Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Cherokee

      Origin

      Cherokee, Native American

      Meaning

      People of A Different Speech

      Variations

      Chereena, Chereese, Cherilee
      The name Cherokee originates from the Cherokee language, where it is believed to mean People of a different speech. This description reflects the Cherokee tribe's distinct linguistic and cultural identity, distinguishing them from surrounding groups. The term reflects not only the linguistic diversity of Native American tribes but also underscores how language served as a marker of identity among different peoples.

      Historically, the Cherokee people are one of the indigenous tribes of the Southeastern United States, primarily inhabiting areas that are now North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. The Cherokee have a rich history that includes complex societal structures, advanced agricultural practices, and significant cultural achievements such as their syllabary developed by Sequoyah in the early 19th century. During the 1830s, the infamous Trail of Tears resulted in the forced relocation of thousands of Cherokee, leading to significant hardship and loss. Despite these challenges, the Cherokee have maintained a strong cultural identity and continue to play an essential role in the history of the United States.

      In contemporary times, the name Cherokee retains its significance as a symbol of Native American heritage and identity. It is used not only to refer to the Cherokee Nation and its members, but it also appears in various aspects of modern culture, including art, literature, and education. Additionally, the term Cherokee is often referenced in discussions regarding Native American rights, cultural preservation, and the recognition of tribal sovereignty. The name serves as a reminder of the ongoing contributions of the Cherokee people to American history and culture.

      Based on our records...

      Indian

      Indian

      This is the most common surname associated with Cherokee.
      Cherokee

      Cherokee

      This is the most common name of those married to a Cherokee.
      John

      John

      This is the most common name for a child of a Cherokee.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1730 is when there were the most people born with the first name Cherokee.

      Explore the origins of another name.