Find out how popular the first name Cherokee has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Cherokee by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Cherokee is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 88% of people named Cherokee being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 16 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Cherokee.

The history of the first name Cherokee

Cherokee is a name derived from the Cherokee language, which is part of the Iroquoian language family spoken by the Cherokee people, an Indigenous American nation originating from the Southeastern Woodlands region of the United States. The name is believed to have emerged in the 18th century or earlier, during the period when the Cherokee nation was established in the Appalachian Mountains region of the United States.

The Cherokee name is thought to be derived from the Cherokee word "ᎠᏫ" (a-ye-li), which means "principal people" or "real people." This name was used by the Cherokee people to refer to themselves and their tribe. The origin of the specific spelling "Cherokee" can be traced back to the early English settlers in the region, who attempted to phonetically transcribe the Cherokee word into the English language.

There are no known ancient texts or religious scriptures that directly reference the name Cherokee, as it is a relatively modern name that emerged in the context of the Cherokee nation's interactions with European settlers. However, the Cherokee people have a rich oral tradition and cultural heritage that has been passed down through generations.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Cherokee can be found in the writings of British explorer James Adair, who published a book titled "The History of the American Indians" in 1775. In this book, Adair referred to the Cherokee people by their name and provided descriptions of their customs and way of life.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Cherokee, including:

1. Cherokee Bill (1876-1896), a Cherokee outlaw and gunfighter in the American Old West.
2. Cherokee Remington (1900-1981), an American actress and singer who appeared in several Hollywood films in the 1920s and 1930s.
3. Cherokee Thornton (1914-1984), an American baseball player who played for the Chicago White Sox and Philadelphia Athletics in the 1930s.
4. Cherokee Nation (born 1932), an American actress and activist known for her roles in films such as "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and her advocacy for Native American rights.
5. Cherokee Parks (born 1980), an American basketball player who played in the WNBA for several teams, including the Minnesota Lynx and Houston Comets.

While the name Cherokee has gained popularity in recent times, its historical significance lies in its connection to the Cherokee people and their rich cultural heritage, which has endured through centuries of resilience and adaptation.

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

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

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