Cheyenne

Before it was the capital of the state of Wyoming, the name Cheyenne was given to an Algonquian-speaking people who have lived on the Great Plains for centuries. They are known for their horsemanship, warrior culture, and beadwork. The Cheyenne people are also known for their resilience in the face of adversity; they were forced to move to reservations in the late 19th century, but they have maintained their culture and traditions.

Interestingly, the name Cheyenne actually comes from the Lakota language, which is spoken by the Sioux people of the Great Plains. The Lakota word for the Cheyenne people is Šahíyena, which means "people of a different language." The name is thought to have been given to the Cheyenne by the Lakota because they spoke a different language than the Lakota people.

As a first name, Cheyenne made its initial appearance in the U.S. Social Security Administration's top 1000 most popular baby names in 1980. By 1996 (and again in 1997), it had reached its peak at #68 of the top 1000. It began to decline in popularity around 1998, but as of last count, it's still within the top 700.

It's important to note that using Native American tribe names for non-native people is considered cultural appropriation, and offensive to many. If you are considering using the name Cheyenne for your child, it is important to be respectful of the Cheyenne people and their culture.

Notable Cheyennes include actress and singer Cheyenne Jackson; singer-songwriter Cheyenne Kimball; and American pro golfer Cheyenne Woods.

Cheyenne in quotes:

"Cheyenne, got the table set for two; Guess you couldn't make it; Thought I kissed your lips again; I was dreaming," — Jason DeRulo, "Cheyenne"