Cheney is a unisex given name of Welsh origin, derived from the surname Cheney which is an Anglicized form of the Welsh personal name Cenydd. It means "lively" or "alert". The name first appeared in England during the Middle Ages as a surname before being adopted as a given name in the late 19th century. Today, it's used as both a male and female name but is more commonly associated with males.
"Over a span of four decades, the name Cheney has seen its popularity peak and valley, with 1991 being its most prolific year having twelve newborns."