This article was co-authored by Natalie Mulholland and by wikiHow staff writer, Sophie Burkholder, BA. Natalie Mulholland is a naming expert and content creator based in Athens, Georgia. With a lifelong interest in names, Natalie started creating content around this passion in 2023. She brings a linguistically focused approach to her content, sharing a name’s origin, meaning, category, notable people, and more. She is expecting to receive her bachelor’s degree in human development and family science from the University of Georgia in 2025.
There are 23 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
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Native American names carry history, meaning, and a host of sacred customs, so we’re not surprised that you’re looking for a beautiful indigenous name for your baby girl or fictional character. We talked to naming experts to help us put together this extensive list of common and unique Native American female names, along with names inspired by nature, animals, and more.
Note: If you are not a person of Native American heritage and are looking for a name for yourself or your baby, please read our discussion on cultural appropriation first.
Common Native American Women’s Names
Naming expert Natalie Mulholland says that some of her favorite names for girls include Aponi, Cheyenne, Dakota, Halona, Catori, Tallulah, Winona, Dyani, and Chepi. Here’s what a few of those names mean:
- Dakota: A Sioux name meaning “ally.”
- Cheyenne: A Lakota Sioux name meaning “people of a different language.”
- Winona: A Lakota name meaning “firstborn.”
- Tallulah: A Choctaw name meaning “leaping water.”
- Dyani: A Lakota name meaning “deer.”
Steps
Expert Q&A
Tips
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Need a Native American last name, too? Check out our list of Native American surnames.Thanks
References
- ↑ Natalie Mulholland. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/2020/c2020br-13.pdf
- ↑ Natalie Mulholland. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
- ↑ Natalie Mulholland. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
- ↑ Natalie Mulholland. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/2020/c2020br-13.pdf
- ↑ Natalie Mulholland. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
- ↑ Natalie Mulholland. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
- ↑ Natalie Mulholland. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://archive-share.america.gov/words-and-names-that-come-from-native-americans/index.html
- ↑ Natalie Mulholland. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
- ↑ Natalie Mulholland. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://www.worldhistory.org/article/2418/twelve-famous-native-american-women/
- ↑ https://www.dyaniwhitehawk.com/
- ↑ https://whitepasscountrymuseum.org/collections/native-american-display/
- ↑ https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nancy-Ward
- ↑ https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nancy-Ward
- ↑ https://www.nps.gov/people/zitkala-sa.htm
- ↑ https://www.npr.org/2024/01/22/1226019196/the-effort-behind-getting-the-blackfeet-language-taught-on-the-tribes-reservatio
- ↑ https://fashionmagazine.com/wellness/my-story-kawennahere-devery-jacobs/
- ↑ https://www.native-americans.org/haboguwiga/
- ↑ https://www.pyramidlakehealing.org/posts/lozen-and-dahteste-warrior-award
- ↑ https://www.worldhistory.org/article/2508/ehyophsta-legend/
- ↑ https://coloradoencyclopedia.org/article/chipeta
- ↑ https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/history/crazy-horse
- ↑ https://d.umn.edu/news/unusual-urop-launches-publishing-adventure
- ↑ Natalie Mulholland. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
- ↑ Jennifer Ficarra. Name Consultant. Expert Interview
- ↑ Natalie Mulholland. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
- ↑ Sonya Prior. Baby Naming Expert. Expert Interview
- ↑ Jennifer Ficarra. Name Consultant. Expert Interview
- ↑ Natalie Mulholland. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
- https://www.familyeducation.com/75-native-american-names
- https://www.lovetoknow.com/parenting/baby/119-native-american-baby-names-definitions
- https://www.behindthename.com/names/usage/native-american
- https://www.momjunction.com/baby-names/native-american/girl/



