Naming your baby is like giving them their very first gift—a name they’ll carry with pride for life. If you’re searching for a name that is both meaningful and beautifully unique, Native American baby girl names might just be your perfect match. Rooted in nature, spirituality, and tribal heritage, these names often tell stories of the earth, animals, and human resilience. Whether you’re drawn to the melodic sounds or the deep connections to history and nature, popular Native American girl names offer a treasure trove of inspiration.
Top 100 Popular Native American Girl Names and Their Meanings
- Aiyana – Eternal blossom
- Alawa – Pea
- Aponi – Butterfly
- Ayita – First to dance
- Catori – Spirit
- Chenoa – Dove
- Dakota – Friend, ally
- Doba – No war
- Elu – Beautiful
- Enola – Solitary
- Fala – Crow
- Halona – Fortunate
- Honiahaka – Little wolf
- Istas – Snow
- Kachina – Spirit
- Kai – Willow tree
- Kanti – Sings
- Kaya – Elder sister
- Kimama – Butterfly
- Kiona – Brown hills
- Liluye – Singing hawk
- Lozen – One who has stolen horses
- Maka – Earth
- Meli – Bitter
- Mika – Raccoon
- Mingan – Gray wolf
- Mitena – Coming moon
- Nadie – Wise
- Nahimana – Mystic
- Nayeli – I love you
- Nina – Strong
- Nova – Chases butterflies
- Nokomis – Grandmother
- Odina – Mountain
- Oma – Gift giver
- Onawa – Wide awake
- Orenda – Magic power
- Pavati – Clear water
- Peta – Golden eagle
- Poloma – Bow
- Quannah – Fragrant
- Rayen – Flower
- Salali – Squirrel
- Sakari – Sweet
- Sihu – Flower
- Sina – Blessed
- Sitara – Morning star
- Sitala – Of good memory
- Tacincala – Fawn
- Tallulah – Leaping water
- Tanis – Daughter
- Tayen – New moon
- Tiva – Dance
- Toya – Water
- Una – Remember
- Wakanda – Possesses magic
- Waya – Wolf
- Winona – Firstborn daughter
- Woya – Dove
- Yansa – Buffalo
- Yoki – Rain
- Zaltana – High mountain
- Zuni – Beauty
- Aleshanee – She plays all the time
- Chumani – Dewdrops
- Ahuli – Drum
- Huyana – Falling rain
- Tadewi – Wind
- Lenmana – Flute girl
- Yazhi – Little one
- Tashina – Shawl
- Niabi – Fawn
- Misu – Rippling brook
- Wikasa – Wise woman
- Iskwew – Woman
- Ahyoka – She brought happiness
- Awee – Baby
- Chapa – Beaver
- Hania – Spirit warrior
- Nokase – Star dancer
- Wapun – Dawn
- Yuma – Son of chief
- Awanata – Turtle
- Chogan – Blackbird
- Kohana – Swift
- Kasa – Dressed in furs
- Tocho – Mountain lion
- Shilah – Brother
- Taini – Returning moon
- Pahana – Lost white brother
- Sinti – Tail
- Takoda – Friend to everyone
- Wikimak – Sister
- Chilali – Snowbird
- Tokala – Fox
- Wikosa – Little bear
- Talise – Lovely water
- Namid – Star dancer
- Washta – Good
- Wachiwi – Dancing girl
Researching Native American Girl Names
Research into the usage and popularity of Native American girl names reveals that while some names have gained mainstream recognition, comprehensive statistical data is limited.
Popularity Trends
Certain Native American names have achieved popularity beyond their original cultures. For instance, Dakota and Cheyenne have been used for girls in the United States. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), Dakota reached its peak popularity for girls in 2006, ranking at 190th, while Cheyenne was a Top 100 name for girls in the 1990s.
Cultural Significance
It’s important to recognize that many Native American names carry deep cultural, spiritual, and historical meanings. The use of these names outside their original context should be approached with respect and understanding. Some names are gender-neutral and may be bestowed upon Two-Spirit individuals—Native Americans who embody both masculine and feminine qualities and hold unique roles within their communities.
Challenges in Data Collection
Collecting precise data on the usage of Native American names presents challenges due to the diversity of tribes and languages, as well as the integration of these names into broader naming practices. While some names have been adopted widely, others remain unique to specific communities, making comprehensive statistical analysis difficult.
In summary, while certain Native American girl names have gained popularity in broader contexts, detailed statistical data on their usage is limited. When considering such names, it’s essential to honor their cultural origins and significance.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of popular Native American girl names lies in their deep connection to nature, community, and heritage. Choosing Native American baby girl names means giving your child a name that echoes with history, strength, and the wonders of the natural world. Whether your heart is set on a name like Aiyana, meaning “eternal blossom,” or Tallulah, meaning “leaping water,” your little one will carry a story as unique as she is. Happy naming—may your journey be as joyful as the name you choose!
Fiona Bailey is a mom of three, a certified Child Development expert, and a pro at juggling sippy cups and sticky fingers. After her first child, Casey traded the office for the living room, embracing the stay-at-home mom life with open arms (and lots of baby wipes). With a degree in Child Development, she combines her academic knowledge with hands-on experience, delivering relatable, insightful, and often hilarious content for parents who are just trying to keep it together — one snack break at a time.
