250+ Native American Baby Names ( A Complete Guide A – Z Names)

Choosing a baby name is such a heart-filled adventure — part excitement, part daydreaming, part “Oh wow, this is forever!” If you’ve found yourself scribbling name ideas in the margins of your notebook or whispering them out loud to see how they sound, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most personal gifts you’ll ever give your child, and it will follow them through every chapter of their life.

Native American names are especially beautiful because they often carry deep cultural roots, nature-inspired imagery, and timeless symbolism. Many are drawn from the elements — rivers, skies, animals, seasons — while others honor historic leaders, tribal stories, and spiritual traditions. They’re lyrical, meaningful, and filled with a sense of connection to the land and heritage.

In this guide, we’ve gathered over 140+ Native American baby names (with meanings and origins!) so you can explore everything from gentle, nature-kissed names to bold, powerful ones with centuries of history. Whether you want something rare and whimsical, strong and steady, or poetic and serene, there’s a name here to spark that “Yes — this is the one!” moment.

Nature-Inspired Beauties

These names connect deeply with Earth, sky, water, animals — nature lovers, this one’s for you!

1. Aiyana (AI-ya-na) – Eternal blossom (Cherokee). Sweet, floral, and timeless.
2. Dakota – Friendly, allies (Sioux). Soft sounding and unisex.
3. Talulah – Leaping water (Choctaw). Joyful, energetic, perfect for a little mover.
4. Kai – Willow tree (O’odham). Minimal, delicate, with natural flow.
5. Sequoyah – Name of Cherokee silversmith who created their written syllabary. Acts like a tribute to innovation.
6. Elu – Beautiful (Zuni). Short and radiant.
7. Winona – Firstborn daughter (Dakota). Timeless and lyrical.
8. Kiona – Brown hills (Kenya—but also used in Native American-adapted contexts). Warm-toned and outdoorsy.
9. Naira – Big eyes (Navajo). Soft, soulful gaze in name form.
10. Mahkah – Earth (Ojibwe). Solid, grounding, elemental.
11. Makawee – Walking Earth (Lakota). Poetic and rooted.
12. Aponi – Butterfly (Blackfoot). Light and free.
13. Kohana – Swift (Pawnee). Quick, spirited, bold.
14. Chinook – Warm wind (Chinook). Breezy California-vibe.
15. Nashoba – Wolf (Choctaw). Fierce but noble.
16. Enola – Solitary (Choctaw), used in literature. Unique and introspective.
17. Odakota – Variation of Dakota, means friend. Friendly friend.
18. Onida – The one searched for (Sioux). Mystical, dream-fulfilling.
19. Yuma – Son of chief (Quechan) or son of the chief (Yuma). Strong historic resonance.
20. Tala – Wolf (Sioux). Short, sweet, spirited.
21. Mika – Raccoon (Hopi). Cute and curious.
22. Wapi – Lucky (Sioux). Tiny good luck charm in name form.
23. Sakari – Sweet (Inuit, but widely adopted). Glossy sweetness.
24. Akecheta – Fighter (Sioux). Brave and bold.
25. Ayita – First to dance (Cherokee). Rhythmic, joyful energy.
26. Kasa – Dressed in furs (Hopi). Cozy and snowy vibe.
27. Nita – Bear (Choctaw). Strong, nurturing.
28. Nevah – Owl (Native American). Wise and nocturnal.
29. Wahi – I am, I exist (Cherokee Context). Existence itself in a name.
30. Kiona – Brown hills (again, poetic repeating!). Earthy and serene.
31. Saniyya – Radiant, brilliant (Adapted/modern use, inspired by Navajo “Sani”). Glows with grace.
32. Kanti – Singing (Algonquin). A lyrical, bird-song feeling.
33. Takala – Corn tassel (Hopi). Organic, harvest-rich.
34. Nokomis – Grandmother (Ojibwe). Warm, wise, familial.
35. Teca – Young one (Lakota). Simple and youthful.
36. Luyu – Wild dove (Mi’kmaq). Soft, fluttering, serene.
37. Tamaya – In the center (Isleta Pueblo). Centered and harmonious.
38. Tula – Mountain peak (Choctaw). Sharp, strong, beautiful.
39. Kiona (yes, again! Still stunning.)
40. Zonta – Honest and trustworthy (Sioux). Grounded and noble.
41. Ahuli – Drum (Cherokee). Rhythmic and grounding.
42. Takoda – Friend to all (Sioux). Welcoming and social.
43. Yiska – The night has passed (Navajo). Dawn’s fresh start.
44. Makya – Eagle hunter (Hopi). Powerful and skilled.
45. Anpa – Day, dawn (Sioux). Fresh and hopeful.
46. Ama – Water (Cherokee). Simple, flowing, and essential.
47. Wakinyan – Thunder spirit (Lakota). Strong and electric.
48. Nokomis – Grandmother (Ojibwe). Warm, protective, wise.
49. Sihu – Flower (Hopi). Delicate yet enduring.
50. Waya – Wolf (Cherokee). Loyal and fierce.

Sunshine & Sky

Names evoking light, brightness, and sky-gazing dreams.

1. Elisi – Joyful (Cherokee). Radiates happiness.
2. Anoki – Actor (Algonquin). Dramatic flair, perfect for an expressive kid.
3. Odina – Mountain (Algonquin). Solid and towering.
4. Wicasa – Wise person (Lakota). Thoughtful, considered.
5. Tazhi – Moon (Navajo). Celestial, calm glow.
6. Nantai – He who goes ahead (Cherokee). Leader vibe.
7. Yazhi – Little one (Navajo). Adorably tiny-sounding.
8. Kitchi – Brave (Algonquin). Bold and heroic.
9. Ahyoka – She brings happiness (Cherokee). Flows like she’s walking in sunshine.
10. Salali – Squirrel (Cherokee). Lightfooted and playful—but also nature.
11. Sihu – Moon (Pima). Gentle lunar light.
12. Lenno – Blackbird (Choctaw). Audible breeze in the name.
13. Onacona – White owl (Cherokee). Wise and watching.
14. Pavati – Clear water (Hopi). Soothing, transparent.
15. Sakana – Peaceful (Powhatan). Calm, again very cool.
16. Ehote – Restless one (Omaha). Spirited and mobile.
17. Isi – Deer (Choctaw). Graceful, nimble.
18. Kascha – Sweet scent (Hopi). Fragrant and delicate.
19. Matoaka – A famous Native American name – Pocahontas’s actual name. Historic and lyrical.
20. Ahote – (alternate spelling) Restless again. Full of life.
21. Sialia – Bluebird (modern usage, referencing genus of bluebirds in North America). Light and airy.
22. Nokose – Bear (Seminole; feels earthy yet celestial). A strong sky-bear.
23. Atira – Sky spirit (Pawnee). Radiant, mythic.
24. Wakanda – Possesses magical powers (Sioux). Sky-magic in a name.
25. Tala’ne – Star (Fictional/inspired). Gentle and twinkling.
26. Tuwaletstiwa – Sun maiden (Hopi myth). Grand and solar.
27. Lelawi – Beautiful evening (Miwok-inspired). Twilight charm.
28. Ahyv – Sun (Cherokee). Short and radiant.
29. Tala’ne – Star (inspired blend). Celestial and gentle.
30. Hotah – White (Sioux). Bright, clean imagery.
31. Wiyohpiyata – Setting sun (Dakota). Sunset beauty.
32. Iskwew – Woman (Cree). Strength in simplicity.
33. Pauwau – He dreams (Algonquin). Mystical and peaceful.
34. Anpa Wi – Morning sun (Lakota). Glowing start.
35. Aylen – Joy (Mapuche-adapted). Sunny-hearted.
36. Wiyaka – Feather (Lakota). Light and airy.
37. Catori – Spirit (Hopi). Spiritual, uplifting.

Old-School Cool / Heroic Names

Names with strong cultural resonance or legendary tales.

1. Geronimo – Apache leader’s name (originally Goyaałé). Heroic, historically weighty.
2. Tecumseh – Shawnee chief. Means shooting star, or “panther across the sky.” Regal imprint.
3. Sitting Bull – Lakota Dakota holy man. Symbol of resistance (as a given name).
4. Red Cloud – Lakota leader. Dynamic and bold.
5. Crazy Horse – Oglala leader. Passionate, fierce.
6. Hiawatha – Iroquoian leader and Peacemaker. Poetic and legendary.
7. Sacajawea – Shoshone guide for Lewis & Clark. Explorer energy.
8. Pontiac – Ottawa war leader. Strong historical resonance.
9. Black Hawk – Sac leader. Powerful imagery.
10. Sequoyah (again but placed here) — inventor of Cherokee written language. Legacy and brains in name form.
11. Wovoka – Paiute holy man associated with Sun Dance. Spiritual.
12. Rain-in-the-Face – Lakota warrior name. Dramatic and potent.
13. Osceola – Seminole leader. Noble and historical.
14. Powhatan – Name of the tribe and chief, early Virginian Native leader. Tribal-rooted.
15. Tamanend – Lenape leader – “affable,” “solid.”
16. Chitto Harjo – “Crazy Snake,” Muscogee leader. Politically strong name.
17. Chief Joseph – Nez Perce leader (name used symbolically). Kind-hearted, dignified.
18. Black Elk – Oglala Lakota holy man. Spiritual visionary.
19. Elan – Friendly (Salish). Modern sleek and welcoming.
20. Hatuey – Taíno hero from the Caribbean who resisted colonization. Short, proud, powerful.
21. Washakie – Shoshone leader, known for diplomacy. Regal and wise.
22. Pushmataha – Choctaw chief and orator. Long, poetic strength.
23. Ten Bears – Comanche chief. Reverent and multi-layered.
24. Kintpuash – Modoc chief, also called Captain Jack. Legacy name.
25. Ostenaco – Cherokee leader and orator. Noble sound.
26. Mangas Coloradas – Apache leader. Bold, vibrant, memorable.
27. Chilam – Oracle (Mayan-adapted). Prophetic energy.
28. Tatanka Iyotake – Sitting Bull (Lakota). Courage and leadership.
29. Ahuli Ahyv – Drum of the sun (Cherokee blend). Historic-sounding.
30. Waban – East wind (Algonquin). Fresh start.
31. Ahyv Dahy – Morning light (Cherokee blend). Leader’s tone.
32. Mahaska – White Cloud (Iowa). Noble and poetic.
33. Wovoka – Spirit leader (Paiute). Visionary roots.
34. Ahyv Tohbi – White sun (Cherokee blend). Purity and strength.
35. Kanuna – Bullfrog (Cherokee). Playful historic tie.
36. Shawnee – Tribal name. Heritage and pride.

Water & River Spirit Names

(New heading for flowing, life-giving, and cool-sounding names.)

1. Ama – Water (Cherokee). Short, pure, and essential.
2. Tayanita – Young beaver (Cherokee). Symbol of industriousness along rivers.
3. Chepi – Fairy or spirit (Algonquin). Whimsical, often tied to forest streams.
4. Kaya – Elder sister (Hopi). Gentle and nurturing like a calm river.
5. Tamaya – In the center (Isleta Pueblo). Peaceful, balanced current.
6. Nokosee – Bear (Seminole). Associated with riverbank hunters.
7. Namid – Star dancer (Ojibwe). Evokes star reflections on still water.
8. Onida – The one searched for (Sioux). Found like a treasure along the shore.
9. Misu – Rippling brook (Miwok). Gentle movement of fresh water.
10. Yuma – Son of chief (Quechan). Historically tied to river-dwelling tribes.
11. Chenoa – White dove (Cherokee). Graceful, often associated with river crossings.
12. Pavati – Clear water (Hopi). Transparent and calm.
13. Taya – Perfectly formed (Sioux). Smooth as a stone polished by river flow.
14. Ahuli Ama – Drum water (Cherokee blend). Echo of water sounds.
15. Sihu Ama – Flower water (Hopi/Cherokee blend). Blooming river imagery.
16. Neona – Water flower (modern adaptation with native influence).
17. Kionawe – Earth and water (fictional native blend). Elemental harmony.
18. Wikvaya – One who brings rain (Hopi). Rain-bringer for crops and rivers.
19. Otsenega – Black fox (Iroquois). Foxes often seen near streams.
20. Takoda Ama – Friend of water (Sioux/Cherokee blend). Peaceful companionship with rivers.
21. Lenaya – Meadow by the river (modern adaptation with native influence).
22. Ayasha Ama – Little one of the water (Cheyenne/Cherokee blend). Tender and pure.
23. Sitala – Spirit of running water (inspired by Southeastern tribes).
24. Mokihana – Water flower (adapted use in native contexts).
25. Wiyaka Wakpa – Feather river (Lakota blend). Light drifting along a stream.

Unique Finds & Gems

Names that stand out for meaning, rhythm, or cultural uniqueness.

1. Waya – Wolf (Cherokee). Melodic, nature-bound.
2. Ayita (again as found earlier) – First to dance. Has this rhythmic bounce.
3. Tikaani – Wolf (Eskimo). Energetic, snowy forest imagery.
4. Nodin – Wind (Ojibwe). Breezy and ephemeral.
5. Misae – Beautiful by the sea (Ojibwe). Coastal waves in name form.
6. Zitkála-Šá – Red bird (Lakota). Literary and lovely; author Zitkala-Šá carried it with grace.
7. Quannah – Fragrant prairie flower (Quannah Parker’s mother was Comanche). Unusual and poetic.
8. Tasunka – Horse (Lakota). Wild open plains.
9. Wiyan – Beautiful woman (Sioux). Gentle grace.
10. Taini – Peak (native root). Like a mountaintop.
11. Shappa – Lightning (Dakota). Electrifying and fast.
12. Sani – The old one (Navajo). Ancient strength.
13. Tashina – Born during the day (Inuit). Sunlit birth.
14. Tsula – Fox (Cherokee). Quick and clever.
15. Yoki – Rain (Hopi). Soothing and gentle.
16. Adsila – Blossom (Cherokee). Soft, floral imagery.
17. Istas – Snow (Ojibwe). Cool and crisp.
18. Kiona (again—just so good!). Brown hills, earthy.
19. Wiyaka – Feather (Lakota). Floating and light.
20. Aylen – Joy (Mapuche but used in Native-adapted contexts). Uplifting and bright.
21. Etenia – Little burner (fictional/legendary origin). Firelight vibe.
22. Sihu – Moon (Pima). Calm and glowing.
23. Kachina – Spirit being (Hopi). Deep, spiritual resonance.
24. Kelea – The one who brings happiness (native context). Joy-filled.
25. Kwahu – Eagle (Inuit-adapted naming contexts). High-flying.
26. Sosie – Son (Native –)Note: modern adaptation. Friendly and simple.
27. Taketohi – Spotted leaf (fictional/poetic native-rooted). Autumn vibe.
28. Wanhassa – Firstborn son (Omaha). Classic and traditional.
29. Sinte – Tail feather (Lakota). Colorful trailing flourish.
30. Chumani – Dew drops (Cheyenne). Fresh morning imagery.
31. Olathe – Beautiful (Shawnee). Smooth sounding and kind.
32. Ahyu – Water lily (Native-rooted adaptation). Peaceful and floating.
33. Kitchina – (alternate of Kachina, Hopi spirit). Playful variation.
34. Takoda – Friend to everyone (Sioux). Social and sweet.
35. Kionawe – (Fictional blend: “Earth + sky”). Inventive, poetic.
36. Ayasha – Little one (Cheyenne). Tender, loving sound.
37. Tasunka Witko – Crazy Horse’s real name. Rich and reverent.
38. Sikya – Yellow (Hopi). Bright and light.
39. Kiona (once more) – Still too gorgeous to ignore.

Spirit & Myth

These names draw on deeper spiritual, ancestral, or mythic roots.

1. Nanabozho – Trickster and creator (Ojibwe). Story-filled and dynamic.
2. Iktomi – Spider trickster (Lakota). Clever, layered, symbolic.
3. Wendigo – Spirit of hunger (Algonquin mythology). Darker myth, dramatic name.
4. Kanuna – Bullfrog spirit (Cherokee). Night-song feeling.
5. Selu – Corn Mother (Cherokee). Abundant, nurturing.
6. Elohi – Earth (Cherokee). Powerful, maternal resonance.
7. Kokopelli – Flute player, fertility god (Hopi/Zuni). Whimsical, beloved.
8. Noqoì – Beloved ancestor spirit (Fictionalized from Algonquian sounds). Evocative and sacred.
9. Ahyv Takoda – Sun’s friend (Cherokee/Sioux blend).
10. Selu – Corn mother (Cherokee). Abundant and nourishing.
11. Nanabozho – Trickster and teacher (Ojibwe). Story-filled.
12. Iktomi – Trickster spider (Lakota). Clever, symbolic.
13. Kokopelli – Flute-playing spirit (Hopi). Joy and fertility.
14. Wakanda – Possesses magical powers (Sioux). Mystical.
15. Hotah Wiyaka – White feather (Sioux blend). Purity and honor.
16. Elohi – Earth (Cherokee). Foundational, sacred.
17. Makya Wakinyan – Eagle hunter of thunder (Hopi/Lakota blend).
18. Ahyv Elohi – Sun of the earth (Cherokee blend).

A–Z Sampler (More names for every letter of alphabet)

Let’s fast-track through a rich A–Z roster — snippets and highlights to spark ideas. 🧡

1. A: Aponi (Butterfly), Adsila (Blossom), Ahiga (He fights)
2. B: Bidzii (He is strong)
3. C: Chayton (Falcon), Chenoa (White dove)
4. D: Dyani (Deer), Dakotah (Friendly ally)
5. E: Enola (Solitary), Elu (Beautiful)
6. F: (F is rare in native roots—but Fayina, adapted as joyful wind)
7. G: Gola (Winter)
8. H: Halo (Falling bead of the earth)
9. I: Istas (Snow), Isi (Deer)
10. J: (J also rare—Jayla, adapted modernly)
11. K: Kiona, Kasa, Kitchi
12. L: Lenno, Leotie (Flower)
13. M: Mika, Matoaka
14. N: Navajo (They), Nita, Nodin
15. O: Odina, Onida, Onacona
16. P: Pavati, Peta (Golden eagle)
17. Q: Quannah, Qaletaqa (Warrior maiden)
18. R: Rain-in-the-Face, Ronas (song)
19. S: Salali, Sakari, Sequoyah, Sihu, Sinte, Sosie
20. T: Tala, Tikaani, Tazhi, Tamanend, Tashina
21. U: Ulali (Snow goose song), Uma (Mother-like in adapted context)
22. V: (Rare—Vinneya, adapted modernly*)
23. W: Winona, Waya, Wapi, Wiyaka, Wovoka
24. X: (X rare—Xalotl, used in some modern blended contexts meaning “toad heart”)
25. Y: Yazhi, Yoki, Yuma
26. Z: Zitkala-Šá, Zuni (Named after people/place; also means ‘beautiful’)

Pop Culture & Modern Vibes

You’ll see some of these names pop up in books, films, or celeb inspirations. For example:

• Zitkala‑Šá is the Lakota author and musician who used that name in her art and activism — literary flair.
• Sacajawea has made appearances in children’s books, TV documentaries, and cultural references—so instantly feels historical and bold.
• Winona got extra shine thanks to Winona Ryder in the ’90s — romantic and retro vibes.
• Dakota as a name has been used by several celebs, giving it a modern, cool association. Think Dakota Johnson.
• Sequoyah and Geronimo are tied to historic figures, bringing legacy and gravitas.

Sweet “Meaning‑First” Picks

Sometimes the meaning steals the show:

• Nodin (Wind) – breezy and free.
• Ayita (First to dance) – energetic and expressive.
• Adsila (Blossom) – floral and humble.
• Yazhi (Little one) – perfect baby name!
• Wapi (Lucky) – a little charm in one syllable.
• Elisi (Joyful) – instant sunshine.
• Chenoa (White dove) – peaceful and elegant.
• Peta (Golden eagle) – soaring and strong.
• Dyani (Deer) – graceful and gentle.
• Quannah (Prairie flower) – wild‑flower spirit.

Why These Names Matter

• Cultural roots & storytelling: Each name opens a door to tribal heritage and language, reminding us of the old stories and nature-based identities.
• Unisex options: Names like Dakota, Kai, Wapi, or Nodin feel fluid and modern, great if you’re going gender-neutral.
• Phonetic beauty: Many of these names flow off the tongue — short vowels, melodic syllables — sweet symmetry.
• Connection & symbolism: Picking symbols like wolf, wind, blossom, moon ties your child to deeper mythological or natural worlds.

A Few Pairing or Sibling Ideas

If you’re imagining siblings:

• Aiyana & Aponi — “Eternal blossom” & “Butterfly” — floral duo.
• Dakota & Nodin — “Friendly ally” & “Wind” — soft and breezy.
• Winona & Waya — “Firstborn daughter” & “Wolf” — historic and wild.
• Tala & Tazhi — Wolf & Moon — nighttime nature vibes.
• Ayita & Adsila — “First to dance” & “Blossom” — poetic motion.

Naming Tips & Thoughtful Insights

• Imagine calling the name out loud. How does it feel? Graceful, strong, gentle?
• Think about nickname possibilities — some lend themselves to sweet nicknames, others feel perfect as-is.
• Consider the heritage with respect. If you’re not from a Native community, you may appreciate the name and its meaning, but be mindful of cultural significance — learning about the origin can be an honoring step.
• Say it with your last name. Check the flow, initials, and sound.

Wrap-Up & Big Encouragement

Wow, we’ve journeyed through over 140 names—and I hope they sparked joy, curiosity, or inspiration! These names each hold a beautiful meaning, rich cultural context, earthy symbolism, or pure musicality. Whether you choose something bold and strong, soft and floral, or lyrical and unique, there’s a name here that can feel just right for your baby’s little personality.

Take your time. Say a few aloud in the shower. Sleep on them. Share them with a close circle. Maybe one name will jump out and feel like coming home. Whichever path you go down, naming is an act of love—and the best is yet to come when you see your baby grow into their name.

All the warmest wishes as you pick the perfect name—so much love and excitement to you! 💫 Let me know if you’d like a shorter list with favorites by gender vibe, or help pairing names for siblings. I’d be so happy to continue this naming adventure with you.