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Home › Baby Names Directory › Chenille

Chenille

♀ Girl

Pronounced shuh-NEEL /ʃəˈniːl/Medium

Meaning: Chenille comes straight from the French word chenille, a caterpillar, which also names the soft, tufted fabric and yarn whose fuzzy surface resembles the insect. It is used as a girl's name for that plush, decorative feel.Low

In 30 seconds: Chenille is the French word for caterpillar, and the name of the soft, fuzzy fabric. It was never common (said shuh-NEEL).
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Origin LowFrench
MeaningChenille comes straight from the French word chenille, a caterpillar, which also names the soft, tufted fabric and yarn whose fuzzy surface resembles the insect. It is used as a girl's name for that plush, decorative feel.
U.S. rank (2007)#15907 ↘ Falling
2007 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2002
Total births (all-time)≈ 207

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200219712007

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Chenille is a word name drawn from the French for a caterpillar, better known as the plush, tufted fabric prized for its softness. As a given name it belongs with the small family of textile names, chosen for its luxurious, tactile sound.

The name saw quiet use late in the twentieth century, cresting in the early two-thousands. Given to only about twenty girls a year, a Chenille from that peak is now in her twenties.

Did you know? Chenille is French for caterpillar, named for the fuzzy yarn's resemblance to the insect; as a girl's name it joins fabric names like Satin and Velvet.
Overall data confidence 35%
References - Chenille — French word name (caterpillar; the soft fabric)

Variations

ChenileShenilleChenelle

Nicknames

ChenNell

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Chenille…

Chanel— a like French fashion word name
Chenelle— a near-twin spelling
Nichelle— shares the soft -elle sound
Danielle— a related melodic French name

Explore names like Chenille

By themerareword-namefrench

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Chenille mean?

It is the French word for caterpillar, and the name of the soft, tufted fabric.

How do you pronounce Chenille?

It is said shuh-NEEL /ʃəˈniːl/, two syllables with the stress on the second.

Is Chenille a boy or girl name?

Chenille is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Chenille?

It has always been rare in the United States, given to only about twenty girls a year at its peak in the early two-thousands.

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