471 Native American Baby Names For Your Child

Choices that pay tribute to the ancient culture.

Written by N Pravenchandra Singh, MA Specialty: Literature and RelationshipsExperience: 2 years

Praven is an English literature expert. He did his bachelors in English from Delhi University and masters in English from Manipur University. Besides, he holds a certificate in multimedia design and content creation from NIELIT Imphal and presented papers at various national and international conferences.

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Vidya did her post-graduation in Biotechnology from Osmania University, Hyderabad. Her interest in scientific research and writing made her pursue a career in writing, in which she now has over five years of experience. She has done certified biotechnology-related training programs under renowned organizations such as Centre For Cellular & Molecular Biology and Department of Biotechnology.

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Fact-checked by Trisha Chakraborty, MA, BEd Specialty: Child development & educationExperience: 5 years

Trisha worked as a schoolteacher for three years before taking up professional writing in 2021. She completed her masters in English from the University of Calcutta and bachelors in Education from the University of Burdwan.

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Last Updated on Nov 13, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

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.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Nina	Girl	Fire; Fish; Ancient city of Nineveh; Little girl; God is gracious; Strong
Cheyenne	Girl	Red speakers; Seizing by the heel; Supplanting
Kaya	Girl	My elder sister; Rock; Resting place; Restoration; Perfume; Reward
Aiyana	Girl	Eternal bloom; Ever-blooming flower; Flower; Silent
Tallulah	Girl	Leaping water; Town by the river; Rock
Winona	Girl	First-born daughter
Kenai	Girl	Flat meadow; Black bear; Clean water
Laniyah	Girl	A light that is found within
Aiyanna	Girl	Eternal blossom; Everlasting bloom; Beautiful flower; Clear; Revelation; Going; Fountain; Downy-bearded
Arizona	Girl	The good oak; Small spring; Arid zones

Shania	Girl	On my way; Beautiful; God is gracious; Brilliant
Enola	Girl	Solitary; Black fox
Kota	Boy	Great peace; Friends or allies; Fort
Cheyanne	Girl	Red speakers
Llewyn	Boy	Like a lion; Lamb; White
Kaiah	Girl	Earth; Pure
Savanah	Girl	Grassy plain
Denali	Girl	Great one; A mountain peak in North America
Shyanne	Girl	Red speakers
Hania	Girl	Favor; Grace; Pleasant; Spirit warrior

Aylen	Girl	A clear individual; Happiness; Moon halo
Nakai	Unisex	Quieted; Pacified; The seas; Middle pit or well; Wanderer
Chayton	Boy	The mighty falcon; Hawk
Wynona	Girl	Firstborn daughter
Talulah	Girl	Leaping water; Town
Uri	Boy	My light; Light of Yehovah; We; Us; Our; Untamed
Kateri	Girl	Pure; Each of the two
Acadia	Girl	Of Arcadia; Place of abundance; Bear
Kodah	Unisex	Friend; Companion
Quetzalli	Girl	Precious thing; A feather

Yajaira	Boy	Precious; Beloved; Dignified; Princess; Jewel; Clear as day
Mahkai	Boy	Medicine man; Healer
Jacy	Boy	Gift; Moon; Yahweh is gracious; Creator of plant life
Muna	Unisex	Desire; Wish; Spring; First; Vision; Bud
Yaiza	Girl	One who equally shares; Little; Small; Young
Dakotah	Boy	Friend; Alley
Brooklynne	Girl	A habitational name for the one from Brooklyn in New York City
Shaniyah	Girl	On my way; Lily; Rose
Topanga	Girl	A place above; Where the mountain meets the sea
Shianne	Unisex	Red speakers; Favor; Grace

Dequan	Boy	Spring
Lavonte	Boy	Rising
Shaniya	Girl	On my way; God is gracious
Wynonna	Girl	First-born daughter
Maraya	Girl	Raft; Star of the sea; Rebellious; Beloved
Tennessee	Boy	A meeting place; Where the waters meet
Jolyne	Girl	God will increase
Catori	Girl	Spirit; Pure; Victory
Jazlene	Girl	Gift from God
Jacksen	Boy	Son of Jack

Diondre	Boy	One from Zeus; Manly; Masculine
Quetzali	Girl	Precious thing; A feather
Makya	Boy	Eagle hunter
Halyn	Girl	Unique; Not very common
Shyann	Girl	Red speakers
Maizee	Unisex	Unique; Adventurous; Free-spirited
Makaya	Unisex	Eagle hunter; God's gift; Truthful
Jadrian	Boy	Precious stone; Of Jade
Dyani	Girl	A deer; Goddess; Divine
Ontario	Boy	Beautiful lake

Talula	Girl	Leaping water; Town
Nizhoni	Girl	Beautiful girl
Miami	Unisex	Downstream person; Big water
Nayra	Unisex	Eye; Early; Black; Dark; To guide; Bright; Radiant
Shaniah	Unisex	On my way
Tehya	Girl	Bandage; Precious
Seneca	Boy	An old man; Place of stones
Broox	Boy	Dweller by the brook
Misk	Unisex	Boundary; Sweet; Honey
Noya	Girl	Beauty; Sand

Nakoma	Unisex	I do as I promise
Kimimila	Girl	Dark-skinned
Neena	Girl	Little girl; Mighty; Strong
Nakota	Unisex	Friend; Ally; Mountain
Takota	Unisex	Ally; Friend
Nevaeha	Girl	Gift from God
Tamya	Girl	Date palm; Rain
Tayen	Girl	A new moon
Tallula	Girl	Leaping water
Chaska	Boy	The firstborn son

Dasan	Boy	Chief; High god ancestor
Anevay	Girl	Superior
Chayanne	Unisex	Red speakers
Lanelle	Girl	Precious
Shyanna	Girl	Red speakers
Tamaya	Girl	One who is the center of everything
Pecos	Boy	Pecan
Moctezuma	Boy	He becomes angry like a lord
Chyanne	Girl	Red speakers; People from a different language
Chicago	Unisex	Wild garlic; City in Illinois

Shawnee	Unisex	Southern people
Darold	Boy	Open; From Airelle
Inti	Unisex	Sun
Sonoma	Girl	A place name; Valley of the moon; Nose; Earth village
Hannya	Unisex	Bear; Pleasant; Favor; Grace; Float; Drift; Resemble; Sky
Jamaica	Girl	Land of wood and water; Land of springs
Micco	Unisex	Chief
Anjeanette	Girl	Grace; God is gracious; God's favor
Utah	Girl	People of the mountains
Ahanu	Boy	He laughs

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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)

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.