Che
Che is a boy's name of Spanish origin.
Meaning
Hey, friend, or pal (from an Argentine Spanish interjection).
Origin and history
Che is a Spanish interjection and familiar name originating in South America, particularly Argentina, where it is used as an informal form of address meaning 'hey' or 'friend'. It gained international recognition as the nickname of the revolutionary Ernesto 'Che' Guevara. In the United States, it remains a rare given name primarily chosen for its short, distinctive sound or cultural associations.
Popularity in the United States
2,105 babies in the United States have been named Che since 1880. It ranks #2812 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1843.
States where it is most popular
- CA (56.1 %)
- NY (24.7 %)
- TX (5.2 %)
- IL (4.7 %)
- MI (3 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 0 |
| 1920-1930 | 0 |
| 1930-1940 | 0 |
| 1940-1950 | 0 |
| 1950-1960 | 0 |
| 1960-1970 | 75 |
| 1970-1980 | 750 |
| 1980-1990 | 300 |
| 1990-2000 | 319 |
| 2000-2010 | 376 |
| 2010-2019 | 201 |
| 2020-2029 | 84 |
Fun facts
- In Argentina and Uruguay, 'che' is a ubiquitous colloquial interjection used to get someone's attention or signal camaraderie.
- Ernesto Guevara acquired the moniker 'Che' during his time in Guatemala and Cuba because of his frequent use of the Argentine expression.