Declining since 2005, #2,778 for girls today.
Popularity of Chesney since 1970
Babies named Chesney per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 55 | 0 |
| 1980s | 150 | 0 |
| 1990s | 378 | 11 |
| 2000s | 920 | 73 |
| 2010s | 755 | 62 |
| 2020s | 406 | 11 |
Meaning & origin
Chesney is a name that first entered U.S. records in 1970 and saw a rise in popularity through the early 2000s, peaking in 2005. As of 2025, it ranked 2,778, with a frequency of 1 in 26,349 births, indicating a modest but steady decline since its peak. The name is most commonly used in Virginia, Tennessee, and Texas. Historically a surname of Norman origin, Chesney is a modern given name with an approachable sound, often chosen for its rarity and soft, unisex appeal.
Chesney is a transferred use of the surname Chesney, which is of Norman French origin. The medieval English surname derived from the Old French word 'chenai' (oak grove) or from the Norman place name 'Le Chesnay'. It may also be a variant of the Irish surname O'Cathasaigh. As a given name, it gained limited use in the United States starting in the late 20th century.
Where Chesney is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ches, Chesh, Ney
Variants: Chesnie, Chesny
Sibling names for Chesney
Names that share Chesney's style, for a brother or sister.
