Cheri is the French word for darling or dear (chéri in the feminine form), applied as a name with the accent quietly dropped. It's an explicitly affectionate name, the kind you'd whisper rather than shout, which is either charming or impractical depending on the pet's recall habits. On a female cat it's essentially perfect. On a dog you'll be saying it loudly across a park, which changes the register somewhat.
Human-Pet Crossover and Generational Aesthetic
The human Cheri peaked mid-20th century, a Boomer-era spelling variant of Sherry or Cherry. That vintage quality gives it a retro warmth on a pet now: not quite grandmotherly, not quite contemporary, occupying a pleasing middle ground. Owners drawn to old-fashioned human names for pets, alongside Anita, Lois, or Phyllis, find it fits naturally.
Sound Fit and Breed Preference
SHEH-ree: two syllables, soft throughout, ending on a light ee. It's gentle and feminine with no hard edges. Small dogs and cats with a sweet, slightly imperious manner carry it well: Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles, and most cat breeds find the name a natural fit.
The Counter-Reading: Very Soft for an Outdoor Name
Cheri doesn't project. Calling a dog named Cheri from across a yard requires a volume that slightly undercuts the delicate tone the name implies. Owners who want the French endearment register with more calling power might consider Cleo or Belle.