"to hold dear, to treasure"
Origin: Old French (chérir)
Language: English
Cherish
Pronunciation: [ ch-EHR-ihsh ]
Does Cherish flow with your last name?
A sweet word name that says exactly what a parent feels
American
Gentle
Playful
Whimsical
Vintage
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"beloved, precious"
Origin: Latin (carus)
Language: English
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The Story of Cherish
Cherish is an English word name derived from Old French 'chérir' (to hold dear), which traces back to Latin 'carus' meaning beloved or precious — the same root as 'charity' and 'Carina.' As a given name, Cherish embodies the sentiment parents feel at a child's birth. It belongs to the American tradition of using abstract virtue and sentiment words as names, alongside Faith, Hope, Grace, and Joy.
Cherish as a given name peaked in the United States in the 1970s-80s, boosted by the 1966 Association song 'Cherish,' the 1971 David Cassidy hit of the same name, and Madonna's 1989 song 'Cherish.' The name carried a buoyant, feel-good quality that fit the optimistic naming trends of that era.
Cherish reflects the American tradition of naming daughters after abstract qualities and sentiments. The name was particularly popular in African-American communities during the 1970s-80s, often alongside names like Crystal, Destiny, and Harmony. Several pop songs named 'Cherish' kept the name in cultural circulation across decades.
Historical Record
Cherish first appeared in US Social Security records in 1966.
Over 11,190 babies have been named Cherish in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Cherish is past its peak , currently ranked #1,486 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- At least four different hit songs are titled 'Cherish' — by The Association (1966), David Cassidy (1971), Kool & The Gang (1985), and Madonna (1989)
- The French verb 'chérir' that gave us Cherish shares its Latin root with 'charity' — the love of all mankind
Cherish in Other Languages
Latin
Carere
French
Chérir (to cherish)
Italian
Amare
Spanish
Apreciar/Querer
Popularity Over Time
#1,486
Current Rank
Peaked 2007
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Cherish
C
Cherish Lee
Musician
1987
American country music singer and daughter of Loretta Lynn's daughter Peggy Jean
C
Cherish
Musician
American R&B girl group from Florida active in the mid-2000s, known for 'Do It To It'
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,486
- Total SSA Count
- 147
- Cultural Origins
- American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Cheri
Cherry
Rish
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Cherish
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cherish
What does the name Cherish mean?
"to hold dear, to treasure" (from Old French (chérir)). "beloved, precious" (from Latin (carus)). Cherish is an English word name derived from Old French 'chérir' (to hold dear), which traces back to Latin 'carus' meaning beloved or precious — the same root as 'charity' and 'Carina.' As a given name, Cherish embodies the sentiment parents feel at a child's birth. It belongs to the American tradition of using abstract virtue and sentiment words as names, alongside Faith, Hope, Grace, and Joy.
What is the origin of the name Cherish?
Cherish has Old French (chérir), Latin (carus), and American origins. In Old French (chérir), it means "to hold dear, to treasure". In Latin (carus), it means "beloved, precious".
Is Cherish a boy or girl name?
Cherish is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Cherish?
Cherish is pronounced ch-EHR-ihsh.
How popular is the name Cherish?
Cherish is currently ranked #1486 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Cherish?
Common nicknames for Cherish include Cheri, Cherry, and Rish.
What are good middle names for Cherish?
Popular middle name pairings include Cherish Ann, Cherish Marie, Cherish Lynn, Cherish Rose, Cherish Hope, Cherish Joy, and Cherish Renee.
What are good sibling names for Cherish?
Names that pair well with Cherish as siblings include Destiny, Crystal, Harmony, Journey, Heaven, Faith, and Grace.
How many syllables does Cherish have?
Cherish has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Cherish a common or rare name?
Cherish is an uncommon name, ranked #1486 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Cherish?
About the Name Cherish
Cherish is a girl name with American origins . The name means "to hold dear, to treasure" in Old French (chérir) .
Cherish is currently ranked #1,486 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Cherish has 2 syllables and is pronounced ch-EHR-ihsh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Cherish include Cheri, Cherry, and Rish. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Cherish include Cheryl, Cherry . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis