Pronunciation: [ kr-EE ]
A one-syllable name honoring North America's Cree Nation
"referring to the Cree Indigenous people of North America"
"adapted from Kiristino (Ojibwe name for Cree people)"
Cree refers to the Cree Nation, one of the largest groups of First Nations in North America, primarily located in Canada from Alberta to Quebec. The word 'Cree' is believed to derive from a French adaptation of 'Kiristino', which was a name used by the Ojibwe people for their neighbors. As a first name, Cree honors this Indigenous heritage and has been used both by Indigenous and non-Indigenous families.
Cree as a first name has been slowly growing in the United States and Canada as parents seek nature-inspired, culturally resonant names with a strong, simple sound. It fits the trend of one-syllable names that feel both ancient and modern.
The Cree are one of the most widely dispersed Indigenous peoples in North America, with over 200,000 members. Using Cree as a first name can be a way of honoring Indigenous heritage, though some Indigenous communities have complex feelings about cultural names being adopted more broadly.
Actor
1969
American-Canadian actress and voice actress of Cree and African-American heritage, known for Daria and A Different World
Writer
American author who has written about Indigenous North American cultures
Cree is also used as a girl name, ranked #4741.
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Cree is a boy name with Indigenous North American, Canadian, and American origins . The name means "referring to the Cree Indigenous people of North America" in Indigenous North American .
Is Cree a boy or girl name? Cree is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #2,021 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #4,741. Cree is more commonly used as a boy name.
Cree is currently ranked #2,021 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Cree has 1 syllable and is pronounced kr-EE, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Cree include Crew, Creed, Creedence, Creighton, Creek . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.