How to Give Your Baby a Native American Name

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Many Native Americans are looking back to their roots when naming their children. Below is a selection of Native American names and their meanings. The tribe from which the name originated appears in parentheses.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Baby Names
Genealogy Books
Internet Access
Computers
Genealogy Software

Step 1

Choose a name that means beauty. For a girl, these include Hurit and Mahwah (Algonquin). For boys, try Hurritt (Algonquin).
Step 2

Decide on a strong name. For girls, Nita (Choctaw) means bear and Winema (Moquelumnan) means woman chief. For boys, Kitchi (Algonquin) means brave, Menewa (Creek) means great warrior and Tyee (Bannock) means chief.
Step 3

Select a spiritual name. For a girl, Nahimana (Dakota) means mystic and Kachina (Hopi) means spirit. For boys, Achak (Algonquin) means spirit, Yakez (Carrier) means heaven, Alo (Hopi) means spiritual guide and Cheveyo (Hopi) means spirit warrior.
Step 4

Opt for an animal name. For girls, Ahawi (Cherokee) means deer, Woya (Cherokee) means dove, Kamama (Cherokee) means butterfly, Migisi (Chippewa) means eagle and Nita (Choctaw) means bear. For boys, Okomi (Arapaho) means coyote, Honi (Arapaho) means wolf, Wohali (Cherokee) means eagle, Avonaco (Cheyenne) means loving bear and Onacoma (Cherokee) means white owl.
Step 5

Choose a name suggestive of nature's beauty. For girls, Talisa (Creek) means beautiful water, Nova (Hopi) means chases butterfly, Yamka (Hopi) means blossom and Hateya (Moquelumnan) means footprints in the sand. For boys, Misu (Miwok) means rippling water.

Comments

mrsbolin2009 said

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on 2/18/2009 Very insiteful article for those thinking of Native American names. My father-in-law is what some may call a Medicine Man(he says that's not correct though), but he found out my kids true names when they were 7 days old. My son's name is O-glo-sohg-na-hi. And my daughter's name is Nu-da-le-suhn (pronouced Newdahlaysuhn). He says that traditionally, you aren't suppose to aske what a name means and that name is only for that person. So nobody take my kids names please LOL! Just giving examples. But yes, choose a name that is special and one that reflects your baby.Good article by the way. LOL! Sorry for blabbing.

Lakota99 said

on 2/18/2009 Nice article. The baby was given a "baby name" and then was given its earned name and many others in Lakota tradition.

Lucifera said

on 10/1/2008 The names are beautiful, Blue. If something wants to come through like that, especially for people with strong Indian roots that have assimilated, it is nice to know the tribal meanings are available.
thanks
Lucifera, Queen of Elphame

Blue-Mothman said

on 8/17/2008 There are several ways in which a person can seek a spirit name. In my Cree tradition, everyone has a spirit guide or angel protector, therefore everyone is entitled to receive a spirit name. The name given is usually attained in a ceremony and cannot be unilaterally chosen just because you like a particular name. The name selected for the name seeker is communicated by the spirit guide or angel to the medicine man. A person can receive a name at any age, however the older you get; the harder it is for your name to come through. Peace, and I hope this helps!