A 1970s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Chet since 1909
Babies named Chet per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1963, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Chet's real moment was 1976.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 6 |
| 1910s | 49 |
| 1920s | 55 |
| 1930s | 74 |
| 1940s | 216 |
| 1950s | 579 |
| 1960s | 1,232 |
| 1970s | 1,228 |
| 1980s | 924 |
| 1990s | 625 |
| 2000s | 423 |
| 2010s | 406 |
| 2020s | 363 |
Meaning & origin
Chet is a concise, friendly name that functions as a classic nickname-turned-given-name. First recorded in U.S. data in 1909, Chet saw its highest usage in the 1970s, peaking in 1976. After a long decline, it has been steadily rising again since 2009, while still rare enough that only about 1 in 26,278 babies received the name in 2025. The name's top state is Missouri, reflecting its strongest regional foothold. As a short form of Chester, Chet carries the sturdy, occupational feel of its origin while being more casual and modern in sound.
Chet is a diminutive of Chester, which derives from the Old English 'ceaster', borrowed from the Latin 'castra' meaning 'fort' or 'walled camp'. Chester was originally a place name for the Roman fort of Deva, and the name came into use as a given name in the 19th century. Chet emerged as a standalone nickname, especially in the United States, gaining some popularity in the mid-20th century.
Where Chet is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Chet
Names that share Chet's style, for a brother or sister.
