By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 5 pages
of 5
American, meaning unknown
Rumors abound about Waneta, which is a Canadian place name. Some say it's an Anglicization of Juanita, while others claim it's a Native American name. Interestingly, Waneta is a common name among the…
Taino, Persian
"grassy flatlands; flame of a candle"
This zippy, outdoorsy name is a multicultural option, with its roots in Taino and Persian. On one hand, it is the source of the word and name Savannah, derived from Taino, the language of the…
Native American
"high mountain"
Has an evocative feel, unusual to the Western ear without being identified with any particular culture.
Native American, meaning unknown
This attracitve Sioux name belonged to one of Sitting Bull's many wives.
Singer Shania Twain is said to have chosen this name, pronounced as Asia, for her son to honor her father's Native-American culture.
"youthful"
A Julian derivative, via Spanish conquistadors, that could be a more unusual yet still reasonable substitute for that current favorite.
Literature
"horse lover"
A literary name created by J. R. R. Tolkien for a Lord of the Rings noblewoman of Rohan. It would make an interesting choice for literature lovers or fans of names like Elowen and Evelyn.
Native American tribal and place-name
Resonant place-name of the beautiful Southern California desert.
"sturgeon"
Fish -- or caviar -- lover's choice, though it would tend to sound like a girl's name.
Native American, Arapaho
"sage, wise"
Interesting Native-American choice that could be taken for Greek.
Native American tribal name
Pawnee, the name of a Plains tribe, seems cartoonish as a first name.
Native American, Algonquin
"powwow hill"
Powhatan is identified with the powerful chief and father of Pocahontas; not likely to be adopted by others.
Native American, Comanche
"sweet smelling, fragrant"
Name of a major figure in Indigenous history, Quanah Parker, a Comanche chief who became a judge on the Court of Indian Affairs. Quanah is derived from the Comanche word kwana , meaning "odor" or…
Native American, Cherokee
"sparrow"
A strong, meaningful name, associated with a famous Cherokee linguistic scholar; also suggests the magnificent California sequoia redwood trees.
"edge of the lake"
A unique natural-wonder option, conjuring up the beauty of the lake between California and Nevada that has become a popular tourist destination.
Native American, Sioux tribe; also western American place-name
Rare and rugged, though one of the baby names with a lot of teasing potential.
"yankee"
A fancy TV western name that didn't catch on like fellow cowboys Luke and Josh, but definitely has a certain amount of charm. It is also spelled Yancy, as in the 1950s series Yancy Derringer . It was…
"those who kill"
The evocative name of one of our most beautiful national parks -- yes, but also the bombastic cartoon character, Yosemite Sam.
Native American nature name
A slow and sultry southern choice that's definitely cool for babies of either gender. While the word feels French and has its roots in 18th century French Louisiana, it derives from the Choctaw word…
