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.
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Shikoba |  |  Unisex | To be like a feather |
| Shilah | |  Boy | He who is a brother |
| Shillan | | Boy | A brotherly one |
| Shima | |  Girl | She who is a mother |
| Shuman | | Girl | Rattlesnake handler |
| Sinasta | | Unisex | A person considered to be an expert |
| Sixsipita | | Unisex | One like a Black Eagle |
| Skah | | Boy | A white man |
| Skanawati | | Unisex | One who lives on the other side of the swamp |
| Snana | | Girl | One who jingles like the bells |
| Sokanon | | Girl | One who is like a rain |
| Sotsona | | Unisex | One who is like a fox |
| Soyala | | Girl | A time of the winter solstice |
| 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 |
| Tala | | Boy | Wolf; Gold; Heavenly palm tree |
| Tallula | | Girl | Leaping water |
| Tama | | Girl | She is like a thunder |
| Tamala | | Girl | She is like a thunderbolt |
| Tamaya | | Girl | One who is the center of everything |
| Tanda | | Girl | The seer of life and death |
| Taos | | Boy | Place of red willows |
| Tapanga | | Girl | Sweetheart; One who is beloved |
| Taregan | | Boy | One who resembles a crane |
| Tarhe | | Boy | He who has the strength of a tree |
| Tarlo | | Unisex | Cub of a bear |
| Tarsha | | Girl | A brave woman |
| Tasunke | | Boy | Horse |
| Tatanka | | Boy | Male bison |
| Tattuye | | Boy | A fox |
| Tavvi | | Girl | A deer |
| Tayanita | | Girl | A young beaver |
| Tayen | | Girl | A new moon |
| Taynee | | Girl | She who is born during the returning Moon |
| Taynie | | Girl | Girl born during the returning moon |
| Tayny | | Girl | A child born during the returning moon |
| Tazanna | | Girl | A princess |
| Tchondee | | Unisex | Tobacco |
| Teanawesia | | Girl | Native American name for Tennesee |
| Tecumseh | | Boy | A panther passing across the sky |
| Tehya | | Girl | A precious one |
| Teirra | | Girl | She who is natural |
| Tenaya | | Unisex | A great leader |
| Teneca | | Girl | One who has self restraint |
| Teyah | | Girl | Gift of God |
| Teyemthohisa | | Unisex | Two closed doors |
| Tibone | | Unisex | Saddle sitter |
| Tijuana | | Unisex | By the sea |
| Tikaani | | Unisex | Wolf |
| Tulsa | | Unisex | City in Oklahoma |
| Tupelo | | Girl | A name given to the swamp tree |
| Tyee | | Unisex | Chief; Leader |
| Utah | | Girl | Native American, place of the mountains |
| Wana | | Unisex | Strong; Gift; Dawn |
| Waya | | Unisex | Wolf |
| Winnie | | Girl | Fair one; Soft; Happiness; Pure |
| Winona | | Girl | First-born daughter, noble spirit |
| Wyoming | | Unisex | At the big river flat |
| Yakima | | Unisex | Measured in due proportion; To create balance |
| Yancey | | Girl | A sassy woman; A Yankee |
| Yareli | | Girl | Lady of the water |
| Yma | | Unisex | River |
| Yonna | | Unisex | Bear |
| Yosemite | | Unisex | Killer |
| Yukon | | Unisex | Big river |
| Zuni | | Unisex | Pueblo Native American tribe |
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/
