Names That Mean Native

Seneca's distinguished heritage as the name of the ancient Roman philosopher-playwright who tutored Nero, and of an Iroquois tribe makes this an interesting choice for either sex.

A short, snappy name of Choctaw origin, with a charming meaning, Chito might also be used in Georgian where it means "bird", and as a Filipino and Spanish short form and pet name.

Yancy has two separate American origins — first as the Native American term for "Yankee," and second as the Americanized variation of the common Dutch surname Jansen. Jan being the Dutch form of John, Yancy could work to honor anyone in your life with a John-related name.

Also spelled Tahlako, this Choctaw name is an animal related name.

Name bestowed on Choctaw men after a hunting achievement.

As a Choctaw name, Issi is an animal inspired choice, in which the double S is pronounced with a pause between like in "dress suit."

Among the Choctaw, names were given after life achievements. Tashka would have been given to a warrior after a battle.

In Choctaw culture, new names were given after major life events. This would have been bestowed on a man following a hunting achievement.

Seneca was both a Roman philosopher-statesman and is a Native American Iroquois tribe. Occasionally used for both girls and boys, Seneca is now a Hunger Games character.

Alaska's Denali National Park is the home of the highest mountain in the US, officially renamed Denali in 2014, endowing the name with a lofty feel. Twice as many girls as boys were given the name in 2021, but the gender gap is closing.

A name from the Choctaw tribe of Mississippi and Alabama.

This obscure name found in Sinclair Lewis's 1923 novel Babbitt is a bit hipper than most other is-ending names like Janis and Doris. Some sources consider it a variation of Tanith, who is a Phoenician moon goddess and fertility figure, while others say it is a North American indigenous name from the Cree culture, meaning daughter. It may in fact have two separate derivations and meanings, but in any case is a lovely and unusual name.

The Choctaw name for their own tribe, occasionally bestowed as a given name.

Name bestowed upon Choctaw men.

A fierce nature name which could give cool short form Nash.

The Kiowa People are an Indigenous American tribe of the Great Plains. The exact derivation of their name has been lost, but most scholars agree it means "principal people." The Kiowa People have used different names for themselves over the years, including Kútjàu or Kwu-da, meaning "emerging" or "coming out rapidly," and Kom-pa-bianta, meaning "people with the large tipi flaps."

A cute, upbeat name with a covetable meaning.