Chele first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Chele has been for the last 13 years (from 1975 to 1987) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Chele

An English diminutive form of the name Michelle, from the French feminine form of Michael.

Popularity of Chele by gender

Based on the last 13 years of data, Chele is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1987, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Chele.

Year Male Count Female Count
1987 0 5
1975 0 6

The history of the first name Chele

The name Chele has its origins in the Nahuatl language, which was spoken by the Aztec people of central Mexico. It is derived from the Nahuatl word "chel," meaning "shoot" or "sprout," suggesting a connection to nature and growth. The name is believed to have been in use during the time of the Aztec Empire, which existed from the 14th to the 16th centuries.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Chele appears in the Codex Mendoza, a colonial-era manuscript that documented the history and customs of the Aztec people. This codex, created around 1541, includes a list of names commonly used by the Aztecs, with Chele being among them.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Chele. One such person was Chele Antzina (c. 1480-1550), a renowned Aztec healer and herbalist who played a crucial role in preserving traditional Nahuatl medicinal knowledge during the Spanish conquest of Mexico.

Another figure was Chele Martínez (1886-1966), a Mexican artist known for his vibrant murals and paintings depicting scenes from Aztec mythology and daily life. His works were instrumental in promoting the preservation of indigenous Mexican culture and traditions.

In the field of literature, Chele Mares (1942-2008) was a prominent Chicana writer and poet whose works explored themes of identity, social justice, and the experiences of Mexican Americans. Her poetry collection "Papeles de Velado" (Papers of the Night Shift) received critical acclaim and recognition.

The name Chele also holds significance in the realm of sports. Chele Silva (1957-2023) was a legendary Mexican soccer player who represented his country in multiple World Cup tournaments. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers in Mexican soccer history.

Additionally, Chele Orozco (1906-1984) was a pioneering Mexican baseball player who broke barriers by becoming one of the first Latinx players to play in the Negro Leagues in the United States during the era of racial segregation in professional baseball.

While the name Chele may have its roots in ancient Nahuatl culture, its enduring presence throughout history demonstrates its lasting impact and significance across various fields and disciplines.

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 Chele was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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"Chele first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on June 26, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/chele-meaning-and-history/.

"Chele first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/chele-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 26 June, 2025

Chele first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/chele-meaning-and-history/.

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