358 Native American Baby Names For Your Child

Choices that pay tribute to the ancient culture.

Written by N Pravenchandra Singh, MA Specialty: Literature and RelationshipsExperience: 2 years

Praven is an English literature expert. He did his bachelors in English from Delhi University and masters in English from Manipur University. Besides, he holds a certificate in multimedia design and content creation from NIELIT Imphal and presented papers at various national and international conferences.

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Vidya did her post-graduation in Biotechnology from Osmania University, Hyderabad. Her interest in scientific research and writing made her pursue a career in writing, in which she now has over five years of experience. She has done certified biotechnology-related training programs under renowned organizations such as Centre For Cellular & Molecular Biology and Department of Biotechnology.

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Fact-checked by Trisha Chakraborty, MA, BEd Specialty: Child development & educationExperience: 5 years

Trisha worked as a schoolteacher for three years before taking up professional writing in 2021. She completed her masters in English from the University of Calcutta and bachelors in Education from the University of Burdwan.

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Last Updated on Jul 24, 2024

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
Nayeli	Girl	Expression of love; Open
Cheyenne	Girl	Red speakers; Seizing by the heel; Supplanting
Winnie	Girl	Fair one; Soft; Happiness; Pure
Yareli	Girl	Lady of the water
Kaydence	Girl	Rhythm; Flow
Aiyana	Girl	Eternal bloom; Ever-blooming flower; Flower; Silent
Kaya	Girl	My elder sister; Rock; Resting place; Restoration; Perfume; Reward
Meilani	Girl	Heavenly May
Nayla	Girl	A winner; One who goes ahead to get everything
Winona	Girl	First-born daughter, noble spirit

Aiyanna	Girl	Eternal blossom; Everlasting bloom; Beautiful flower; Clear; Revelation; Going; Fountain; Downy-bearded
Arizona	Girl	The good oak; Small spring; Arid zones
Indiana	Unisex	Land of the Indians
Shania	Girl	A woman who is on her way
Enola	Girl	Solitary; Black fox
Denali	Girl	Great one; A mountain peak in North America
Cheyanne	Girl	Red speakers
Kaiah	Girl	Little but wise; Pure
Kyah	Girl	Little but wise
Kaiyah	Unisex	Forgiveness; Sea

Hania	Girl	Favor; Grace; Pleasant; Spirit warrior
Aylen	Girl	A clear individual; Happiness; Moon halo
Chayton	Boy	The mighty falcon; Hawk
Kawhi	Boy	A strong and quiet leader
Kateri	Girl	Pure; Each of the two
Acadia	Girl	Of Arcadia; Place of abundance; Bear
Mahkai	Boy	Medicine man; Healer
Maizee	Unisex	Unique; Adventurous; Free-spirited
Creek	Unisex	Stream; Small river
Dakotah	Boy	A friend of friends

Shaniya	Girl	She who is on her way
Cuauhtemoc	Boy	A falling Eagle
Catori	Girl	Spirit; Pure; Victory
Taos	Boy	Place of red willows
Tazanna	Girl	A princess
Tulsa	Unisex	City in Oklahoma
Kaydee	Girl	Bright; Plane; Pure
Halyn	Girl	Unique; Not very common
Miami	Unisex	Big water
Dyani	Girl	A deer; Goddess; Divine

Kyana	Unisex	Light
Onalee	Unisex	Gold
Tehya	Girl	A precious one
Tyee	Unisex	Chief; Leader
Raini	Boy	The creator
Kimimila	Girl	Dark-skinned
Tayen	Girl	A new moon
Zuni	Unisex	Pueblo Native American tribe
Jamaica	Girl	Land of wood and water; Land of springs
Neytiri	Girl	Warrior princess

Tallula	Girl	Leaping water
Chaska	Boy	The firstborn son
Dasan	Boy	A Chief
Coyote	Unisex	trickster, cunning, unpredictability
Grizzly	Unisex	Strong and powerful
Tamaya	Girl	One who is the center of everything
Pecos	Boy	Pecan
Tecumseh	Boy	A panther passing across the sky
Chyanne	Girl	Red speakers; People from a different language
Koko	Girl	Night; Black foot

Meiomi	Unisex	Coast
Makya	Boy	Eagle hunter
Kayah	Girl	She is little but wise
Takota	Unisex	The Ally; Friend to everyone
Utah	Girl	Native American, place of the mountains
Ahanu	Boy	He laughs
Sahalie	Girl	The sky; The High heaven
Cheveyo	Boy	A warrior
Dyami	Boy	Eagle
Jacy	Boy	Gift; Moon; Yahweh is gracious; Creator of plant life

Hawkeye	Unisex	Sharp-sighted; Having a keen vision
Micco	Unisex	Chief; Leader
Maiara	Girl	Wise woman; Great-grandmother
Santee	Unisex	Holy; Saintly
Inola	Unisex	Black Fox
Quantez	Boy	Powerful; Unique; Leader
Quanah	Boy	Fragrant; Sweet-smelling
Nakota	Unisex	Friend
Shenandoah	Girl	A beautiful daughter of the stars
Shawnee	Unisex	Indigenous, Native American

Hiawatha	Boy	He who combs
Yukon	Unisex	Big river
Bison	Unisex	Strong; Powerful; Untamed
Chaske	Boy	The one who has cheerful and friendly personality
Ayiana	Girl	Eternal blossom
Chianne	Girl	Red speakers
Cochise	Boy	His firewood; His nose
Apache	Unisex	Enemy; The people
Kwanita	Girl	God is gracious
Doba	Girl	A person who is studious, clever, and of a practical nature

Kimimela	Girl	Butterfly
Haroldo	Boy	Power; Leader; Ruler
Hialeah	Unisex	Pretty prairie; High prairie
Chumani	Girl	Dew drop
Petunia	Girl	Name of a trumpet shaped flower
Tanda	Girl	The seer of life and death
Lakoda	Unisex	Native American warrior
Mansi	Girl	Plucked flower; Power of the mind; An indigenous Uralic group of Russia
Karey	Boy	Descendant of Ciardha
Ayelen	Girl	Dawning; Morning Star

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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.

native american names with deep cultural significance (infographic)

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

Native American Name Giving Tradition.
https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Features/Display/Article/787495/native-american-name-giving-tradition/

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.