Holding steady.
Popularity of Chey since 1974
Babies named Chey per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 6 | 10 |
| 1980s | 12 | 18 |
| 1990s | 47 | 42 |
| 2000s | 7 | 6 |
| 2010s | 0 | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Chey is a modern, unisex name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1974. It has never ranked among the top 1,000 names, maintaining a rare profile with a peak in 1993. The name's trajectory is stable, suggesting a niche but persistent usage. While its meaning is uncertain, it is often viewed as a short form of Cheyenne, which has a well-known Native American origin. Chey's simplicity and phonetic appeal make it a distinctive choice without strong gender or cultural ties. Its lack of top-state prevalence and similarity to names like Shay and Cheyenne underline its status as a modern invention rather than a traditional name.
Chey first appeared in the United States in the 1970s, likely as a modern invention. It may be a clipped form of Cheyenne, the name of a Native American tribe, or a phonetic respelling of the French name Ché, itself a short form of André or a nickname. As a modern coinage, its meaning is not fixed but is often associated with the natural or spiritual connotations of Cheyenne.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Chey
Names that share Chey's style, for a brother or sister.
