Cheyenne: a unisex name of Native American (Siouan, Dakota-lakota) origin meaning "This name means “little Shahi, little Cree".It derives from the Native American (Siouan, Dakota-lakota) word "šahíya > šahíyena".
Parents seeking a meaningful both name often discover Cheyenne, drawn to its Native American (Siouan, Dakota-lakota) heritage and beautiful significance: "This name means “little Shahi, little Cree". This name offers a perfect blend of cultural depth and personal meaning, making it a timeless choice for families around the world.
Quick Facts About Cheyenne
Quick facts about Cheyenne
Origin
Native American (Siouan, Dakota-lakota)
Gender
Unisex
Popularity
Uncommon
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name means “little Shahi, little Cree.” The name comes into English in the form “Chaiena,” a direct rendering of Siouan Dakota (dialect) Šahíyena (1890), corresponding to Lakota (dialect) Šahíyela. It is the usual diminutive of Šahíya, the name of the Cree. So the Cheyenne is called the “little cree” (by the Sioux). The Cree are one of the largest groups of first nations / Native Americans in North America, with over 200,000 members living in Canada. In the United States, this Algonquian-speaking people historically lived from superior lake westward. Today, they live mostly in Montana, where they share a reservation with the Ojibwe (Chippewa).
Etymology & Details
Name Root
šahíya > šahíyena
How to Pronounce Cheyenne
Cheyenne is pronounced /ʃeɪˈæn/(English)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Chey-enne
Say it like: "SHEEEHAN"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
This name has found popularity across english, german, and native american speaking regions, demonstrating its cross-cultural appeal and adaptability.
englishgermannative american
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheyenne
What does the name Cheyenne mean?
Cheyenne means "This name means “little Shahi, little Cree.” The name comes into English in the form “Chaiena,” a direct rendering of Siouan Dakota (dialect) Šahíyena (1890), corresponding to Lakota (dialect) Šahíyela. It is the usual diminutive of Šahíya, the name of the Cree. So the Cheyenne is called the “little cree” (by the Sioux). The Cree are one of the largest groups of first nations / Native Americans in North America, with over 200,000 members living in Canada. In the United States, this Algonquian-speaking people historically lived from superior lake westward. Today, they live mostly in Montana, where they share a reservation with the Ojibwe (Chippewa).". The name comes from šahíya > šahíyena. This native american (siouan, dakota-lakota) name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Cheyenne for children of any gender often connect with the name's meaning of "This name means “little Shahi, little Cree.” The name comes into English in the form “Chaiena,” a direct rendering of Siouan Dakota (dialect) Šahíyena (1890), corresponding to Lakota (dialect) Šahíyela. It is the usual diminutive of Šahíya, the name of the Cree. So the Cheyenne is called the “little cree” (by the Sioux). The Cree are one of the largest groups of first nations / Native Americans in North America, with over 200,000 members living in Canada. In the United States, this Algonquian-speaking people historically lived from superior lake westward. Today, they live mostly in Montana, where they share a reservation with the Ojibwe (Chippewa)." as a quality they hope to see in their child. Cheyenne offers a distinctive option for parents who want a name with clear meaning that stands apart from more common choices.
What is the origin of the name Cheyenne?
Cheyenne is a native american (siouan, dakota-lakota) name. The name traces back to šahíya > šahíyena. From its native american (siouan, dakota-lakota) roots, Cheyenne spread to become common in english, german, native american. The native american (siouan, dakota-lakota) meaning "This name means “little Shahi, little Cree.” The name comes into English in the form “Chaiena,” a direct rendering of Siouan Dakota (dialect) Šahíyena (1890), corresponding to Lakota (dialect) Šahíyela. It is the usual diminutive of Šahíya, the name of the Cree. So the Cheyenne is called the “little cree” (by the Sioux). The Cree are one of the largest groups of first nations / Native Americans in North America, with over 200,000 members living in Canada. In the United States, this Algonquian-speaking people historically lived from superior lake westward. Today, they live mostly in Montana, where they share a reservation with the Ojibwe (Chippewa)." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Cheyenne a boy or girl name?
Cheyenne is a unisex name, given to both boys and girls. Unisex names have grown more popular since the 1990s, with parents choosing them for flexibility and modern appeal. Cheyenne works equally well for any child, letting the person's identity shape how the name feels rather than the other way around. In native american (siouan, dakota-lakota) tradition, Cheyenne has historically been given to children of either gender. The meaning "This name means “little Shahi, little Cree.” The name comes into English in the form “Chaiena,” a direct rendering of Siouan Dakota (dialect) Šahíyena (1890), corresponding to Lakota (dialect) Šahíyela. It is the usual diminutive of Šahíya, the name of the Cree. So the Cheyenne is called the “little cree” (by the Sioux). The Cree are one of the largest groups of first nations / Native Americans in North America, with over 200,000 members living in Canada. In the United States, this Algonquian-speaking people historically lived from superior lake westward. Today, they live mostly in Montana, where they share a reservation with the Ojibwe (Chippewa)." carries well for any child, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Cheyenne?
Cheyenne is pronounced "/ʃeɪˈæn/". This pronunciation follows en language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Cheyenne is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in english, german, native american, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with native american (siouan, dakota-lakota) names, listening to a native speaker say Cheyenne can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis.
How popular is the name Cheyenne?
Cheyenne is less common but not rare. As a less common choice, Cheyenne gives a child a name that stands out. Most people will encounter it rarely, making it memorable when they do. Cheyenne's popularity may vary between native american (siouan, dakota-lakota) communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name means “little Shahi, little Cree.” The name comes into English in the form “Chaiena,” a direct rendering of Siouan Dakota (dialect) Šahíyena (1890), corresponding to Lakota (dialect) Šahíyela. It is the usual diminutive of Šahíya, the name of the Cree. So the Cheyenne is called the “little cree” (by the Sioux). The Cree are one of the largest groups of first nations / Native Americans in North America, with over 200,000 members living in Canada. In the United States, this Algonquian-speaking people historically lived from superior lake westward. Today, they live mostly in Montana, where they share a reservation with the Ojibwe (Chippewa)." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among unisex names, Cheyenne holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Cheyenne commonly used?
Cheyenne is common in english and german and native american naming traditions. Though native american (siouan, dakota-lakota) in origin, Cheyenne found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Cheyenne, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "This name means “little Shahi, little Cree.” The name comes into English in the form “Chaiena,” a direct rendering of Siouan Dakota (dialect) Šahíyena (1890), corresponding to Lakota (dialect) Šahíyela. It is the usual diminutive of Šahíya, the name of the Cree. So the Cheyenne is called the “little cree” (by the Sioux). The Cree are one of the largest groups of first nations / Native Americans in North America, with over 200,000 members living in Canada. In the United States, this Algonquian-speaking people historically lived from superior lake westward. Today, they live mostly in Montana, where they share a reservation with the Ojibwe (Chippewa)." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Cheyenne into their naming traditions. A child named Cheyenne will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Cheyenne is given to children of any gender, maintaining consistent gender association.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.