Native American names carry profound significance, often reflecting a deep connection to nature, spiritual beliefs, and cultural heritage.
These names are as diverse as the hundreds of tribes that have inhabited North America for thousands of years. Each name tells a story, honors a quality, or commemorates an important event.
Whether you seek a name for inspiration, a character, or personal use, understanding its roots and correct pronunciation is essential to honoring its heritage.
Cultural Significance of Native American Names
Traditionally, Native American naming practices vary widely between tribes.
Many communities bestow names based on dreams, visions, or significant events occurring around a child’s birth. Names often reflect natural elements, animal qualities, or character traits parents hope their children will embody.
Some tribes practice the tradition of receiving new names at different life stages, symbolizing personal growth and transformation.
A name might change after a significant accomplishment, spiritual experience, or life transition.
Names are often given during ceremonies or after significant events, signifying a person’s place within the tribe and their unique qualities.
This tradition highlights the belief that individuals continue to evolve throughout their lives, with their identities not fixed at birth but developing through experience and achievement.
Gender-Neutral Native American Names
These names can be used for any gender and come from various tribes across North America:
1. Achcauhtli (ah-CHOW-tlee) – Means “leader”
2. Aucaman (ow-kah-MAN) – Meaning “wild condor”
3. Awena (ah-WEE-nah) – Means “loving”
4. Awinita (ah-win-EE-tah) – Means “one who loves social life; fawn”
5. Dakota (dah-KOH-tah) – Sioux origin, means “friend and ally”
6. Dyani (dee-AH-nee) – Sioux origin, means “deer”
7. Hosa (HOH-sah) – Means “little raven or crow”
8. Kai (KYE) – Hawaiian/Navajo origin, means “ocean” in Hawaiian and “willow tree” in Navajo
9. Kaliska (kah-LEES-kah) – Miwok origin, means “coyote chasing deer”
10. Kiona (kee-OH-nah) – Sioux origin, means “brown hills”
11. Lakota (lah-KOH-tah) – Means “friend or ally”
12. Metzli (METZ-lee) – Means “moon”
13. Mosi (MOH-see) – Means “cat”
14. Nuna (NOO-nah) – Inuit origin, means “land”
15. Nova (NOH-vah) – Hopi origin, means “chaser of butterflies”
16. Sequoia (seh-KWOY-ah) – Cherokee origin, means “giant redwood tree”
17. Shawnee (shaw-NEE) – A tribal name
18. Shikoba (shee-KOH-bah) – Means “feather”
19. Tala (TAH-lah) – Means “wolf” or “story” (in Samoan)
Male Native American Names
These names are traditionally given to boys in various Native American cultures:
1. Adriel (AY-dree-el) – Navajo origin, means “symbol of skill”
2. Bodaway (BOH-dah-way) – Means “fire maker”
3. Chayton (CHAY-ton) – Sioux origin, means “falcon”
4. Cochise (koh-CHEEZ) – Apache origin, means “oak” or “hardwood” (named after the famous Apache leader)
5. Dustu (DUS-too) – Cherokee origin, means “spring frog”
6. Enapay (EN-ah-pay) – Sioux origin, means “appears bravely”
7. Hiawatha (hee-ah-WAH-thah) – Iroquois origin, means “he who creates the river”
8. Jacy (JAY-see) – Blackfoot origin, means “the moon”
9. Kele (KEH-leh) – Hopi origin, means “sparrow”
10. Kosumi (koh-SOO-mee) – Miwok origin, means “fishes for salmon with a spear”
11. Lonan (LOH-nan) – Zuni origin, means “cloud”
12. Mato (MAH-toh) – Mandan origin, means “bear”
13. Misu (MEE-soo) – Miwok origin, means “rippling water”
14. Nodin (NOH-din) – Means “wind”
15. Onacona (oh-nah-KOH-nah) – Cherokee origin, means “white owl”
16. Paco (PAH-koh) – Means “eagle”
17. Sahale (sah-HAH-leh) – Possibly Salish origin, means “a high place”
18. Tahoma (tah-HOH-mah) – Salish origin, means “giver of water”
19. Tokala (toh-KAH-lah) – Sioux/Dakota origin, means “fox”
20. Viho (VEE-hoh) – Cheyenne origin, means “chief”
21. Waban (WAH-ban) – Algonquin origin, means “east wind”
22. Wapi (WAH-pee) – Sioux origin, means “lucky”
23. Yuma (YOO-mah) – Quechan origin, means “the chief’s son”
Female Native American Names
These names are traditionally given to girls in various Native American cultures:
1. Aiyana (eye-YAH-nah) – Variant of Kiswahili Ayanna, means “forever flowering”
2. Aponi (ah-POH-nee) – Algonquin origin, means “butterfly”
3. Chenoa (sheh-NOH-ah) – Means “white dove”
4. Cheyenne (shy-AN) – Algonquin or Sioux origin, tribal name, also means “unintelligible speakers”
5. Donoma (doh-NOH-mah) – Omaha origin, means “visible sun”
6. Elu (EH-loo) – Zuni origin, means “beautiful”
7. Enola (eh-NOH-lah) – Means “magnolia”
8. Isi (EE-see) – Choctaw origin, means “deer”
9. Kaya (KAY-ah) – Nez Perce origin, means “she who arranges rocks”
10. Kiowa (KYE-oh-wah) – A tribal name
11. Koko (KOH-koh) – Algonquin origin, means “the night”
12. Lomasi (loh-MAH-see) – Hopi origin, means “pretty flower”
13. Malia (mah-LEE-ah) – Hawaiian origin, means “calm waters”
14. Moana (moh-AH-nah) – Hawaiian origin, means “ocean, sea”
15. Nahimana (nah-hee-MAH-nah) – Sioux origin, means “mystic”
16. Nina (NEE-nah) – Kichwa origin, means “fire” or “mighty”
17. Nokomis (noh-KOH-miss) – Chippewa origin, means “daughter of the moon”
18. Oneida (oh-NYE-dah) – Iroquois origin, tribal name, means “people of the stone”
19. Pavati (pah-VAH-tee) – Hopi origin, means “clear waters”
20. Tallulah (tah-LOO-lah) – Iroquois origin, means “leaping water”
21. Tiva (TEE-vah) – Hopi origin, means “to dance”
A Complete List of Native American Names
Names Starting With Letter A
Ahanu (ah-HAH-noo): Algonquin name meaning “he laughs” or “one who laughs”
Aiyana (eye-YAH-nah): Sioux name meaning “eternal blossom” or “forever flowering”
Aponi (ah-POH-nee): Hopi name meaning “butterfly”
Adoeete (ah-doh-EE-teh): Cherokee name meaning “tree”
Ashkii (ASH-kee): Navajo name meaning “boy” or “young man”
Awenasa (ah-weh-NAH-sah): Cherokee name meaning “my home”
Amadahy (am-ah-DAH-hee): Cherokee name meaning “forest water”
Aponivi (ah-poh-NEE-vee): Cherokee name meaning “where the wind blows”
Amitola (ah-mee-TOH-lah): Sioux name meaning “rainbow”
Adahy (ah-DAH-hee): Cherokee name meaning “lives in the woods”
Ayita (eye-EE-tah): Cherokee name meaning “first to dance”
Ahote (ah-HOH-tay): Hopi name meaning “restless one”
Adsila (ad-SEE-lah): Cherokee name meaning “blossom”
Akecheta (ah-keh-CHEH-tah): Sioux name meaning “fighter” or “warrior”
Angeni (an-GEH-nee): Algonquin name meaning “spirit angel”
Abornazine (ah-born-ah-ZEEN): Algonquin name meaning “one who passes through ice”
Aquene (ah-KWEN-eh): Algonquin name meaning “peace”
Awinita (ah-wee-NEE-tah): Cherokee name meaning “fawn”
Achak (AH-chak): Algonquin name meaning “spirit”
Alo (AH-loh): Hopi name meaning “spiritual guide”
Names Starting With Letter B
Bemossed (beh-MOSST): Algonquin name meaning “walker”
Bidziil (bid-ZEEL): Navajo name meaning “he/she is strong”
Bodaway (BOH-dah-way): Hopi name meaning “fire maker”
Beshkno (besh-NO): Chippewa name meaning “to bend”
Bly (BLEE): Algonquin name meaning “high”
Bemidii (beh-MID-jee): Ojibwe name meaning “lake with crossing waters”
Bilagaana (bee-lah-GAH-nah): Navajo name meaning “white person”
Bisahalani (bee-sah-hah-LAH-nee): Navajo name meaning “the one who leads”
Baja (BAH-hah): Hopi name meaning “with water” or “filled with water”
Bidzill (bid-ZILL): Navajo name meaning “strength”
Bmaawideg (buh-MAH-wid-eg): Anishinaabe name meaning “sound”
Beeding (BEE-ding): Apache name meaning “strong-minded”
Beo (BAY-oh): Dakota name meaning “to bring”
Bimisi (bee-MEE-see): Ojibwe name meaning “to sail”
Bidziilgaii (bid-ZEEL-guy): Navajo name meaning “strength warrior”
Beshiltheeni (beh-shil-THAY-nee): Navajo name meaning “precious metal”
Bena (BEH-nah): Cheyenne name meaning “pheasant”
Bahe (BAH-heh): Navajo name meaning “walks stealthily”
Bemidiji (beh-MID-ih-jee): Chippewa name meaning “river that runs sideways”
Bikeh (BIH-keh): Navajo name meaning “footprints” or “trail”
Names Starting With Letter C
Chayton (CHAY-ton): Sioux name meaning “falcon”
Chogan (CHOH-gan): Algonquin name meaning “blackbird”
Chitsa (CHIT-sah): Hopi name meaning “snake”
Cholena (cho-LEE-nah): Native American name meaning “bird”
Chapa (CHAH-pah): Sioux name meaning “beaver”
Chochmo (CHOCH-moh): Native American name meaning “good soil”
Calian (CAL-ee-an): Native American name meaning “warrior”
Chumani (choo-MAH-nee): Sioux name meaning “dewdrops”
Chano (CHAH-no): Hopi name meaning “canyon wolf”
Cha’risa (chah-REE-sah): Hopi name meaning “raven goddess”
Chesmu (CHEZ-moo): Dakota name meaning “sand” or “grit”
Chandala (chan-DAH-lah): Native American name meaning “bitter moon”
Ciqala (see-KAH-lah): Sioux name meaning “little one”
Chu’si (CHOO-see): Apache name meaning “rabbit”
Custis (CUS-tis): Cherokee name meaning “whisper”
Cha (CHAH): Lakota Sioux name meaning “wave”
Chenoa (che-NO-ah): Native American name meaning “white dove”
Chilam (CHEE-lam): Mayan name meaning “interpreter”
Choviohoya (cho-vee-oh-HOY-ah): Hopi name meaning “young rabbit”
Chatima (cha-TEE-mah): Hopi name meaning “mother water”
Names Starting With Letter D
Daciana (dah-see-AH-nah): Native American name meaning “wolf”
Dyami (dee-AH-mee): Native American name meaning “eagle”
Dakota (dah-KOH-tah): Sioux name meaning “friend” or “ally”
Doli (DOH-lee): Navajo name meaning “bluebird”
Durango (doo-RANG-go): Native American name meaning “water town”
Dichali (dee-CHAH-lee): Apache name meaning “speaks a different language”
Donoma (doh-NO-mah): Omaha name meaning “sight of the sun”
Dena (DEH-nah): Native American name meaning “valley”
Dogah (DOH-gah): Cherokee name meaning “summer”
Delsin (DEL-sin): Native American name meaning “he is so”
Dezba (DEZ-bah): Navajo name meaning “goes to war”
Diwali (dee-WAH-lee): Native American name meaning “festival of lights”
Dasan (DAH-sahn): Dakota name meaning “chief”
Dichali (dee-CHAH-lee): Apache name meaning “speaks differently”
Dowanhowee (dow-an-HOW-ee): Native American name meaning “singing voice”
Dohasan (doh-HAH-san): Kiowa name meaning “little bluff”
Dustu (DUS-too): Cherokee name meaning “spring frog”
Degotoga (deh-go-TOH-gah): Cherokee name meaning “standing together”
Dzeh (ZEH): Navajo name meaning “elk”
Dihya (DEE-hya): Apache name meaning “firefly”
Names Starting With Letter E
Elan (EE-lan): Cherokee name meaning “friendly”
Elsu (EL-soo): Native American name meaning “flying falcon”
Etchemin (et-CHEM-in): Algonquin name meaning “people who live along the shores”
Ehawee (eh-HAH-wee): Sioux name meaning “laughing maiden”
Etu (EH-too): Sioux name meaning “the Sun”
Enola (eh-NOH-lah): Native American name meaning “magnolia”
Etenia (eh-TEN-ee-ah): Native American name meaning “mist”
Enapay (EN-ah-pay): Sioux name meaning “brave”
Elki (EL-kee): Algonquin name meaning “leg”
Ekta (EK-tah): Dakota name meaning “join together”
Etchemin (ETCH-eh-min): Algonquin name meaning “canoe man”
Eyota (ee-YOH-tah): Dakota name meaning “greatest” or “most”
Etenia (eh-TEN-yah): Ojibwe name meaning “foggy”
Ela (EE-lah): Osage name meaning “earth”
Esgan (EZ-gahn): Apache name meaning “sharp eye”
Elu (EE-loo): Inuit name meaning “beautiful”
Etlelooaat (et-leh-LOO-at): Inuit name meaning “thunder”
Eschella (esh-SHEL-ah): Hopi name meaning “little frog”
Enyeto (en-YEH-toh): Sioux name meaning “walks as a bear”
Ezhno (EZ-no): Ojibwe name meaning “solitary” or “alone”
Names Starting With Letter F
Falala (fah-LAH-lah): Native American name meaning “crow”
Faguni (fah-GOO-nee): Native American name meaning “spring”
Filotimo (fee-loh-TEE-moh): Native American name meaning “grateful”
Fala (FAH-lah): Cherokee name meaning “crow”
Feather (FEH-ther): Anglicized Native American name
Felicitas (feh-lee-SEE-tahs): Native American name meaning “luck”
Fushi (FOO-shee): Native American name meaning “pathway”
Fawn (FAWN): Anglicized Native American name referring to a young deer
Fenodi (feh-NO-dee): Native American name meaning “looks back”
Fallingstar (FALL-ing-star): Anglicized Native American name
Faniku (fah-NEE-koo): Seminole name meaning “flower”
Fixico (FIX-ee-oh): Muscogee Creek name meaning “frightful”
Fullmoon (FULL-moon): Anglicized Native American name
Fasthorse (FAST-horse): Anglicized Sioux name
Flutemaker (FLUTE-may-ker): Anglicized Hopi name
Fairwind (FAIR-wind): Anglicized Native American name
Firefly (FIRE-fly): Anglicized Cherokee name
Fivekiller (FIVE-kill-er): Cherokee family name
Firstson (FIRST-son): Anglicized Native American name
Names Starting With Letter G
Gawonii (gah-WOH-nee): Cherokee name meaning “they are talking”
Gaagii (GAH-gee): Navajo name meaning “raven”
Galilahi (gah-lee-LAH-hee): Cherokee name meaning “attractive”
Geidi (GAY-dee): Navajo name meaning “little kitten”
Gosheven (go-SHEH-ven): Chippewa name meaning “swift movement”
Gad (GAHD): Navajo name meaning “juniper tree”
Galilani (gah-lee-LAH-nee): Cherokee name meaning “friend”
Gawonisgi (gah-woh-NEES-gee): Cherokee name meaning “speaker”
Geronimo (jeh-RON-ih-moh): Apache name meaning “one who yawns”
Gokhlayeh (gok-LAY-eh): Apache name meaning “wise one”
Ginew (GIH-new): Ojibwe name meaning “golden eagle”
Gomda (GOHM-dah): Dakota name meaning “wind”
Guyapi (guy-AH-pee): Dakota name meaning “lucky charm”
Gaagii (GAAH-gee): Navajo name meaning “crow”
Gandayah (gan-DAY-yah): Seneca name meaning “rock”
Gadgi (GAD-jee): Cherokee name meaning “forest walk”
Golanv (goh-LAHNV): Cherokee name meaning “raven”
Gohweh (GOH-weh): Seneca name meaning “bear helper”
Gosheven (GOSH-eh-ven): Ojibwe name meaning “bring light”
Gizmo (GIZ-mo): Algonquin name meaning “to observe”
Names Starting With Letter H
Hinto (HIN-toh): Sioux name meaning “blue”
Halona (hah-LOH-nah): Hopi name meaning “fortunate”
Hehewuti (heh-heh-WOO-tee): Hopi name meaning “warrior spirit woman”
Honiahaka (hoh-nee-ah-HAH-kah): Cheyenne name meaning “little wolf”
Hurit (HOO-rit): Native American name meaning “beautiful”
Hemene (heh-MEH-neh): Cheyenne name meaning “half woman”
Huyana (hoo-YAH-nah): Native American name meaning “rain falling”
Hassun (HAH-soon): Hopi name meaning “stone” or “rock”
Hiamovi (hee-ah-MOH-vee): Cheyenne name meaning “high chief”
Hanska (HAHN-skah): Sioux name meaning “tall”
Hototo (hoh-TOH-toh): Hopi name meaning “warrior who sings”
Honovi (hoh-NO-vee): Hopi name meaning “strong”
Haiwee (HAI-wee): Native American name meaning “dove”
Huutsuu (HOO-tsoo): Native American name meaning “bear fat”
Hohots (HOH-hots): Mohegan name meaning “wolf”
Helaku (heh-LAH-koo): Native American name meaning “full of sun”
Hakidonmuya (hah-kee-don-MOO-yah): Hopi name meaning “waiting for dawn”
Hehaka (heh-HAH-kah): Lakota name meaning “elk”
Howahkan (how-AH-kahn): Sioux name meaning “mysterious voice”
Hulali (hoo-LAH-lee): Native American name meaning “snow”
Names Starting With Letter I
Imala (ih-MAH-lah): Native American name meaning “disciplined”
Isi (EE-see): Cherokee name meaning “deer”
Istas (IS-tahs): Cheyenne name meaning “snow”
Iwaki (ee-WAH-kee): Miwok name meaning “heaven”
Izusa (ih-ZOO-sah): Sioux name meaning “stone”
Iniabi (in-ee-AH-bee): Algonquin name meaning “eagle-like”
Illanipi (ill-ah-NEE-pee): Sioux name meaning “wonderful”
Istas (ISS-tahs): Cheyenne name meaning “snow”
Inteus (in-TAY-us): Osage name meaning “has no fear”
Istu (IS-too): Cherokee name meaning “five”
Igasho (ee-GAH-show): Native American name meaning “wanders”
Ituha (ih-TOO-hah): Lakota name meaning “sturdy”
Inmuttooyahlatlat (in-mut-TOO-yah-LAHT-lat): Nez Perce name meaning “thunder traveling to higher places”
Itazipa (ee-tah-ZEE-pah): Lakota name meaning “bow”
Immokalee (im-MOH-kah-lee): Seminole name meaning “my home”
Initsa (in-IT-sah): Navajo name meaning “flower”
Ishta (ISH-tah): Choctaw name meaning “to have”
Ichtaca (ich-TAH-kah): Aztec name meaning “secret”
Ianaba (ee-ah-NAH-bah): Native American name meaning “walks in beauty”
Istaqa (is-TAH-kah): Hopi name meaning “coyote man”
Names Starting With Letter J
Jacy (JAY-see): Native American name meaning “moon”
Jihan (jee-HAHN): Native American name meaning “full of life”
Jumanee (joo-MAH-nee): Native American name meaning “bird of paradise”
Juhan (JOO-hahn): Native American name meaning “home builder”
Jiska (JISS-kah): Native American name meaning “little bird”
Jemez (HAY-mez): Pueblo tribe name
Jumoke (joo-MOH-keh): Native American name meaning “loved by all”
Jaliqua (jah-LEE-kwah): Native American name meaning “crown of flowers”
Joba (JOH-bah): Native American name meaning “good”
Jubah (JOO-bah): Native American name meaning “dove”
Jalen (JAY-len): Native American name meaning “calm”
Juma (JOO-mah): Native American name meaning “born on Friday”
Josani (joh-SAH-nee): Native American name meaning “late bloomer”
Jolon (JOH-lon): Chumash name meaning “valley of the dead oaks”
Johnson (JON-son): Anglicized Native American name
Jigonhsasee (jee-gon-SAH-see): Iroquois name meaning “mother of nations”
Jumper (JUM-per): Anglicized Seminole name
Jeneda (jen-EH-dah): Native American name meaning “stands with pride”
Jazi (JAH-zee): Native American name meaning “little wildflower”
Joheliah (joh-heh-LEE-ah): Native American name meaning “lovely”
Names Starting With Letter K
Kachina (kah-CHEE-nah): Hopi name meaning “sacred dancer”
Kasa (KAH-sah): Hopi name meaning “dressed in furs”
Kanuna (kah-NOO-nah): Cherokee name meaning “bullfrog”
Kohana (koh-HAH-nah): Sioux name meaning “swift”
Keme (KEH-meh): Algonquin name meaning “thunder”
Kyra (KAI-rah): Native American name meaning “sun goddess”
Knifechief (KNIFE-chief): Anglicized Pawnee name
Kaliska (kah-LIS-kah): Native American name meaning “coyote chasing deer”
Komawe (koh-MAH-weh): Pueblo Tewa name meaning “pine tree”
Kuckunniwi (koo-kuh-NEE-wee): Native American name meaning “little one”
Kiona (kee-OH-nah): Native American name meaning “brown hills”
Kotori (koh-TOR-ee): Hopi name meaning “screech owl”
Kikmongwi (kik-MONG-wee): Hopi name meaning “village chief”
Kuwanyauma (koo-wahn-YOW-mah): Hopi name meaning “butterfly on water”
Knoton (noh-TOHN): Native American name meaning “wind”
Kuckunniwi (koo-kuh-NEE-wee): Lenape name meaning “little one”
Kwanita (kwa-NEE-tah): Cherokee name meaning “spirit of the wildflower”
Kanti (KAHN-tee): Sioux name meaning “sings”
Kuwa (KOO-wah): Hopi name meaning “mulberry”
Kimimela (kee-mee-MEH-lah): Sioux name meaning “butterfly”
Names Starting With Letter L
Lakota (lah-KOH-tah): Sioux name meaning “friend” or “ally”
Lansa (LAHN-sah): Native American name meaning “balanced”
Lenmana (len-MAH-nah): Hopi name meaning “flute girl”
Lomasi (loh-MAH-see): Hopi name meaning “pretty flower”
Lonato (loh-NAH-toh): Iroquois name meaning “flint”
Lonan (LOH-nan): Zuni name meaning “cloud”
Lootah (LOO-tah): Native American name meaning “eagle”
Lulu (LOO-loo): Creek/Apache/Choctaw name meaning “rabbit”
Luyu (LOO-yoo): Native American name meaning “dove”
Leotie (lee-OH-tee): Native American name meaning “prairie flower”
Names Starting With Letter M
Macy (MAY-see): Native American name meaning “weapon”
Mahkah (MAH-kah): Sioux name meaning “earth”
Makawee (mah-KAH-wee): Sioux name meaning “generous earth”
Makya (MAK-yah): Hopi name meaning “eagle hunter”
Malia (mah-LEE-ah): Hawaiian name meaning “calm waters”
Mato (MAH-toh): Mandan name meaning “bear”
Mika (MEE-kah): Sioux name meaning “raccoon” or “rabbit”
Misu (MEE-soo): Miwok name meaning “rippling water”
Mohe (MOH-heh): Osage name meaning “elk”
Mona (MOH-nah): Navajo name meaning “butterfly”
Names Starting With Letter N
Nahele (nah-HEH-leh): Hawaiian name meaning “forest”
Nahimana (nah-hee-MAH-nah): Sioux name meaning “mystic”
Nakoma (nah-KOH-mah): Native American name meaning “great warrior”
Nara (NAH-rah): Algonquin name meaning “happy”
Nascha (NASH-ah): Navajo name meaning “owl”
Nimkii (NIM-kee): Ojibwe name meaning “thunder”
Nina (NEE-nah): Quechua name meaning “fire”
Nodin (NOH-din): Ojibwe name meaning “wind”
Nootau (NOO-toh): Algonquin name meaning “fire”
Nuna (NOO-nah): Inuit name meaning “land”
Names Starting With Letter O
Odakota (oh-dah-KOH-tah): Sioux name meaning “friend to all”
Odina (oh-DEE-nah): Algonquin name meaning “mountain”
Ogima (oh-GEE-mah): Ojibwe name meaning “chief”
Ohanzee (oh-HAHN-zee): Sioux name meaning “shadow”
Ohiyesa (oh-hee-YEH-sah): Santee Dakota name meaning “winner”
Onacona (oh-nah-KOH-nah): Cherokee name meaning “white owl”
Onawa (oh-NAH-wah): Dakota name meaning “wide awake”
Oneida (oh-NEE-dah): Iroquois tribal name
Orenda (oh-REN-dah): Iroquois name meaning “magic power”
Otetiani (oh-teh-tee-AH-nee): Mohawk name meaning “prepared”
Names Starting With Letter P
Paco (PAH-koh): Native American name meaning “eagle”
Pakuna (pah-KOO-nah): Hopi name meaning “sweet”
Pannoowau (pan-NOO-wah): Algonquin name meaning “he lies”
Pavati (pah-VAH-tee): Hopi name meaning “clear water”
Payatt (PAY-at): Hopi name meaning “twin“
Poloma (poh-LOH-mah): Choctaw name meaning “bow”
Pules (POO-lehs): Native American name meaning “pigeon”
Paco (PAH-koh): Native American name meaning “eagle”
Powaqa (pow-WAH-kah): Hopi name meaning “witch or sorceress”
Ptaysanwee (tay-SAHN-wee): Sioux name meaning “white buffalo woman”
Names Starting With Letter Q
Qaletaqa (kah-leh-TAH-kah): Hopi name meaning “guardian of the people”
Quanah (KWAH-nah): Comanche name meaning “fragrant” or “sweet-smelling”
Quanokay (KWAN-oh-kay): Native American name meaning “clouds”
Quetzecoatl (ket-zuh-KWAH-tul): Aztec name meaning “feathered serpent”
Quillaq (KILL-ak): Inuit name meaning “seal hide”
Quinault (kwin-ALT): Native American tribal name
Quinnipiac (kwin-EE-pee-ak): Native American name meaning “people of the long water land”
Quispe (KEES-peh): Quechua name meaning “freedom” or “glass”
Quetzalli (ket-ZAH-lee): Nahuatl name meaning “precious feather”
Quy (KWEE): Native American name meaning “mouse”
Names Starting With Letter R
Rantun (RAN-toon): Native American name meaning “deer and moon”
Ratonhnhaké:ton (ra-doon-ha-GAY-doon): Mohawk name meaning “life that is scratched”
Rayen (rah-YEN): Mapuche name meaning “flower”
Repun (REH-poon): Native American name meaning “dawn”
Ronin (ROH-nin): Native American name meaning “well-made”
Rowtag (ROW-tag): Algonquin name meaning “fire”
Rozene (roh-ZEEN): Native American name meaning “rose”
Roshan (roh-SHAN): Native American name meaning “bright light”
Rowtag (ROW-tag): Lenape name meaning “by the fire”
Runi (ROO-nee): Hopi name meaning “snake”
Names Starting With Letter S
Sahale (sah-HAH-lee): Salish name meaning “high place” or “sky”
Sakari (sah-KAH-ree): Inuit name meaning “sweet”
Sakima (sah-KEE-mah): Native American name meaning “king”
Salali (sah-LAH-lee): Cherokee name meaning “squirrel”
Sequoia (seh-KWOY-ah): Cherokee name meaning “sparrow” or named after a redwood tree
Shappa (SHAH-pah): Blackfoot name meaning “red thunder”
Shikoba (shee-KOH-bah): Choctaw name meaning “feather”
Shilah (SHEE-lah): Native American name meaning “flame”
Soyala (soh-YAH-lah): Hopi name meaning “time of the winter solstice”
Sumalee (soo-mah-LEE): Native American name meaning “flower”
Names Starting With Letter T
Tahatan (tah-HAH-tan): Sioux name meaning “hawk”
Taima (TIE-mah): Native American name meaning “crash of thunder”
Tallulah (tah-LOO-lah): Choctaw/Creek name meaning “leaping water”
Tama (TAH-mah): Native American name meaning “thunder”
Tenskwatawa (ten-skwah-TAH-wah): Shawnee name meaning “open door”
Tiwari (tee-WAH-ree): Pawnee name meaning “moonlight”
Tokala (toh-KAH-lah): Sioux name meaning “fox”
Tooantuh (too-AHN-tuh): Cherokee name meaning “spring frog”
Tuari (too-AH-ree): Pueblo name meaning “beautiful view”
Tuketu (too-KEH-too): Native American name meaning “bison”
Names Starting With Letter U
Uluwehi (oo-loo-VEH-hee): Hawaiian name meaning “lush greenery”
Ukalaylee (oo-kah-LAY-lee): Native American name meaning “wise owl”
Ulysses (you-LIH-seez): Native American name used by various tribes
Umiak (OO-mee-ak): Inuit name meaning “open boat”
Una (OO-nah): Hopi name meaning “remember”
Unahi (oo-NAH-hee): Native American name meaning “wind in the pines”
Unega (oo-NEH-gah): Cherokee name meaning “white”
Unika (oo-NEE-kah): Omaha name meaning “useful”
Usdi (OOS-dee): Cherokee name meaning “baby”
Utina (oo-TEE-nah): Native American tribal name meaning “fish land”
Names Starting With Letter V
Vehoe (VEH-hoe): Native American name meaning “dew on the grass”
Viho (VEE-ho): Cheyenne name meaning “chief”
Vipponah (vih-POH-nah): Blackfoot name meaning “slim girl”
Vohkinne (voh-KEEN): Native American name meaning “bright”
Voisin (vwah-SAN): Native American name meaning “neighbor”
Veda (VAY-dah): Native American name meaning “knowledge”
Vohmpalli (vohm-PAH-lee): Native American name meaning “medicine man”
Viktoshe (vik-TOH-shee): Native American name meaning “little star”
Vuyake (voo-YAH-keh): Native American name meaning “walking in beauty”
Varona (vah-ROH-nah): Native American name meaning “protector”
Names Starting With Letter W
Waban (WAH-bahn): Algonquin name meaning “east wind”
Wahchinksapa (wah-chink-SAH-pah): Dakota name meaning “wise”
Wahkan (WAH-kahn): Sioux name meaning “sacred”
Wakanda (wah-KAN-dah): Sioux name meaning “possesses magical power”
Waki (WAH-kee): Native American name meaning “refuge”
Wapi (WAH-pee): Sioux name meaning “lucky”
Wawetseka (wah-wet-SEH-kah): Potawatomi name meaning “firefly”
Weayaya (way-eye-YAH-yah): Sioux name meaning “setting sun”
Winona (win-OH-nah): Sioux name meaning “firstborn daughter”
Wuti (WOO-tee): Hopi name meaning “woman”
Names Starting With Letter X
Xexaniyah (zeh-ZAH-nee-yah): Native American name meaning “sky flower”
Xipe (SHEE-peh): Aztec name meaning “the flayed god”
Xixen (ZIH-zen): Native American name meaning “cardinal”
Xochil (SOH-cheel): Nahuatl name meaning “flower”
Xochitl (SOH-cheetl): Aztec name meaning “flower”
Xolotl (SHOH-lohtl): Aztec name meaning “animal” or “servant”
Xuihcoatl (shwee-COAT-el): Aztec name meaning “fire serpent”
Xaman (SHAH-mahn): Mayan name meaning “north”
Xalvadora (hal-vah-DOH-rah): Native American name meaning “savior”
Xoco (SHOH-koh): Nahuatl name meaning “younger sister”
Names Starting With Letter Y
Yaholo (yah-HOH-loh): Creek name meaning “whooper” or “yeller”
Yamka (YAHM-kah): Native American name meaning “strong flower”
Yanaba (yah-NAH-bah): Navajo name meaning “to meet”
Yancy (YAN-see): Native American name meaning “Englishman”
Yepa (YEH-pah): Tewa name meaning “winter”
Yoki (YOH-kee): Native American name meaning “rain”
Yona (YOH-nah): Cherokee name meaning “bear”
Yoshiko (yoh-SHEE-koh): Native American name meaning “good child”
Yuma (YOO-mah): Quechan name meaning “son of the chief”
Yuntiwi (yun-TEE-wee): Cherokee name meaning “bear”
Names Starting With Letter Z
Zaltana (zahl-TAH-nah): Native American name meaning “high mountain”
Zayde (ZAY-dee): Native American name meaning “fortunate”
Zelhinda (zel-HIN-dah): Native American name meaning “beautiful water”
Zintkala (zint-KAH-lah): Sioux name meaning “bird”
Ziracuny (zeer-ah-KOO-nee): Native American name meaning “silver”
Zitkala (zit-KAH-lah): Sioux name meaning “bird”
Zitkalasa (zit-kah-LAH-sah): Sioux name meaning “red bird”
Zoar (ZOH-ar): Native American name meaning “strong place”
Zonta (ZOHN-tah): Native American name meaning “trustworthy”
Zuhki (ZOO-kee): Cherokee name meaning “quail”
Pronunciation Guide
Many Native American languages use sounds that don’t exist in English, making pronunciation challenging for non-native speakers. Here are some general guidelines:
- ‘ch’ – typically pronounced as in “church”
- ‘sh’ – pronounced as in “shell”
- ‘ay’ – often pronounced like the ‘ay’ in “say”
- ‘ah’ – pronounced like the ‘a’ in “father”
- ‘oo’ – pronounced like the ‘oo’ in “moon”
When speaking these names, it’s important to approach them with respect for their cultural origins.
Respecting Native American Names
When choosing or using Native American names, it’s important to show respect for their cultural significance. These names are not simply trendy choices but carry deep meaning within Native American communities.
If you’re considering a Native American name for your child and don’t have indigenous heritage, take time to understand the name’s meaning, pronunciation, and cultural context.
For those with Native American ancestry, reclaiming traditional names can be a powerful way to connect with heritage and honor ancestors.
Many Native Americans today embrace both traditional names and contemporary ones, sometimes using a traditional name alongside an English name.
The beauty of Native American names lies in their connection to nature, spirituality, and community values—reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of America’s first peoples.
Conclusion
Native American names embody the wisdom and traditions of indigenous cultures.
Their meanings, deeply tied to nature and spirituality, offer insight into tribal beliefs and values. By learning their pronunciations and histories, we show respect and appreciation for these beautiful names.
Whether used for a child, a pet, or storytelling, embracing Native American names fosters a deeper connection to their origins.
These names are more than words—they are echoes of a proud and enduring legacy.
