Declining since 2008, #1,373 for girls today.
Popularity of Cherish since 1966
Babies named Cherish per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 107 |
| 1970s | 866 |
| 1980s | 1,722 |
| 1990s | 1,664 |
| 2000s | 2,865 |
| 2010s | 3,130 |
| 2020s | 998 |
Meaning & origin
Cherish entered U.S. birth records in 1966, a late arrival compared to older virtue names. Its popularity rose slowly, peaking in 2007, after which it began a gradual decline, a trajectory consistent since 2008. In 2025 it ranked 1,373rd, with roughly 1 in 10,045 girls receiving the name. The name is most common in Indiana, Georgia, and Tennessee, reflecting a concentration in the South and Midwest. While not a traditional virtue name like Faith or Hope, Cherish fits the same category of aspirational word names that appeal to parents seeking a distinctive yet meaningful choice.
Cherish is an English word name derived from the Middle English 'cherisshen,' itself from Old French 'cherir,' meaning 'to hold dear.' Its use as a given name emerged in the mid-20th century, fitting a trend of virtue names such as Charity and Hope. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1966 and gained modest popularity, peaking in 2007.
Where Cherish is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cheri
Sibling names for Cherish
Names that share Cherish's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Cherish
Names whose popularity has moved with Cherish's over the last 50 years.
