72 Inuit Baby Names From The People Of The Arctic
From Ahnah to Yura, celebrate the uniqueness of these indigenous names from the Arctic.
Illustration: MomJunction Design Team
Just like every other culture and religion, naming is extremely important for the Inuit people. Inuit baby names reflect the diverse cultural heritage of the indigenous Inuit communities residing in the Arctic regions. But what sets Inuit people apart is the fact that they name their children after body parts. For instance, the baby name Taqtu, means ‘kidney’, Putuguq means ‘big toe’, and Shin means ‘lower part of the leg’. They even take inspiration from celestial bodies, for example, Siqiniq, which means ‘sun’, Taqqiq, which means moon, and Nanurjuk, which means ‘Betelgeuse star in the Orion constellation’. Tuq&urausiit holds significance in Inuit naming customs, particularly in the naming of children. In traditional practices, Inuit children are given names of respected family elders, and sometimes they carry the tuq&urausiit of their namesakes. In certain families, tuq&urausiit terms are used in place of conventional given names. Children carry forward the legacy and wisdom of their forebears through the continuation of these meaningful naming practices This demonstrates the deep-rooted cultural values and respect Inuit people have for their ancestors (1). Inuit people are strict followers of animism, which explains their love for spiritual names, such as Nuliajuk, which means a ‘woman with a fin, who is the leader of all the seals in the sea’, Ijiraq, which means ‘caribou like spirit’, and Nanurluk, which is the name of a mythical, large polar bear. Inuit people even name their children after parents, grandparents, ancestors, or anyone they respect. They believe that the purpose of naming children after people they love is to ensure that the person lives on, even after death. It’s their way of keeping the memories alive. Also, Inuit elders do not call their grandchildren by their names. They refer to them as irnngutaq, which means ‘grandchild’. Now that this post has acquainted you with a small, but important part of Inuit naming customs and conventions, let’s proceed to the baby name list below. We’ve handpicked the best and most versatile Inuit baby names for you.
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| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  Girl | Earth; Speech; Companion; Associate; Torch; Island | |
| |  Unisex | Lands bordering the northern oceans; Now | |
| | Girl | A hill | |
| | Unisex | Clear sky | |
| | Girl | A wise woman | |
| | Girl | Inuit Goddess of fertility and childbirth | |
| | Girl | She who is honest and noble | |
| | Unisex | Under-feet | |
| |  Boy | The strong one | |
| | Unisex | Grey wolf | |
| | Girl | One with a friendly spirit | |
| | Girl | Inuit form of Anne; Grace | |
| | Unisex | Snow | |
| | Girl | Fish catcher | |
| | Girl | Big woman; A spirit of the woman under the sea | |
| | Girl | Old woman from the sea; Goddess of the hunters | |
| | Girl | Name of the goddess who inspires fear in the hearts of hunters | |
| | Girl | Woman; Girl | |
| | Girl | Goddess prayed for good weather | |
| | Girl | Goddess of the ruler of the sky | |
| | Unisex | Polar bear cub | |
| | Girl | Polar bear mother | |
| | Unisex | Inuit word for coal | |
| | Girl | Elisapee is a spelling variation of Elisapie; My God is an oath. | |
| | Girl | Inuit form of the name Elizabeth; My God is an oath. | |
| | Girl | Hyena | |
| | Unisex | Red spruce | |
| | Boy | An Alaskan cairn to mark pathways; On the right path | |
| | Girl | Singing crow woman | |
| | Girl | Inuit form of Jessica; Rich or God beholds | |
| | Unisex | Lightning. | |
| | Unisex | The lower part of the leg | |
| | Girl | A hill | |
| | Boy | Kumaglak is a fictional name featured in "Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner". | |
| | Girl | Thorn | |
| | Unisex | Variant of Nanuq; Polar bear | |
| | Unisex | Star | |
| | Boy | God of icebergs | |
| | Unisex | One who is strong | |
| | Girl | A woman with a fin | |
| | Unisex | Polar bear | |
| | Girl | A fictional name | |
| | Boy | God who cares for the souls in the underworld before their reincarnation | |
| | Boy | Island | |
| | Boy | Inuit form of Philip; Lover of horses | |
| | Unisex | Dog | |
| | Unisex | The sun | |
| | Girl | Name of Tundra's granddaughter | |
| | Girl | Arctic flower | |
| | Unisex | Kidney | |
| | Unisex | Covered in clouds | |
| | Boy | God of hunting: Master of caribou | |
| | Girl | Possessor of knowledge | |
| | Boy | The adopted child | |
| | Boy | He is spontaneous and versatile | |
| | Boy | Tiny man | |
| | Unisex | Old woman deity who could walk on water | |
| | Boy | Name of a powerful sky god | |
| | Unisex | He who is generous | |
| | Unisex | Rib | |
| | Boy | Rib | |
| | Boy | Warrior or god of the stars | |
| | Boy | Like a raven; Creator of light | |
| | Boy | Variant of Ujarak, meaning rock | |
| | Unisex | River | |
| | Unisex | Calved ice | |
| | Boy | Breaking off sugar-pine cones | |
| | Boy | A yellow jacket used for carrying pieces of meat from the house to the nest | |
| | Unisex | Bright star; Cause of fragrance; Blssm | |
| | Unisex | Beautiful | |
| | Boy | To claw | |
| | Unisex | Wolf | |
Inuit baby names are more than just labels; they are threads woven into the fabric of a vibrant and resilient culture. These names serve as a bridge between past and present, carrying the essence of the Arctic's breathtaking landscapes, spiritual beliefs, and cherished family legacies. Embracing Inuit naming traditions is a celebration of the profound connection between generations and the enduring values of the indigenous communities. As we delve into the captivating world of Inuit naming practices, we are reminded of the beauty and significance that these names bestow upon each new generation, ensuring that the cultural heritage remains alive and thriving for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the differences between Inuit and other Indigenous baby names?
Inuit names have unique pronunciations and spellings, which are less common in other languages, including indigenous cultures. Inuit names may often be derived from the Inuktitut language within the Arctic region, whereas indigenous names may have varied language origins concerning their cultural group or tribe. Moreover, Inuit names are mostly inspired by the geography of the Arctic regions, whereas the indigenous names may be specific to the features of their respective regions.
2. What is the significance of choosing traditional Inuit baby names?
Most Inuit names are influenced by their geographical location, traditions, and language; thus, choosing such names helps uphold cultural heritage and beliefs. Moreover, some of these names are also passed down through generations preserving the family lineage while maintaining linguistic diversity and establishing a sense of belonging.
Infographic: Attractive Inuit Baby Names With Meanings
Inuit baby names celebrate the beauty and richness of the indigenous people of the Arctic region. Experience the tradition of venerating esteemed elders and preserving legacies as you delve into the profound significance of each name. Check out the intriguing infographic below on Inuit baby names.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
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