Find out how popular the first name Chey has been for the last 35 years (from 1974 to 2008) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Chey by gender

Based on the last 35 years of data, Chey is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 51% of people named Chey being male.

For the most recent data in 2008, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Chey.

It's also interesting to see that despite Chey being historically a mostly male name, the most recent data from 2008 shows a shift in the trend, with more female babies being named Chey.

The history of the first name Chey

The name Chey has its origins in the indigenous cultures of North America. It is believed to be derived from the Cheyenne tribe, a Native American Plains Indian nation that historically inhabited the regions of present-day Montana, Colorado, and Wyoming. The Cheyenne language is an Algonquian language, and the name Chey may have its roots in this linguistic family.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Chey can be found in the writings of French missionary and explorer Jacques Marquette, who documented his encounters with the Cheyenne people in the late 17th century. Marquette's records provide valuable insights into the cultural practices and traditions of the Cheyenne tribe during that era.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Chey. One of the most famous was Cheyenne leader Black Kettle (c. 1803-1868), who played a significant role in the resistance against the encroachment of European settlers and the United States government on Native American lands. Black Kettle was known for his efforts to maintain peace and protect his people's way of life.

Another prominent figure was Cheyenne warrior and chief Roman Nose (c. 1830-1868), who led his tribe in battles against the United States Army during the Indian Wars of the late 19th century. Roman Nose was renowned for his bravery and tactical skills in combat, and his name became synonymous with resistance against the subjugation of Native American tribes.

In the realm of literature, Chey is the name of a character in the novel "The Last of the Mohicans" by James Fenimore Cooper, published in 1826. Chey is portrayed as a Mohican woman who is a love interest of the novel's protagonist, Nathaniel "Natty" Bumppo. The character's name reflects Cooper's attempt to depict Native American culture and traditions in his works.

Another notable figure was Cheyenne artist and educator Chey-wa-kun (c. 1886-1937), whose real name was Richard Davis. He was known for his intricate and detailed drawings and paintings that captured the traditional way of life of the Cheyenne people. Chey-wa-kun's works are celebrated for their cultural significance and artistic merit.

While the name Chey has its roots in Native American culture, it has gained popularity across various communities and has been adopted by individuals from diverse backgrounds. However, the name remains a significant part of the cultural heritage and history of the Cheyenne tribe, serving as a reminder of the rich traditions and resilience of Native American peoples.

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

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

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