Chery
A feminine name with Old English origins meaning "cherry tree".
Name Census estimates that about 442 living Americans carry the first name Chery. The name is used almost exclusively for girls. The average person named Chery today is around 62 years old, and the year with the single highest number of Chery births was 1957 (37 babies).
This page is the full Name Census profile for Chery. Below you will find a gender breakdown showing how the name splits between male and female registrations, a year-by-year popularity chart stretching back to 1880, decade-level totals, the top US states for this name, its meaning and etymology, and a set of frequently asked questions with data-backed answers.
People living today
442
~ 1 in 775,462 Americans
Peak year
1957
37 babies that year
Average age
62
years old
1990 SSA rank
#13,379
Tracked since 1945
Popularity
Chery: popularity over time
The SSA tracks Chery from the 1940s through to the 1990s, spanning 6 decades of birth certificate data. The biggest single decade for the name was the 1950s, with 198 total registrations. Usage has dropped considerably from its 1950s peak. The most recent decade brought in only a fraction of the registrations that the name once attracted.
Babies born per year
Decades
Chery by decade
The table below breaks the full SSA timeline into ten-year windows. Each row shows how many male and female babies were given the name Chery during that decade, along with a combined total. This is useful for spotting eras where the name surged or retreated.
Geography
Where Cherys live
The SSA's state-level files cover 4 states and territories. California, Michigan, New York recorded the most babies named Chery, while Ohio, New York, Michigan recorded the fewest. The average across all reporting states is about 5 registrations each.
Origin
Meaning and history of Chery
The given name Chery is believed to have its origins in the French language, derived from the word "cerise," which means "cherry." This connection to the vibrant red fruit suggests a potential association with vitality, sweetness, and natural beauty.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Chery can be traced back to the 16th century, when it appeared in various French literary works and historical records. During this period, France was undergoing a cultural renaissance, and names inspired by nature and the bounties of the land gained popularity among the aristocracy and commoners alike.
While the name Chery does not have a direct association with any ancient texts or religious scriptures, its connection to the cherry fruit may have held symbolic significance in certain cultural traditions. The cherry has been revered in various mythologies and folklore for its vibrant color, sweetness, and association with love and fertility.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Chery. One such figure was Chery Desmoulins (1760-1794), a French journalist and revolutionary who played a pivotal role in the early stages of the French Revolution. His fiery speeches and writings inspired the masses and helped ignite the revolutionary fervor that swept across France.
Another prominent figure with the name Chery was Chery Imes (1908-1976), an American artist and sculptor known for her works in ceramics and clay. Her innovative techniques and unique artistic vision earned her widespread acclaim, and her pieces can be found in numerous art museums and galleries around the world.
In the realm of literature, Chery Moraga (born 1952) is a renowned Chicana writer, poet, and feminist scholar. Her works have explored themes of identity, intersectionality, and the experiences of marginalized communities, making her a significant voice in contemporary American literature.
Chery Hartman (1942-2018) was an American singer and actress who found success on Broadway and in television. She is particularly remembered for her role as Mammy Yokum in the long-running musical adaptation of "Li'l Abner."
Lastly, Chery Tigert (born 1945) is a former professional tennis player from the United States. She achieved notable success in the 1960s and 1970s, winning several Grand Slam titles and reaching the top rankings in both singles and doubles competitions.
These individuals, spanning various fields and eras, exemplify the diverse backgrounds and accomplishments associated with the name Chery. While its origins may be rooted in the natural world, this name has transcended its humble beginnings to become a part of human stories across cultures and generations.
People
Chery + last name combinations
How many people share a full name with Chery as the first name? Click a combination below to see the estimate, or search any pairing.
Related
Other names starting with C
Other first names starting with C with a similar number of bearers.
FAQ
Chery: questions and answers
How many people in the U.S. are named Chery?
Name Census puts the figure at roughly 442 living Americans. We arrive at this by taking every SSA birth registration for Chery going back to 1880 and adjusting each cohort for expected survival using CDC actuarial life tables. The result is an age-weighted living-bearer count, not a raw birth total. That works out to about 1 in 775,462 US residents.
Is Chery a common name?
We classify Chery as "Very Rare". It ranks above 83.4% of all first names in the SSA dataset by living bearers. Across the full history of the data, 567 babies have been registered with this name.
When was Chery most popular?
The single biggest year for Chery was 1957, when 37 babies received the name. The fact that the average living Chery is about 62 years old gives you a rough sense of which era contributed the most bearers who are still alive today.
Is Chery a female name?
Yes, 100.0% of people registered as Chery in the SSA data are female. You can see the full per-sex comparison in the gender distribution section above, which includes the latest year rank, birth count, and peak year for each sex.
Where does this data come from?
First-name figures come from the Social Security Administration's national baby name files, which cover every name on a birth certificate from 1880 to 2024. Living-bearer estimates layer in CDC actuarial life tables broken out by sex to account for mortality. The population baseline (342,754,338) is the Census Bureau's latest national estimate. You can read the full calculation on our methodology page.