Cherokee is an American given name of Native American origin, derived from the Cherokee Nation, one of the most prominent Indigenous tribes in North America. The name itself comes from a phrase meaning "Tsa-la-gi," which translates to "land of the blue mist" or "place where there is thunder." It is often associated with strength, resilience, and proud heritage, reflecting the spirit of the Cherokee people who have endured centuries of adversity while preserving their culture and identity. The name Cherokee gained popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century as a unisex given name, although it is still more commonly used for females.
The name Cherokee experienced a significant increase in popularity between 1993 and 1997, with the highest number of births occurring in 1994 (37 births). However, after 1998, the frequency of the name has steadily declined, with fewer than 20 births per year since then. The total number of births registered as Cherokee over this period is 337.