234 Native American Baby Boy Names With Meanings
Inspire your son to become a leader, a spiritual guide, or the sweetest friend.
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Illustration: MomJunction Design Team
Native American boy names are unique and closely connected to nature. Native American societies have a long-standing custom of naming newborn boys. An essential part of their cultural practices is closely connected to their history, spirituality, and acute awareness of nature. Native American naming conventions vary according to the tribes, languages, and cultures, each with unique traditions and customs. In many Native American cultures, a baby boy's name frequently refers to the events that led up to his birth, his parents' hopes for his future, or even the environment that the tribe was living in at the time. Native American naming customs also offer dynamic names that can alter throughout a person's lifetime. Their naming customs change from tribe to tribe and are commonly given privately or publicly throughout a person's life to reflect on their achievements, activities, and milestones. For instance, the Lakota uses six categories of names: birth order, honor, notable accomplishments, nicknames, and secret or spirit names. A boy may receive a name at birth, another during his youth, and possibly another as he matures into a man. A private name, known only to the individual and the tribal elders, is given in some Native American tribes to protect the individual spiritually. The public names are for everyday purposes. Others can use the general title to address the person, while the spiritual or private names are kept secret (1). Native American naming customs also illustrate the significance of clan and tribal unity in these communities. Some cultures honor ancestors and nurture family ties by passing down names through the generations within the family. Many Native American families today retain these rich traditions, valuing their cultural history by selecting traditional names for their infant boys, despite the emergence of modernity and cross-cultural connections. The names have a strong spiritual and cultural resonance, representing the history of the tribe, the character of the bearer, and the parents' aspirations for their offspring's future. Giving a baby boy Native American name honors that culture's relationship to nature, spiritual beliefs, tribal unity, and ever-evolving life journey. Continue reading as we present some beautiful Native American names for baby boys.
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Sixsipita |  Unisex | One like a Black Eagle | |
| Skah |  Boy | A white man | |
| Skanawati | Unisex | One who lives on the other side of the swamp | |
| Sotsona | Unisex | One who is like a fox | |
| Sundance | Unisex | Joyful, vibrant, free-spirited | |
| Tahmoh | Boy | A name of Tanana origin of unknown meaning | |
| Taino | Unisex | Native people of the Caribbean; Good; Noble | |
| Takoda | Boy | Friend to all | |
| Takota | Unisex | The Ally; Friend to everyone | |
| Taos | Boy | Place of red willows | |
| Taregan | Boy | One who resembles a crane | |
| Tarhe | Boy | He who has the strength of a tree | |
| Tarlo | Unisex | Cub of a bear | |
| Tasunke | Boy | Horse | |
| Tatanka | Boy | Male bison | |
| Tattuye | Boy | A fox | |
| Tchondee | Unisex | Tobacco | |
| Tecumseh | Boy | A panther passing across the sky | |
| Tenaya | Unisex | A great leader | |
| Teyemthohisa | Unisex | Two closed doors | |
| Tibone | Unisex | Saddle sitter | |
| Tijuana | Unisex | By the sea | |
| Tikaani | Unisex | Wolf | |
| Tulsa | Unisex | City in Oklahoma | |
| Tyee | Unisex | Chief; Leader | |
| Wana | Unisex | Strong; Gift; Dawn | |
| Waya | Unisex | Wolf | |
| Wyoming | Unisex | At the big river flat | |
| Yakima | Unisex | Measured in due proportion; To create balance | |
| Yma | Unisex | River | |
| Yonna | Unisex | Bear | |
| Yosemite | Unisex | Killer | |
| Yukon | Unisex | Big river | |
| Zuni | Unisex | Pueblo Native American tribe | |
Native American is a broader umbrella term for numerous indigenous tribes of the American continent, encompassing a wide range of cultural history and traditions. Naming conventions often symbolize their strong association with nature, spirituality, and their intriguing culture. Quite often, Native American names represent the aspirations of the parents and their positive expectations for the future, which also tell tales of the past, present, and future. So browse through the above list of names and pick one that you find interesting.
Infographic: Stunning Native American Baby Boy Names With Meanings
Native American newborn boy names often draw inspiration from the cultural and spiritual aspects of the Native American culture. The names may be altered during one's life to signify milestones or successes and frequently represent circumstances surrounding the child's birth or parental hopes. These following given names serve as a heartfelt homage to tribe unity and individual journeys, honoring ancestors and strengthening family ties while also serving as enduring representations of identity.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can non-Native American families choose Native American baby boy names?
Native American baby names come from various tribes throughout the Americas, such as Cherokee, Apache, Navajo, Cheyenne, Choctaw, and Lakota. These names have immensely descriptive definitions. You can use them even if your family is non-Native American. If you like meaningful names, you can select any easy-to-pronounce and spell names for your child.
2. What are some unique and lesser-known Native American baby boy names?
Native American baby boy names have deep spiritual meanings. There are many unique names that are beautiful and honor Native American heritage. These include Aluk, meaning thunder, Bidziil, meaning a strong human, Olowin, meaning West, Fetla, meaning wildcat, and Istas, meaning snow.
3. Are there any traditional or ceremonial practices associated with naming a Native American baby boy?
Most Native American communities have naming ceremonies. Each community has its unique practice that varies in terms of when and how the ritual takes place – for instance, at a specific age or season. Many Native Americans have a legal and a traditional name, also known as ''spirit name.'' Sometimes children are named at birth. The ceremony's chief may also identify colors of importance to the child. This is done in the indigenous language of their ancestors (1).
4. Which Native American boy’s name means spirit?
You can find many names signifying spirit in Native American culture. For example, Achak is a Native American name for a boy that means spirit. Alo is another masculine name that means ‘one who is a spiritual guide.’
References
- Native American Naming Ceremony in Michigan.
https://hwpi.harvard.edu/pluralismarchive/news/native-american-naming-ceremony-michigan
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.
