Those who come from western cultures typically give their children a name that is popular around the time or may name a child after a relative. There isn’t always a ton of thought put into the meaning of the name, and even when there is, there is no guarantee that the name will actually suit the child’s personality.
This is where Native American culture differs. Many tribes endeavor to pick a name that describes a child in some way. In fact, it’s even possible to name a child after their grumpy or sorrowful disposition. Not only that, Native Americans do not have static names.
Even adults can earn new names as they achieve different goals in their lives or go through unfortunate events. Whether you’re of Native American descent or you’re simply looking for a unique, non-European name, you can honor Native American culture by choosing one that describes your daughter.
Our favorites are Elu, which means beautiful, and Galilahi, which means attractive. These are perfect for a newborn who is the most beautiful thing to their family and whose cuteness attracts the attention of many.
If your baby was born on the day of a full moon, Nokomis would be an apt choice as it means “daughter of the moon.” It’s also the name of a character from an Ojibwe poem. Check out this list of Native American girl names, complete with meanings, to find the best one for your baby girl.
Abedabun
Meaning: Sight of day
Origin: Chippewa
Abeque
Meaning: Stays at home
Origin: Chippewa
Adoette
Meaning: Large tree
Origin: Native American
Adsila
Meaning: Blossom
Origin: Cherokee
Aiyana
Meaning: Forever flowering
Origin: Cherokee
Alameda
Meaning: Grove of cottonwood
Origin: Native American
Alaqua
Meaning: Sweet gum tree
Origin: Native American
Alawa
Meaning: Pea
Origin: Algonquin
Aleshanee
Meaning: She plays all the time
Origin: Coo
Alsoomse
Meaning: Independent
Origin: Algonquin
Amitola
Meaning: Rainbow
Origin: Native American
Angeni
Meaning: Spirit
Origin: Native American
Bena
Meaning: Pheasant
Origin: Native American
Bly
Meaning: Tall
Origin: Native American
Catori
Meaning: Spirit
Origin: Hopi
Chenoa
Meaning: Dove
Origin: Native American
Chepi
Meaning: Fairy
Origin: Algonquin
Chilam
Meaning: Snowbird
Origin: Native American
Chimalis
Meaning: Bluebird
Origin: Native American
Chitsa
Meaning: Fair
Origin: Native American
Cholena
Meaning: Bird
Origin: Native American
Dakota
Meaning: Friend; ally
Origin: Native American
Dena
Meaning: Valley
Origin: Native American
Dyani
Meaning: Deer
Origin: Native American
Enola
Meaning: Solitary
Origin: Native American
Elu
Meaning: Beautiful
Origin: Zuni
Etenia
Meaning: Rich
Origin: Native American
Flo
Meaning: Arrow
Origin: Native American
Gaho
Meaning: Mother
Origin: Native American
Galilahi
Meaning: Attractive
Origin: Cherokee
Halona
Meaning: Of happy fortune
Origin: Native American
Hausis
Meaning: Old woman
Origin: Algonquin
Imala
Meaning: Disaplines
Origin: Native American
Istas
Meaning: Snow
Origin: Native American
Kachina
Meaning: Spirit
Origin: Hopi
Kanti
Meaning: Sings
Origin: Algonquin
Kasa
Meaning: Dressed in furs
Origin: Hopi
Koko
Meaning: Night
Origin: Black Foot
Lenmana
Meaning: Flute girl
Origin: Hopi
Lomasi
Meaning: Pretty flower
Origin: Native American
Lulu
Meaning: Rabbit
Origin: Native American
Magena
Meaning: Moon
Origin: Native American
Mai
Meaning: Coyote
Origin: Native American
Mansi
Meaning: Plucked flower
Origin: Hopi
Nahimana
Meaning: Mystic
Origin: Sioux
Nokomis
Meaning: Daughter of the moon
Origin: Chippewa
Odina
Meaning: Mountain
Origin: Algonquin
Orenda
Meaning: Magic power
Origin: Iroquois
Tallulah
Meaning: Leaping water
Origin: Choctaw
Una
Meaning: Remember
Origin: Hopi
