Cheyenne

What does Cheyenne mean?

Cheyenne is a name taken from the name of a Native American people, derived from a Siouan word that is usually rendered as meaning people of a different language or speech. As a given name it carries that connection to community and identity rather than a literal message.

The tone of Cheyenne is modern and free spirited, with associations of open landscapes and a strong cultural identity. It feels contemporary and a little adventurous, often chosen for its distinctive sound and rhythmic two syllables.

Historical Context

Cheyenne entered wider use in English as the name of the Cheyenne people, a group of Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains. The English form comes through French and early US records from the 18th and 19th centuries, adapted from an Algonquian or Siouan term that early European speakers used to identify the group.

As a personal name in the English-speaking world Cheyenne became more common in the late 20th century, especially in the United States, where place names and tribal names were sometimes adopted as given names. Its use spread in part because of popular culture and a broader trend for place and nature inspired names. The history is complex and rooted in real cultures, so parents often balance the name's appealing sound with an awareness of its cultural significance.

Popularity of Cheyenne over time

In 2025, Cheyenne was given to 285 girls in the US. Cheyenne has declined sharply over the last 20 years, but remains an uncommon girls' name in the US.

What do parents think of Cheyenne?