Find out how popular the first name Chenille has been for the last 32 years (from 1976 to 2007) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Chenille by gender

Based on the last 32 years of data, Chenille is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2007, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Chenille.

The history of the first name Chenille

Chenille is a feminine given name with its origins rooted in the French language. The name is derived from the French word "chenille," which means "caterpillar." It is believed to have emerged during the 18th century in France, possibly as a nickname or pet name for a child with curly or fuzzy hair resembling a caterpillar's texture.

One of the earliest documented uses of the name Chenille can be found in the records of the French playwright and poet Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais, who lived from 1732 to 1799. In his play "The Barber of Seville," one of the characters is named Chenille, although it is unclear whether this was intended as a given name or a descriptive nickname.

The name Chenille gained some popularity in France during the 19th century, with a few notable individuals bearing this name. One such person was Chenille Durand (1804-1878), a French poet and essayist who wrote extensively on the themes of nature and the countryside.

Another early recorded instance of the name Chenille can be found in the writings of the French novelist and playwright Honoré de Balzac (1799-1850). In his novel "The Human Comedy," a minor character named Chenille is mentioned, though her role is relatively insignificant.

In the late 19th century, the name Chenille made its way to the United States, likely brought over by French immigrants. One of the earliest recorded Americans with the name was Chenille LaBarge (1856-1932), a seamstress and entrepreneur from Louisiana who founded a successful clothing business in New Orleans.

Another notable individual with the name Chenille was Chenille Bourgeois (1878-1957), a French-Canadian artist and painter known for her vibrant landscapes and portraits. Her works were exhibited in several galleries throughout Canada and the United States during her lifetime.

While the name Chenille has remained relatively uncommon throughout history, it has been carried by a few other individuals of note, such as Chenille Fontaine (1902-1984), a French actress and dancer who performed in various Parisian cabarets during the 1920s and 1930s, and Chenille Mercier (1919-2005), a Swiss sculptor and installation artist whose works were displayed in several prominent museums across Europe.

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

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

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