[Opinions] Cheyenne
What do you think of the name Cheyenne?
Replies
I think it seems affectedly evocative of Wyoming landscapes and cheesy Old West nostalgia. Brothers Case and Tanner, sister Raelynn. A character named Cheyenne is a shy (of course) and pretty (of course) barely-literate American girl who rides bareback, plays the guitar and sings, and is a dog whisperer. I picture a real life Cheyenne as a small town girl with working class parents who are into some type of American folk music. You can trust her with a secret.
Wouldn't use for a child because of the SHY sound, and because it gives me a vibe that just isn't my style. I don't really object to its use being cultural appropriation, even though it is and that's not good, because objecting to that just gives me a sneaking feeling I'm being a hypocrite.
Wouldn't use for a child because of the SHY sound, and because it gives me a vibe that just isn't my style. I don't really object to its use being cultural appropriation, even though it is and that's not good, because objecting to that just gives me a sneaking feeling I'm being a hypocrite.
I like it, I think it has a nice sound. I wouldn't use it though.
Does spelling it Shyanne, Shayanne etc make a difference?
It has the same sound. I'm not native so I can't speak to variations in spelling. I just know I have heard from natives about Cheyenne being cultural misappropriation, and I respect that.
ETA: Here's a bit of information on the topic: http://www.native-languages.org/baby.htm
The important excerpt: "On a related topic, I should also note that there has been a recent trend towards giving white children the names of Indian tribes as first names (Dakota, Cheyenne, Chippewa, etc.) I'd recommend against this, though, for two reasons: first, many Native Americans find the practice culturally and religiously inappropriate. It's difficult to explain why to outsiders, but think about how acceptable Biblical names like Mary and Jacob are to most American Christians, yet how unacceptable baby names like Christ or God would be. Tribal names have special meaning in Indian culture, and using them as first names isn't considered respectful to the people any more than naming your baby God would be interpreted as honoring God. Second, more practically speaking, the names of Indian tribes tend to have meanings that would strike most Americans as odd. Dakota, for example, is a plural noun--it's akin to naming your son "Frenchmen." Chippewa literally means "puckered up." Your child may not thank you for a name like this when he or she grows up any more than the people you're trying to honor will. "
ETA: Here's a bit of information on the topic: http://www.native-languages.org/baby.htm
The important excerpt: "On a related topic, I should also note that there has been a recent trend towards giving white children the names of Indian tribes as first names (Dakota, Cheyenne, Chippewa, etc.) I'd recommend against this, though, for two reasons: first, many Native Americans find the practice culturally and religiously inappropriate. It's difficult to explain why to outsiders, but think about how acceptable Biblical names like Mary and Jacob are to most American Christians, yet how unacceptable baby names like Christ or God would be. Tribal names have special meaning in Indian culture, and using them as first names isn't considered respectful to the people any more than naming your baby God would be interpreted as honoring God. Second, more practically speaking, the names of Indian tribes tend to have meanings that would strike most Americans as odd. Dakota, for example, is a plural noun--it's akin to naming your son "Frenchmen." Chippewa literally means "puckered up." Your child may not thank you for a name like this when he or she grows up any more than the people you're trying to honor will. "
This message was edited 9/18/2015, 9:21 AM
It's okay. Pretty, but bland. Reminds me of champagne.
ETA: I really hope we're not going to have the same conversation we've had 723 times, regarding this particular name. *fingers crossed*
ETA: I really hope we're not going to have the same conversation we've had 723 times, regarding this particular name. *fingers crossed*
This message was edited 9/18/2015, 7:48 AM
It's okay, especially for a middle name.
it's more attractive than Dakota, which a lot of people lump together in the same category. Cheyenne is entirely feminine, and Dakota is very ambiguous.
it's more attractive than Dakota, which a lot of people lump together in the same category. Cheyenne is entirely feminine, and Dakota is very ambiguous.
Pretty and problematic!
Where's my popcorn...
Where's my popcorn...
This message was edited 9/18/2015, 7:56 AM