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 | |
---|---|---|---|
Magaska | Unisex | One who is like a White Swan | |
Mahaskah | Unisex | A white cloud | |
Mahela | Girl | A woman; A pregnant mother | |
Mahkah | Boy | One who belongs to, or is one with the Earth | |
Mahkai | Boy | Medicine man; Healer | |
Maiara | Girl | A woman of great wisdom | |
Maizee | Unisex | Unique; Adventurous; Free-spirited | |
Makya | Boy | One who is an eagle hunter | |
Maovesa | Unisex | One who is like a wild horse | |
Maquilla | Boy | An unclear, confused person | |
Maralah | Girl | One who was born during an earthquake | |
Matlalatzin | Girl | Unclear | |
Matoaka | Girl | Little snow feather | |
Matto | Boy | A brave warrior | |
Meda | Boy | Prophetess; Priestess; Edible root; A variant of Medah | |
Medapati | Girl | A Prohetess | |
Meilani | Girl | Heavenly May | |
Meiomi | Unisex | Coast | |
Miami | Unisex | Big water | |
Micco | Unisex | Chief; Leader | |
Mingo | Unisex | Native American; clever; ambitious | |
Moema | Girl | The highest authority person in the country after the king | |
Mojave | Girl | Desert; Arid; Southwestern | |
Moose | Unisex | A large deer species found in North America and Europe, known for their antlers | |
Nakoma | Unisex | I do as I promise; Great warrior; Great spirit | |
Nakota | Unisex | Friend | |
Natani | Unisex | Spokesman | |
Nayeli | Girl | Expression of love; Open | |
Nayla | Girl | A winner; One who goes ahead to get everything | |
Neytiri | Girl | Warrior princess | |
Olowin | Boy | West | |
Onalee | Unisex | Gold | |
Ouray | Boy | One who is sharp as an arrow | |
Oyintsa | Unisex | A white winter Duck | |
Ozark | Unisex | With bows; At the arches | |
Pachua | Boy | Feathered water snake | |
Pahana | Unisex | A lost white brother; filled with wisdom and action | |
Pahkakino | Boy | A good and noble gentleman | |
Pakuna | Girl | A Deer jumping downhill; intelligent | |
Pala | Unisex | Like a guardian; water; Near an upland meadow | |
Pallaton | Boy | One who has strength and is a fighter | |
Panama | Unisex | Place of abundant fish | |
Papina | Girl | Ivy; a passionate individual | |
Pays | Boy | One who is coming | |
Paytah | Boy | One who is born out of fire | |
Pebbles | Girl | One who is like a small rock | |
Pecos | Boy | Pecan | |
Pegalesharro | Boy | A person who is like a man's chief | |
Peta | Girl | The Golden Eagle | |
Petunia | Girl | Name of a trumpet shaped flower | |
Piapot | Boy | A person who understands the secret of Sioux | |
Picabo | Girl | One who came out of shining waters | |
Pillan | Unisex | The God of stormy weather | |
Pipaluk | Girl | The little one; Sweet Little Thing | |
Pizi | Girl | Bravery; Gall; The middleman | |
Pocahontas | Girl | A playful woman | |
Popo | Unisex | A very tall grass of rye | |
Poseanye | Unisex | The dripping dew | |
Povitamun | Girl | Morning Flower | |
Poviyemo | Unisex | A falling flower | |
Powa | Boy | A wealthy, rich person | |
Pules | Girl | One who is like a pigeon | |
Pumpkin | Unisex | Large melon | |
Qualetaga | Boy | Angel of the people | |
Quanah | Boy | Fragrant; Sweet-smelling | |
Quannah | Boy | One who smells sweet | |
Quantez | Boy | Powerful; Unique; Leader | |
Quebec | Unisex | Where the river narrows | |
Quilla | Unisex | Moon | |
Quirtsquip | Unisex | Chewing elk | |
Raini | Boy | The creator | |
Roca | Boy | Principal; Radiant; A variant of Ruca | |
Rozene | Girl | Native American name for a rose | |
Sacagawea | Girl | Bird woman | |
Sacnite | Girl | Woman beautiful and pure as the white flower | |
Sahale | Boy | One who is like a Falcon | |
Sahalie | Girl | The sky; The High heaven | |
Sahkyo | Girl | One who resembles the mink | |
Sahrahsahe | Unisex | A black eagle | |
Sakakawea | Girl | A woman who helped Lewis and Clark in the Lousiana Purchase | |
Salali | Girl | Squirrel | |
Salish | Unisex | Worship | |
Saloso | Unisex | A cry of the wild goose | |
Samoset | Boy | One who walk over a lot | |
Santee | Unisex | Holy; Saintly | |
Sassaba | Unisex | The wolf | |
Sayen | Girl | Lovable | |
Scoop | Unisex | One who is standing looking back | |
Sedna | Girl | Goddess of the sea | |
Semin | Unisex | Love; Affection | |
Sequoia | Unisex | Of the giant red wood tree | |
Sequoyah | Unisex | Sparrow | |
Shada | Girl | One who resembles a pelican | |
Shania | Girl | A woman who is on her way | |
Shaniya | Girl | She who is on her way | |
Shawnee | Unisex | Indigenous, Native American | |
Shawree | Boy | A cornstalk; a name given to a powerful Bear | |
Shenandoah | Girl | A beautiful daughter of the stars | |
Shenoah | Girl | A white dove | |
Sheyanne | Unisex | Unintelligible speaker | |
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/