27 Inuit Girl Names Inspired By Their Culture

Nature-inspired feminine name choices from the frosty Arctic world.

Written by Ratika Pai, M.Com

Edited by Aneesha Amonz, MSc

Fact-checked by Angela Alex, MA

Last Updated on Jan 7, 2025

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Inuit baby girl names are native to the Inuits, who are a group of indigenous people living in the Arctic regions of Canada, Greenland, and Alaska. Though they live in North America, Inuits have a different culture and language than other indigenous people in these regions. Inuit means ‘the people’ in the Inuktitut language (1). They were formerly known as the Eskimos. However, this term is now considered offensive and Inuits is preferred (2). With such a rich background, it is, therefore, natural that Inuit baby girl names draw inspiration from the rich culture and language of the group. The Inuits are known for their close association with the Arctic environment. They have developed the skills to adapt to the cold and harsh Arctic environment and have also learned to survive on the sparse materials available. These qualities of resilience and close bonding with nature reflect in their names. From the wild Amaruq, meaning ‘gray wolf,’ to the gentle Yura, meaning ‘beautiful,’ Inuit baby girl names cover a variety of meanings. Aput, meaning ‘snow,’ and Ukiuk, meaning ‘winter,’ are some names used to describe the cold weather of the Arctic region. Moreover, names like Siqiniq, meaning ‘sun,’ and Taqqiq, meaning ‘moon,’ show the peoples’ close relationship with the celestial elements. Inuit baby girl names have been closely guarded within the community for several generations. However, with rapid globalization and the advent of social media, these names are finding their way into the world. These names appeal to parents who wish to give their children a unique name with a deep meaning. However, as these names are related to the indigenous peoples, it is always good practice to talk to someone from the community before you decide to give a name to your baby. You should also learn the proper pronunciation of the name you choose. If you are enamored by Inuit culture and wish to give your daughter an Inuit name, we have a list of the most wonderful Inuit baby girl names for you. You can scroll through these names and select the perfect one for your special little person.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Ila	Girl	Earth; Speech; Companion; Associate; Torch; Island
Kirima	Girl	A hill
Ahnah	Girl	A wise woman
Akna	Girl	Inuit Goddess of fertility and childbirth
Alasie	Girl	She who is honest and noble
Amka	Girl	One with a friendly spirit
Anjij	Girl	Inuit form of Anne; Grace
Aqakuktuq	Girl	Fish catcher
Arnaaluk	Girl	Big woman; A spirit of the woman under the sea
Arnakuagsak	Girl	Old woman from the sea; Goddess of the hunters

Arnapkapfaaluk	Girl	Name of the goddess who inspires fear in the hearts of hunters
Arnaq	Girl	Woman; Girl
Asiaq	Girl	Goddess prayed for good weather
Ataksak	Girl	Goddess of the ruler of the sky
Atiqtalik	Girl	Polar bear mother
Elisapee	Girl	Elisapee is a spelling variation of Elisapie; My God is an oath.
Elisapie	Girl	Inuit form of the name Elizabeth; My God is an oath.
Hitty	Girl	Hyena
Isapoinhkyaki	Girl	Singing crow woman
Jissika	Girl	Inuit form of Jessica; Rich or God beholds

Kireama	Girl	A hill
Meriwa	Girl	Thorn
Nuliajuk	Girl	A woman with a fin
Nuvua	Girl	A fictional name
Tanaraq	Girl	Name of Tundra's granddaughter
Tapeesa	Girl	Arctic flower
Ticasuk	Girl	Possessor of knowledge

Inuit baby girl names are almost exclusively used by the Inuit. The people here have adapted to the harsh Arctic climate and learned to live in harmony with the sparse natural elements available to them. These names reflect their connection to nature and the environment. Though Inuit baby girl names are now finding their way into the English-speaking world through social media and other channels, they are still rare. You may consider giving your baby an Inuit name, but it is necessary to talk to an Inuit person before you zero in on a name.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some unique Inuit baby girl names?

Some examples of unique Inuit girl names that you could take inspiration from include Akna (goddess of fertility and childbirth), Arnaluk (someone who is big), Atiktaliq (strength), and Sinaaq (edge of the sea ice).

2. What is the Inuit name for soul?

The Inuit name meaning soul is Tuumaq. The name also means ‘spirit.’

3. What is the Inuit name for love?

Nalligik and Tatik are names that mean ‘love’ in Inuit culture. These names can be used for both boys and girls.

Infographic: Interesting Inuit Baby Girl Names

Inuit baby girl names have deep meanings often associated with the resilience of the Inuit people who face the harsh Arctic climate and wildlife. If you are looking for captivating baby names, consider Inuit baby girl names. Take a look at this infographic for some great Inuit names with meanings.

illuminating inuit names for your daughter(infographic)

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

The Inuit.
https://www.facinghistory.org/en-ca/resource-library/inuit
Inuit or Eskimo: Which name to use?
https://www.uaf.edu/anlc/research-and-resources/resources/archives/inuit_or_eskimo.php

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Author Editor Fact Checker

Ratika PaiM.Com

Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.

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Aneesha AmonzMSc

Aneesha holds a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology from USTM, Meghalaya and Master’s degree in Applied Microbiology from VIT, Vellore. With two years of experience, she has worked on different research projects in the field of Food Sciences.

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Angela AlexMA

Angela is an honors student with a master's degree in Linguistics from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in History from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. Her combined interest in history and the science of language has taught her the skills to understand how language and its use have changed over time.

Read full bio of Angela Alex