369 Native American Baby Names With Meanings
Choices that pay tribute to the ancient culture.
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 | |
---|---|---|---|
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 | |
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.
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.