Find out how popular the first name Chelan has been for the last 25 years (from 1976 to 2000) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Chelan by gender

Based on the last 25 years of data, Chelan is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2000, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Chelan.

The history of the first name Chelan

The name Chelan is believed to have originated from the Native American Salish language, spoken by the indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest region of North America. It is derived from the word "Tsi-Lán," which means "deep water" or "deep lake." This name is strongly associated with the Chelan tribe, who lived in the area around the present-day Lake Chelan in Washington State.

Historically, the Chelan people were semi-nomadic and lived in seasonal camps along the shores of the lake, which was a vital resource for fishing, hunting, and gathering. The name Chelan was likely used to refer to individuals or places connected to the lake and its significance in their culture.

While there are no known ancient texts or religious scriptures that specifically mention the name Chelan, it has been documented in historical records and accounts of early European explorers and settlers in the Pacific Northwest region. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name dates back to the late 18th century when British explorer George Vancouver encountered the Chelan tribe during his expedition along the Pacific Coast.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Chelan. One of the earliest recorded was Chelan, a leader of the Chelan tribe in the late 18th century, who is said to have established friendly relations with the early European settlers in the region.

Another notable figure was Chelan, a Salish woman who lived in the 19th century and was known for her skills as a basket weaver and her knowledge of traditional Salish culture. Her baskets and artworks are now preserved in various museums and cultural institutions.

In the early 20th century, Chelan was the name of a prominent Native American artist and educator from the Colville Reservation in Washington State. She was known for her intricate beadwork and for teaching traditional Salish arts and crafts to younger generations.

In more recent times, Chelan has been used as a first name by both Native American and non-Native American families, often as a way to honor the region's rich cultural heritage and connection to the land. One notable individual with this name was Chelan, a Native American activist and environmentalist who fought to protect the rights of indigenous peoples and to preserve the natural resources of the Pacific Northwest.

While relatively uncommon, the name Chelan continues to be used today, serving as a reminder of the rich cultural diversity and history of the Pacific Northwest region and the enduring legacy of the Salish people and their connection to the land and its natural resources.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Chelan was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Chelan, please contact us.

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