Since first arriving in the Americas an estimated 25,000 or so years ago, Native Americans have formed sophisticated civilizations for several millennia. These peoples’ history is rich and diverse, and you can learn more about the Indigenous people on Native American Netroots.
Over the centuries, people with indigenous roots have branched out into diverse tribes with distinct cultures, languages, traditions, and beliefs. This level of diversity has obviously led to countless naming traditions in the Native American culture. Indigenous monikers are typically connected to a tribe’s spiritual beliefs, legends, and customs. Native Americans’ deep respect for the land has also led to names associated with the natural environment and its creatures. In some cases, specific visions or dreams that appeared during the time of a child’s birth would also weigh in when determining a baby’s name.
Although naming trends have evolved significantly over time, especially in recent years, picking the right name for a newborn remains important today, just as it was centuries ago. Native American girl names and Native American boy names are diverse, so there’s always a variety to choose from.
If you are an expecting parent looking for a Native American name for your baby girl or boy, here is a collection of some of the most popular names rooted in the rich culture and history of the Indigenous tribes.
1. Dakota
From Dakota Johnson and Dakota Fanning to Dak (Dakota) Prescott and Dakota Jordan, there’s a whole list of well-known figures in entertainment, sports, and other industries donning the popular moniker in America.
“Dakota” comes from the Dakota tribe of the Sioux people and stands for “ally” or “friend” (i.e., the “friendly one”) in their native language. This is one of those truly gender-neutral names that sounds unique yet familiar.
2. Cheyenne
The capital of Wyoming is a favored name for both boys and girls. It has its roots in the Lakota people (one of the three subcultures of the Sioux nation) and is linked to the word Šahíyena.
Also spelled Cheyanne and Shyanne, the moniker is believed to mean “seizing by the heel” or “supplanting”. According to The Bump, it may also mean “red speakers,” “little Shahi,” or “little Cree.”
3. Kai
This is one of the most beautiful unisex Indigenous American names that is used more often for baby boys than girls. Its Native American origin goes back to the Navajo language, which gives the meaning “willow tree”.
But the name Kai is popular among several other cultures as well and, therefore, has differing representations based on its heritage. For instance, in Japanese culture, Kai stands for “shell” or “restoration”, while the name’s Hawaiian meaning stands for “sea” or “ocean”.
4. Tallulah
Derived from the Choctaw and Creek tribes, and sometimes associated with the Cherokee people, this girl’s name translates to “leaping water” in its original form. It signifies the Indigenous communities’ deep connection to nature, both spiritually and culturally.
Hidden in the name Tallulah are vitality, strength, and resilience—characteristics anyone would want a little girl to identify with. This likely explains its popularity among parents from non-Indigenous backgrounds as well. After all, it’s a pretty unique moniker associated with traits that would resonate with any culture.
5. Winona
If you are looking for a name for your firstborn baby girl, this is something you might want to consider. It literally means “firstborn daughter” in the Dakota language (Anglicized form of Winúŋna), symbolizing the special love and respect given to the first female child in Dakota culture.
Actress Winona Ryder arguably revived the name in popular culture in recent decades. And name rankings (by Nameberry, SSA’s US Top 1000, etc.) point to this moniker rising in popularity in 2025.
6. Kenai
This charming boy’s name comes from the Dena’ina word “ken” or “kena”, meaning flat land or open space (which happens to describe the area near the Kenai River in Alaska as well). It represents expansiveness and the opportunities awaiting an individual.
In Native American communities, Kenai also stands for a black bear, denoting courage and strength. In addition, Kenai has links to the Japanese language, where it translates to vitality or being healthy.
7. Alaska
For Alaska Natives, Alaska (or alaxsxaq in the Aleut language) means “the object towards which the action of the sea is directed”. It’s also used to describe “mainland”. (According to historical records, Russian colonists were the first to use the name for the Alaska region based on the local dialect.)
Alaska is symbolic of someone or something central, significant, or iconic that others look or gravitate toward. Without a doubt, this is something special to call your baby girl or boy (yes, it is gender-neutral!).
8. Adriel
You are likely familiar with the name Adriel for its Hebrew origin, which stands for “flock of God” or “belonging to God”. But it holds meaning in Native American culture, too. In the Navajo language, it translates to “symbol of skill”, signifying competence, strength, and mastery—essential traits for anyone looking to make their mark in the world.
Whichever origin/meaning of the name you choose to go with, you have to admit, they both sound impressive for a boy’s name.
9. Kaya
Kaya is one of those alluring names that sounds both mystic and catchy at the same time. Where does it originate from?
It is linked to the Nimi’ipuu or Nez Perce people of the Northwest Plateau. For them, Kaya means “my elder sister”. This indicates someone wise and respected. (If you were a fan of the American Girl books, you would have also come across it as the shortened form of the character Kaya’aton’my of the Nimi’ipuu tribe.)
10. Chayton
Chayton closes our list of popular American Indian names. This baby boy’s name has a Sioux origin. Among the Lakota and Dakota people, it refers to the falcon or hawk (translated from čhetáŋ), symbolizing the close association Native Americans have had with their natural surroundings for thousands of years.
Chayton embodies strength, boldness, speed, and intelligence—characteristics valued among Indigenous cultures.
In Conclusion
When selecting a baby name, picking something special is a top priority for any lucky soon-to-be parent. Fortunately, there are lots of unique and memorable Indigenous monikers to choose from when you are looking for something with Native American roots. Those can be Native American warrior names or just any baby names you like — Indigenous peoples have come up with many Native American girl names and Native American boy names that they honor.
However, if you have Indigenous heritage, you might first want to seek advice from elders in your tribal community to select something that signifies your specific culture.
Of course, if you don’t have any Native American lineage, you’ll have a wider choice. But it is still important to do your own research. Remember, what you pick will represent your child’s identity for the rest of their life. So, make sure you select a name that has deep meaning but doesn’t disrespect a particular community.