Native American Names

Native American names are given in many languages, including Lakota, Cherokee, Navajo, Hopi and Ojibwe. Popular examples are Aiyana, Aponi, Kaya, Winona, Chayton, Mato, Takoda and Honovi. Most draw on nature, animals, family and spirit, and each nation has its own naming customs.

Quick List

• Aponi: butterfly, Algonquian
• Winona: firstborn daughter, Dakota
• Kaya: wise child, Hopi
• Chayton: falcon, Dakota
• Mato: bear, Lakota
• Takoda: friend to everyone, Dakota
• Honovi: strong, Hopi
• Nizhoni: beautiful, Navajo
• Sequoia: from Sikwayi, Cherokee

Girl Names

• Aponi (Algonquian): butterfly
• Aiyana (Native American): forever flower
• Winona (Dakota): firstborn daughter
• Kaya (Hopi): wise child
• Nita (Choctaw): bear
• Chenoa (Native American): white dove
• Halona (Navajo): happy and fortunate
• Nizhoni (Navajo): beautiful
• Isi (Choctaw): deer
• Tala (Native American): wolf

Boy Names

• Chayton (Dakota): falcon
• Mato (Lakota): bear
• Takoda (Dakota): friend to everyone
• Ahanu (Algonquian): he laughs
• Honovi (Hopi): strong
• Nashoba (Choctaw): wolf
• Chogan (Algonquin): blackbird
• Dyami (Hopi): eagle
• Kele (Hopi): sparrow hawk
• Wanbli (Lakota): eagle

Unisex Names

• Dakota: friend, ally
• Sequoia: Cherokee name for the giant tree
• Denali: the high one
• Kodiak: island, linked to bears
• Aiyana: forever flower
• Kai: sea, used by many cultures

Lakota and Dakota Names

The Lakota and Dakota are part of the Sioux nations. Many names come from animals and the sky.

• Mato: bear
• Hehaka: elk
• Wanbli: eagle
• Tatanka: buffalo
• Hoka: badger
• Mahpiya: cloud
• Wiyaka: feather
• Wakan: sacred

Cherokee Names

Cherokee names are written in the Cherokee syllabary, created by Sequoyah.

• Sequoia: from Sikwayi
• Waya: wolf
• Tsula: fox
• Ayita: first to dance
• Adsila: blossom
• Awi: deer

Navajo Names

The Navajo call themselves Diné. Their names often carry blessing and beauty.

• Nizhoni: beautiful
• Halona: happy, fortunate
• Yazhi: little one
• Doli: bluebird
• Chee: red
• Kai: willow in Navajo, also a global name

Hopi Names

• Honovi: strong
• Kaya: wise child
• Dyami: eagle
• Kele: sparrow hawk
• Makya: eagle hunter
• Kachina: spirit being

Ojibwe Names

• Migizi: bald eagle
• Makwa: bear
• Maang: loon
• Wabun: east wind, dawn
• Nokomis: grandmother
• Waabooz: rabbit

Nature Names

Nature is the base of many Native names because land, sky and animals are part of daily life.

• Aponi: butterfly
• Wiyaka: feather
• Mahpiya: cloud
• Tala: wolf
• Dyami: eagle
• Sequoia: giant tree
• Isi: deer

Animal Names

Animals often stand for traits like courage, speed or patience.

• Mato: bear for courage
• Chayton: falcon for sharp sight
• Nashoba: wolf for loyalty
• Wanbli: eagle for vision
• Tatanka: buffalo for strength
• Migizi: eagle for wisdom

Names for Brave and Strong

• Honovi: strong
• Mato: bear, often linked to bravery
• Tatanka: buffalo, strength
• Dakota: ally
• Wanbli: eagle, vision and courage
• Nizhoni: beauty with strength in Navajo culture

Traditional Naming Customs

Many nations give names in ceremony. A name may come from a family elder, a dream or an event in life.

Some people get more than one name. A child name may be replaced later by an adult name based on deeds or character.

Names are often given by a respected elder, not chosen by parents alone. This is why many Native names are not on public lists.

Famous Names

• Pocahontas: a nickname meaning playful one. Her given name was Matoaka.
• Geronimo: from Goyathlay, often given as one who yawns
• Sitting Bull: English form of Tatanka Iyotake
• Crazy Horse: English form of Tashunka Witko
• Sequoyah: creator of the Cherokee syllabary

Using Names Respectfully

Check the nation first. A name from one nation cannot be treated as a general Native American name.

Use sources from the community. Tribal websites, cultural centers and language programs give the most reliable meanings.

Avoid sacred or ceremonial names. Some are tied to rank, family or spiritual duty.

Ask if you are unsure. If you are not Native, consider whether the name fits your family and speak with someone from that nation.

How to Choose

Look for the language and the nation behind a name. Shortlists often mix many origins.

Check spelling and sound. Names like Chayton and Aiyana can be written in several ways.

Think about meaning. Many parents choose names tied to nature, courage or family.

FAQs

What are some Native American names?

Aponi, Winona, Kaya, Chayton, Mato, Takoda and Honovi are well-known Native American names from different nations.

What is a Native American girl name?

Aponi, Winona, Kaya, Halona and Nizhoni are popular girl names from Algonquian, Dakota, Hopi and Navajo languages.

What is a Native American boy name?

Chayton, Mato, Takoda, Honovi and Nashoba are common boy names meaning falcon, bear, friend, strong and wolf.

What does Aiyana mean?

Aiyana is usually given as forever flower. It is widely used as a Native American style name.

What does Takoda mean?

Takoda is a Dakota name often translated as friend to everyone.

What Native American names mean wolf?

Nashoba (Choctaw), Waya (Cherokee) and Tala are used for wolf.

Can anyone use a Native American name?

Many people do, but it is best to learn the nation, language and meaning first, and avoid names tied to ceremony or rank.

How were Native American names chosen?

Names often came from elders, dreams, family lines or life events, and customs differ by nation.