Etymology & Historical Origin - Cherish. Cherish is the English vocabulary word meaning “to treasure, prize”. The English borrowed the word from the French around the 13th or 14th century. It’s ultimately derived from the Latin “carus” meaning “dear, beloved”. The Middle English form of the word was “cherisshen” meaning “to hold dear”. As a female given name, Cherish is a modern late 20th century invention and used primarily in the United States (although occasionally in Canada and Australia).