Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Cheyenne

Cheyenne is a modern female given name taken from an Indian nation of Native Americans who once inhabited the area between the Missouri and Arkansas rivers in the Great Plains. The tribal name “Cheyenne” is a French-Canadian corruption of the Sioux Dakota word “šahíyena” meaning "one who speaks incoherently" from the elements “ša” (red) and “ya” (speak). The Dakotas considered their own Sioux-based language clear and understandable (i.e., "white-talkers"); while the Algonquian-based language of the Cheyenne was incoherent and alien sounding (hence the "red-talkers"’). The Cheyenne were one of the most prominent of all the Great Plains Indian Nations and were closely allied with the Lakotas to the east and the Arapahos to the south. As time went on, the Cheyenne people were eventually pushed more northwest (Montana, Wyoming and the Dakotas). In fact, the state capital of Wyoming is named after the Cheyenne Indians. As with the popularity of Dakota for little girls, Cheyenne is another Native-American inspired name fast becoming a favorite with American parents.

All About the Baby Name – Cheyenne

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME CHEYENNE

The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth".  Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME CHEYENNE

Cheyenne first appeared on the U.S. popularity charts in 1980, so she actually predates the name Dakota by about 10 years. Cheyenne quickly ascended the charts and managed to land a spot on the Top 100 list of most commonly used girl names in 1994. The name’s peak popularity came between the years 1996 and 1997 when Cheyenne reached #68 on the charts. Her time on the Top 100 list would be brief (seven years); Cheyenne fell off the Top 100 list in 2001. Since the turn of the 21st century, Cheyenne has been experiencing backwards momentum on the charts. No longer a Top 200 favorite today, it appears as if Cheyenne was another fleeting fad of the 1990s. Regardless, this name is all-American. It’s not only a respectful tip-of-the-hat to a nation of people who occupied this land before any American, but it’s also a simply gorgeous name. There’s a ruggedness quality to Cheyenne; we picture a cowgirl in Montana or Wyoming. Ironically, Cheyenne is a Top 100 favorite name in the states of Oklahoma and Delaware – two states where the Cheyenne nation did not extend their presence. Cheyenne is also not exactly spelled as it sounds. You’d think Cheyenne would sound more like “SHEY-en” instead of “SHY-ann” – which gives a whole new meaning to its etymology: ‘speak incoherently’!

Quick Facts

ON CHEYENNE

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

American

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

328

PRONUNCIATION:

SHY-ann

SIMPLE MEANING:

Speak incoherently

Characteristics

OF CHEYENNE

Mystical

Wise

Eccentric

Intuitive

Imaginative

Philosophical

Solitary

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Cheyenne

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME CHEYENNE

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Cheyenne

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME CHEYENNE

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Cheyenne


Popular Songs

ON CHEYENNE

Can Still Make Cheyenne
a song by George Strait

Cheyenne
a song by Good Riddance

Cheyenne Anthem
a song by Kansas

Old Cheyenne
a song by Joe Nichols

The Beaches of Cheyenne
a song by Garth Brooks

The Cheyenne Line
a song by Ataris

Famous People

NAMED CHEYENNE

Cheyenne Silver (adult actress)
Cheyenne Tozzi (Australian model)
Cheyenne Silver (adult actress)
Cheyenne Tozzi (Australian model)
Cheyenne Silver (adult actress)
Cheyenne Tozzi (Australian model)

Children of Famous People

NAMED CHEYENNE

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Cheyenne

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME CHEYENNE

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Cheyenne