369 Native American Baby Names With Meanings

Choices that pay tribute to the ancient culture.

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• Aug 21, 2023

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Do you know the common denominator between the Sitting Bull, the Chiefdom organization, and The Last of the Mohicans? It’s the Native Americans. Apart from a rich culture, history, and heritage, they also take pride in their captivating array of Native American baby names, reflecting the beauty and uniqueness of their traditions. These names are derived from the indigenous people inhabiting the North and South America. The Native American naming tradition is dynamic, allowing for earning of new names based on personality. Children are given names reflecting their nature, and, if unsuitable, changed. Adolescents may also change names. Throughout adulthood, new names are awarded by family and society, fostering a robust social bond with the community and family. This tradition serves as a driving force for personal growth throughout life. Its fluid nature encourages individual development. Every Native American tribe has a different naming tradition. In some tribes, a baby is not named until they are born, and in others, a child can be named only when they reach puberty. Some even name their child after a rite of passage, a life event, a dream, or an accomplishment. For example, within the Lakota tribe, names carry significant importance, with six distinct classes dictating the naming process. These categories encompass birth order, honor, special deed, nicknames, and secret or spirit names. The naming ceremony is a meticulous affair, extending over weeks or months, involving the careful planning of gifts, food, and prayers to celebrate the individual's achievements and actions. Crucially, the tribe’s elder must approve the name, typically revealed through a dream or vision, signifying the profound spiritual bond between the person and their given name (1). If you want a distinctive and beautiful Native American name, look no further. Use our baby name collection to find famous and insightful Native American names with meanings. We’ve even included a few Native American variants of Christian and Hebrew names for parents who wish to go the non-traditional route.

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Name	Gender	Meaning
Adsila	Girl	Blossom
Ahanu	Boy	He laughs
Ahtahkakoop	Boy	Star blanket
Ahuitzotl	Boy	The eighth Aztec ruler, the Hueyi Tlatoani of the city of Tenochtitlan
Aiyana	Girl	Eternal bloom; Ever-blooming flower
Akando	Boy	Ambush; One who has power and wealth
Akikta	Boy	One who works with determination; Excels in everything
Alanta	Unisex	Strong and determined
Alo	Boy	Spiritual guide
Apache	Unisex	Enemy; The people

Apiatan	Boy	Wooden lance
Aponi	Unisex	butterfly or one who is beautiful
Asahavey	Boy	Bird Chief; a perfect leader
Askook	Boy	Snake
Atahladte	Unisex	Feather on the head
Atlin	Unisex	Big lake
Atotoztli	Girl	Something which is not very clear
Aucaman	Boy	Wild condor
Aviaja	Girl	Cousin; Expressive and positive
Avonaco	Boy	A lean bear; Travel lover

Awena	Unisex	Time of early day; Sunrise
Awendea	Girl	One who has a beautiful morning
Awendela	Girl	Fawn; Interesting
Awinita	Girl	One who loves social life; fawn
Axayacatl	Boy	A water-faced individual
Axe	Boy	One who is the father of peace
Ayelen	Girl	Dawning; Morning Star
Ayiana	Girl	Eternal blossom
Ayita	Girl	First To Dance
Aylen	Girl	A clear individual; Happiness

Behitha	Unisex	Eagle Child; the beginning of an event
Bena	Girl	Pheasant
Bidaban	Boy	Beginning of Dawn; an excellent human being
Bison	Unisex	Strong; Powerful; Untamed
Brocky	Unisex	The feahers that come from over the hill
Byue	Unisex	Like a slow stream
Caiya	Boy	To be near something
Calfuray	Girl	One who is like a violet flower
Calian	Boy	He who is a warrior of the life
Catahecassa	Boy	Black hoof

Catori	Girl	She is spirit
Chaco	Unisex	God Strengthens
Chantesuta	Unisex	The one who has a firm heart
Chanteyukan	Unisex	A benevolent human being
Chapa	Girl	Beaver; metal tin
Chardon	Unisex	Bar of sand
Chasity	Boy	One who is pure
Chaska	Boy	The first born son
Chaske	Boy	The one who has cheerful and friendly personality
Chaytan	Boy	A patient, diplomatic, and gentle individual; Like a hawk

Chayton	Boy	The mighty falcon
Chenoa	Girl	Kentucky river
Cherokee	Boy	People of different language; Other people
Chesmu	Boy	A rough, witty person
Chetanzi	Unisex	A yellow Hawk
Cheveyo	Boy	A warrior; soul warrior
Chey	Unisex	Speak incoherently; Red speakers
Cheyanne	Girl	Red speakers
Cheyenne	Girl	Red speakers
Chiana	Girl	Capital city on the Plains

Chianne	Girl	Those who speak unintelligently
Chicago	Unisex	Wild garlic
Chichimecacihuatzin	Girl	A noble person
Chickoa	Girl	During daybreak
Chile	Unisex	Where the land ends; Cold; Snow
Chimalus	Unisex	A Bluebird
Chogan	Boy	Blackbird, a species of birds found in Europe and Asia
Cholena	Girl	Bird; the egg laying living thing that can fly
Chua	Boy	Snake
Chumana	Girl	Snake maiden

Chumani	Girl	Dew drop; a product of transpiration by plants
Chunta	Boy	Cheating; to use unfair or fraud means for one's own benefit
Chusi	Girl	Snake flower
Chyanne	Girl	A speaker who is impossible to understand and comprehend
Ciqala	Boy	Small one; tiny one; little one
Citana	Unisex	One who is a star in the sky
Citlali	Unisex	Star
Cochise	Boy	A type of wood; a well known warrior chief
Cohutta	Unisex	Mountains; Sheds of poles
Cougar	Unisex	Mountain lion; Puma

Coyote	Unisex	trickster, cunning, unpredictability
Creek	Unisex	Stream; Small river
Cuauhtemoc	Boy	A falling Eagle
Cuauhtemotzin	Boy	The one who falls like an Eagle
Cuba	Boy	The centre of an island
Cuitlahuatzin	Boy	Name of a far-off place
Cusa	Boy	The one who provokes
Dakoda	Unisex	Native American; Friend
Dakota	Unisex	Native American; Friend
Dakotah	Boy	A friend of friends

Dasan	Boy	A Chief
Dason	Boy	A combination name
Delsin	Boy	He is so
Doba	Girl	A person who is studious, clever, and of a practical nature
Dy	Girl	A beautiful Deer
Dyami	Boy	A majestic Eagle
Dyani	Girl	A Deer; smart and fast
Elan	Boy	A friendly and lovely person; A tree
Elsu	Boy	A flying falcon
Elu	Unisex	Full of grace

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Native American baby names hold immense importance, embodying the cultural legacy of indigenous people. The naming process is flexible, enabling personal growth over time. Various tribes adopt distinct naming customs tied to birth order, dreams, and achievements. The ceremonial approval by the tribe’s elders signifies a profound spiritual link between individuals and their names. Embracing a Native American name goes beyond aesthetics; it fosters a profound connection to a centuries-old tradition that honors identity and uniqueness. Such names encapsulate a rich heritage and offer a powerful tribute to Native American culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can Native American baby names be used for non-Native American children?

Yes, Native American baby names can also be used for non-Native American children, provided the names are well-researched by the parents and the names are considered socially acceptable. Some Native American names that is chosen by non-Natives include Cherokee, Dakota, and Nayla.

2. What are some Native American baby names inspired by spiritual beliefs?

Some of the Native American names with spiritual beliefs are Alo, meaning ‘one who is a spiritual guide,’ Angeni, meaning ‘an angel,’ Jonas, which means ‘dove’ as a symbol of peace, and Pillan, which means ‘god of stormy weather.’

3. Which Native American name means star?

Some Native American names that mean stars include Galaxy, meaning ‘large system of stars’ and Wabanang, meaning ‘eastern morning star.’ Also, Namid, Citali, and Totole mean ‘star.’

4.Which Native American names mean peace?

Some of the Native American names that mean peace include Jalen, meaning ‘tranquil,’ Frederick, meaning ‘peaceful ruler,’ Serenity, which means ‘peaceful disposition,’ and Aquene, meaning ‘peace.’

5. Which Native American name means heaven?

Some of the American names that mean heaven include Avari, meaning ‘from the sky,’ Moraika, meaning ‘heavenly messenger,’ Sahalie, meaning ‘heaven,’ and Arcelio, which means ‘altar of heaven.’

Infographic: Traditional Native American Baby Names

There's no better way to honor your American heritage than by choosing a gorgeous Native American baby name. For millennia, Native Americans have shaped their culture and environment. Their values, traditions, and beliefs have been passed from generation to generation. As a result, names from this culture have powerful symbolism. Read this infographic to find the most impactful ones.

native american names with deep cultural significance (infographic)

Get the high-quality PDF version of this 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.

Native American Name Giving Tradition.
https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Features/Display/Article/787495/native-american-name-giving-tradition/

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.