471 Native American Baby Names For Your Child
Choices that pay tribute to the ancient culture.
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.
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| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  Girl | Fire; Fish; Ancient city of Nineveh; Little girl; God is gracious; Strong | |
| | Girl | Red speakers; Seizing by the heel; Supplanting | |
| | Girl | My elder sister; Rock; Resting place; Restoration; Perfume; Reward | |
| | Girl | Eternal bloom; Ever-blooming flower; Flower; Silent | |
| | Girl | Leaping water; Town by the river; Rock | |
| | Girl | First-born daughter | |
| | Girl | Flat meadow; Black bear; Clean water | |
| | Girl | A light that is found within | |
| | Girl | Eternal blossom; Everlasting bloom; Beautiful flower; Clear; Revelation; Going; Fountain; Downy-bearded | |
| | Girl | The good oak; Small spring; Arid zones | |
| | Girl | On my way; Beautiful; God is gracious; Brilliant | |
| | Girl | Solitary; Black fox | |
| |  Boy | Great peace; Friends or allies; Fort | |
| | Girl | Red speakers | |
| | Boy | Like a lion; Lamb; White | |
| | Girl | Earth; Pure | |
| | Girl | Grassy plain | |
| | Girl | Great one; A mountain peak in North America | |
| | Girl | Red speakers | |
| | Girl | Favor; Grace; Pleasant; Spirit warrior | |
| | Girl | A clear individual; Happiness; Moon halo | |
| |  Unisex | Quieted; Pacified; The seas; Middle pit or well; Wanderer | |
| | Boy | The mighty falcon; Hawk | |
| | Girl | Firstborn daughter | |
| | Girl | Leaping water; Town | |
| | Boy | My light; Light of Yehovah; We; Us; Our; Untamed | |
| | Girl | Pure; Each of the two | |
| | Girl | Of Arcadia; Place of abundance; Bear | |
| | Unisex | Friend; Companion | |
| | Girl | Precious thing; A feather | |
| | Boy | Precious; Beloved; Dignified; Princess; Jewel; Clear as day | |
| | Boy | Medicine man; Healer | |
| | Boy | Gift; Moon; Yahweh is gracious; Creator of plant life | |
| | Unisex | Desire; Wish; Spring; First; Vision; Bud | |
| | Girl | One who equally shares; Little; Small; Young | |
| | Boy | Friend; Alley | |
| | Girl | A habitational name for the one from Brooklyn in New York City | |
| | Girl | On my way; Lily; Rose | |
| | Girl | A place above; Where the mountain meets the sea | |
| | Unisex | Red speakers; Favor; Grace | |
| | Boy | Spring | |
| | Boy | Rising | |
| | Girl | On my way; God is gracious | |
| | Girl | First-born daughter | |
| | Girl | Raft; Star of the sea; Rebellious; Beloved | |
| | Boy | A meeting place; Where the waters meet | |
| | Girl | God will increase | |
| | Girl | Spirit; Pure; Victory | |
| | Girl | Gift from God | |
| | Boy | Son of Jack | |
| | Boy | One from Zeus; Manly; Masculine | |
| | Girl | Precious thing; A feather | |
| | Boy | Eagle hunter | |
| | Girl | Unique; Not very common | |
| | Girl | Red speakers | |
| | Unisex | Unique; Adventurous; Free-spirited | |
| | Unisex | Eagle hunter; God's gift; Truthful | |
| | Boy | Precious stone; Of Jade | |
| | Girl | A deer; Goddess; Divine | |
| | Boy | Beautiful lake | |
| | Girl | Leaping water; Town | |
| | Girl | Beautiful girl | |
| | Unisex | Downstream person; Big water | |
| | Unisex | Eye; Early; Black; Dark; To guide; Bright; Radiant | |
| | Unisex | On my way | |
| | Girl | Bandage; Precious | |
| | Boy | An old man; Place of stones | |
| | Boy | Dweller by the brook | |
| | Unisex | Boundary; Sweet; Honey | |
| | Girl | Beauty; Sand | |
| | Unisex | I do as I promise | |
| | Girl | Dark-skinned | |
| | Girl | Little girl; Mighty; Strong | |
| | Unisex | Friend; Ally; Mountain | |
| | Unisex | Ally; Friend | |
| | Girl | Gift from God | |
| | Girl | Date palm; Rain | |
| | Girl | A new moon | |
| | Girl | Leaping water | |
| | Boy | The firstborn son | |
| | Boy | Chief; High god ancestor | |
| | Girl | Superior | |
| | Unisex | Red speakers | |
| | Girl | Precious | |
| | Girl | Red speakers | |
| | Girl | One who is the center of everything | |
| | Boy | Pecan | |
| | Boy | He becomes angry like a lord | |
| | Girl | Red speakers; People from a different language | |
| | Unisex | Wild garlic; City in Illinois | |
| | Unisex | Southern people | |
| | Boy | Open; From Airelle | |
| | Unisex | Sun | |
| | Girl | A place name; Valley of the moon; Nose; Earth village | |
| | Unisex | Bear; Pleasant; Favor; Grace; Float; Drift; Resemble; Sky | |
| | Girl | Land of wood and water; Land of springs | |
| | Unisex | Chief | |
| | Girl | Grace; God is gracious; God's favor | |
| | Girl | People of the mountains | |
| | Boy | He laughs | |
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.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- 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.
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