas for Cheyenne
Sister and brother names that share Cheyenne's French roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Cheyenne FAQ
What does the name Cheyenne mean?
Cheyenne traces back to a root meaning "to speak incoherently". A female or male given name of modern American usage. Borrowed from French Cheyenne, from Dakota šahíyena, from Dakota šaia (“to speak incoherently”), from Dakota ša (“red”) and Dakota ya (“to speak”).
What is the origin of the name Cheyenne?
Cheyenne is listed as a name of French origin.
How popular is the name Cheyenne?
Since 1880, 70,732 girls and 2,696 boys in the U.S. have been named Cheyenne (96% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #68 in 1996. Its highest rank for boys was #902 in 1957. In 2025 it ranked #920 for girls, with 285 babies given the name.
Is Cheyenne a boy or girl name?
Cheyenne is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 70,732 girls and 2,696 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.