363 Native American Baby Names For Your Child

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
Liam		Boy	Strong-willed warrior
Olivia		Girl	Peace; Olive tree
Emma		Girl	Whole; Universal
Charlotte		Girl	Free person; Petite
Oliver		Boy	Olive tree planter
Amelia		Girl	Hardworking and industrious
Elijah		Boy	Yahweh is my God
Ava		Girl	Guarantee
James		Boy	Supplanter
Sophia		Girl	She who possesses great knowledge and wisdom
William		Boy	Will; Protector
Benjamin		Boy	Son of the right hand; Son of the south
Isabella		Girl	God is my oath
Lucas		Boy	Bringer of light
Mia		Girl	Mine; Dear; Darling
Evelyn		Girl	Life
Henry		Boy	Home ruler
Jack		Boy	God is gracious
Camila		Girl	Religious attendant; Priest's helper
Levi		Boy	Joined; Attached; United
Alexander		Boy	Defender of mankind
Gianna		Girl	Grace of God
Elizabeth		Girl	My God is an oath; My God is abundance
Jackson		Boy	Son of Jack; God is gracious
Mateo		Boy	Gift of God
Daniel		Boy	God is my judge
Ella		Girl	Beautiful light; Goddess
Michael		Boy	Who is like God
Mason		Boy	Stone worker
Sofia		Girl	Wisdom; Learned
Sebastian		Boy	From Sebaste; Venerable
Ethan		Boy	Strong
Scarlett		Girl	The color scarlet; Bright red
Emily		Girl	Hardworking; Dilligent; Industrious person
Logan		Boy	Little hollow
Penelope		Girl	Weaver
Samuel		Boy	Name of God
Jacob		Boy	May God protect; Holder of the heel; Supplanter
Asher		Boy	Happy; Blessing
Layla		Girl	Night; Dark
Mila		Girl	Gracious; Dear
John		Boy	God is merciful and gracious
Nora		Girl	Light; Bright; Honorable
Joseph		Boy	He will add; Praise
Hazel		Girl	The hazel tree
Wyatt		Boy	Brave at war
David		Boy	Beloved
Ellie		Girl	God is my light
Leo		Boy	Lion
Lily		Girl	Lily; Purity; Innocence
Luke		Boy	Bringer of light
Nova		Girl	New star
Julian		Boy	Youthful; Bright; Juvenile; Downy-bearded
Isla		Girl	Island
Grace		Girl	Goodness; Generosity
Grayson		Boy	Son of a gray-haired person
Violet		Girl	Purple; Purple flower
Matthew		Boy	Gift of God
Ezra		Boy	Helper
Zoey		Girl	Life; To breathe
Willow		Girl	Willow tree; Freedom
Emilia		Girl	Rival; To emulate; Excel
Isaac		Boy	He will laugh
Luca		Boy	Bringer of light
Zoe		Girl	Life
Anthony		Boy	Priceless one; Invaluable
Victoria		Girl	Victory
Dylan		Boy	One born near the sea; Son of the sea
Hannah		Girl	Grace; Favor; Lucky life
Lincoln		Boy	Lake; Pool
Leah		Girl	Weary; Tired
Thomas		Boy	Twin
Maverick		Boy	Independent person who avoids conformity
Eliana		Girl	God has given the answer
Josiah		Boy	Jehovah supports
Ivy		Girl	Climber plant
Charles		Boy	Free man
Everly		Girl	From the wild boar meadow
Caleb		Boy	Faithful as a dog; Brave; Devoted to God; Whole-hearted
Lillian		Girl	Lily; Purity
Christopher		Boy	Bearer of Jesus Christ
Elena		Girl	Bright one
Ezekiel		Boy	Strength of God
Miles		Boy	Gracious; Merciful
Naomi		Girl	Pleasantness; Beautiful
Maya		Girl	Illusion; Magic
Jaxon		Boy	God is gracious
Natalie		Girl	Born on Christmas
Isaiah		Boy	Yahweh is salvation
Andrew		Boy	Man; Manly; Brave; Strength; Warrior
Delilah		Girl	Delicate
Joshua		Boy	God is salvation
Claire		Girl	Bright; Clear
Nathan		Boy	Gift of God; God has given
Audrey		Girl	Noble strength
Nolan		Boy	One who shouts or howls
Aaliyah		Girl	Ascending; Highborn; Exalted
Adrian		Boy	Water; Sea
Cameron		Boy	One with the crooked nose
Ruby		Girl	A precious red jewel

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