Barbara Fitzgerald is an AKC Breeder of Merit and author of the column "Conversations with Champions" for the BCSA magazine, Borderlines.

Native American Nature Spirit Name Inspiration

Native American words and names evoke mighty images of courage, strength and the forces of nature. Nature spirit names from myth and legend, lend powerful nuances to the call names of dogs. From lap dogs to noble guard dogs, these 99 meaningful, indigenous words make eloquent and unique names for any dog breed, large or small.

For strong male dogs, consider names that conjure images from the animal kingdom of the Wild West. Bears, buffalo, foxes and wolves were revered in Native American cultures; use of these lyrical names can bestow health and long life on their namesakes.

Here are the best meaningful call names, canvased from native languages from around North America, including Hawaii and Alaska. Feel free to add your own favorite name suggestions in the comments section.

Animal Spirit Dog Names from Indigenous Languages

Native American Words Meaning Wolf, Coyote and Fox

Strong Native America Names Meaning Chief or Boss

Indigenous Spirit Animal Names

Dog Names From American Indian Colors

Meaningful Tribal Names for Rescued Dogs

Spirit Names From Nature

Strong Indian Names That Celebrate Great Deeds

The Algonquin Language

Originally one of the most populous and widespread Native American groups, the Algonquins ranged over much of the Northeast and throughout Canada and the Great Lakes region.

Today, several hundred thousand Americans identify themselves with the Algonquin tribes, which include the Miami, Sauk, Lenape (aka Delaware), Cree, Ottawa, Potawatomi, Mahican, Arapaho, Blackfoot, and Cheyenne, among many others.

The Algonquin language unifies the many tribes with variations from region to region.

5 Famous Native Americans

Cochise

Translated from Apache, Cochise means "Strength of an Oak." An Apache leader and fighter against expansion by both the Mexicans and the Americans, he is second only to Geronimo as an Apache war leader.

Hollywood and television have had an ongoing fascination with Cochise and his only white friend, Tom Jeffords, in films such as Broken Arrow and Fort Apache.

Geronimo

Translated from his native Apache tongue, Geronimo means "One Who Yawns." His mother, wife, and children were killed by Mexican troops in 1858, and he sought revenge over the next 25 years, fighting against both American and Mexican settlers and troops in his territory.

Feared and highly respected in the art of war, Geronimo was eventually forced to settle on a reservation himself. He died in 1909 and was considered a prisoner of war.

Chief Crazy Horse

One of the best-known Native American warriors, Chief Crazy Horse also had visions that brought him strength and courage in battle. He was named "Ogle Tonka Un" or "shirt wearer" by the Lakota, meaning "war leader."

His battle with General George Crook, the Battle of the Rosehead, while not significant in loss of life, managed to delay the US Army from joining General Custer's troops at Little Big Horn, thus ensuring Custer's defeat.

Tecumseh

The iconic hero of the Shawnee, Tecumseh dreamed of an independent Native American nation located in present-day Indiana. He recruited other tribes to join them, and in the War of 1812 they aligned themselves with the British. Together with the British, they defeated Ft. Detroit. However, in 1813, Tecumseh was killed in battle and his league of tribes disintegrated with his death.

William Tecumseh Sherman was named for the great Shawnee chief, and was known to his close friends and family simply as "Cump."

Pontiac

An Ottowa leader, Pontiac lead a rebellion against the British government in 1763, known now as Pontiac's Rebellion. Pontiac, Michigan and the automobile company are named for him.

The Cherokee People

The Cherokee are identified with the Southeast of the United States. They speak an Iroquoian language, suggesting that they migrated from the Northeastern part of the continent. Today over 800,000 people identify themselves as having Cherokee blood in their heritage.

Considered one of the Five Civilized Tribes, the Cherokee were eventually the first Native Americans to gain US citizenship. Many of the Cherokee who did not wish to assimilate were relocated to the Oklahoma territories following the passage of the Indian Removal Act of 1830. The relocation was known as the Trails of Tears, as many died of starvation and exhaustion during the march.

Famous Cherokee descendents include Will Rogers, Tom Mix, Cher, Walter Brennan, Johnny Depp, and James Earl Jones.

Pledge of Allegiance in Tewa, Navajo, Zuni, Choctaw, and Blackfeet Languages

More Unique and Meaningful Name Ideas for Dogs

• 55 Meaningful, Mystical and Spiritual Names for Dogs
  Seeking a spiritual or mystical name for your dog? Then look no further! These meaningful names from world religions make unique, cool names for both male and female dogs.
• 80+ Meaningful Native American Names for Female Dogs
  The Native American languages offer a wide variety of meaningful names for our canine companions. These lyrical names are ideal for for all sizes, breeds, and colors of dogs.
• 70 Cosmic Names for Dogs From the Heavens and Science
  Here are some otherworldly dog name ideas from the stellar bodies of our solar system and universe. Many unique cosmic names are based on Greek and Roman gods, heroes, and heroines.
• 20 Mythical Irish and Scottish Names for Male Dogs
  Looking for an unusual name for your new male dog? Celtic history and legend provide a rich pantheon of untapped dog names.

Comments

Dr. Dan Way Harper on August 13, 2020:

Help!

"Little Bear" in a Native American language. I am in So. Oregon.

Thanks.

Nancy on April 03, 2019:

I have an Australian Shepherd - English Shepherd cross that has the color and markings of an Appaloosa horse along with the blue eyes. Right now his name is Bear, which doesn't really fit him. I would like either an name for Appaloosa or bear.

Angelina on January 03, 2019:

I have a pit bull who’s a rescue. He started out terrified of every living thing. But now he is confident. So i wanted to name him confident but in Algonquin.

Natalya on November 01, 2018:

I am getting a black and white dog soon and I have been looking for a name that means either that or many colors.. anybody jelp me out?

Kelly on September 19, 2018:

Hello need help findkng a name dor my new black male chow chow

Carole Bugg on July 13, 2018:

My mini schnauzer puppy needs a First Nations name, please. Preferably Yakama Nation. Any suggestions?

Barbara Fitzgerald (author) from Georgia on February 28, 2018:

Desna or Micco mean chief or boss, which might be nice for the high drive puppy. Dakota or Nikan mean friend, which could be nice for the lower drive puppy's name.

Jerry Wanko on February 27, 2018:

I have 2 puppy boys, both Dachshunds

One is tan and white

The second one is Black and Tan. This one is high energy, spunky and real playful. Need suggestions on naming them

Makwa on February 16, 2018:

À Tribe

apricot kiss on February 14, 2018:

I have a little fawn pug. He is 9 weeks old and I have not named him yet. I would like a strong name for him. He is a singleton pup and very independent. I want him to grow up to follow his name.

solaras on February 13, 2018:

Here is the Blackfoot word for warrior: áwaawahkao’tsii . Oniiniiwat is another variation on the translation from warrior. I hope that helps!

solaras on February 13, 2018:

Here is the Blackfoot word for warrior: áwaawahkao’tsii . Oniiniiwat is another variation on the translation from warrior. I hope that helps!

David on February 12, 2018:

What is the black foot word for protector and warrior?

Debbie on November 25, 2017:

I just got a beautiful make Yorkie. I'm looking for a Native American name meaning strength and friendship. He's the runt, always my favorite, and should top out at 4-5 lbs. He will go everywhere with me. He has some chocolate coloring now, but should shed off to be blonde. I'd really appreciate your suggestions! Thanks so much!!

AngeHATFIEld on May 26, 2017:

Can anyone tell me a good name for brown husky male. only one survived. THANks

JAIADS on May 12, 2017:

THANK YOU

Sharon Smith on May 03, 2017:

Does anyone know a Native American word meaning Survivor ?

Wagon Burner on April 24, 2017:

We have a 2 wk old hairless puppy an hes white skin , an has a small patch of cotton white patch of hair on the back of his head - Id like a strong native american indian name for him ( 1st an a middle name preferred) thank you

joe on February 21, 2017:

you guys are cool 8)

Barbara Fitzgerald (author) from Georgia on February 08, 2017:

Wow Terri Jo - I'll come to NC and help you raise beef and honey bees! In keeping with the bovine them, Yansa means buffalo, Kahuna means chief held in high esteem (You might remember the big kahuna from 1950s beach movies). In keeping with Stormy's name, Yoki means rain, and Taima means thunder.

Terri Jo on February 08, 2017:

Hi. I will be bringing home a male pembroke welch corgi and am interested in a native american name for him. I found the name Tihkoosue (meaning:short). I also found below in the comments the name Takoda. I already had on my list the name Dakota. We traveled out to Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota a couple of times and we loved it. I was toying with the idea of giving him an ironic type name meaning something big (referring to his personality), instead of small or short (referring to his size). Just a quick funny, I was considering Teton, until I found it appears to refer to women's breasts. lol. Do you have any recommendations. He are a few things you might consider to help us. We have a female corgi, her name is Stormy. He will be tri-colored. We have a small farm with cabin type home in the foothills of NC, raising beef and honeybees.

Solaras on January 27, 2017:

Hi Josie:

You might want to check out the names for dogs with blue eyes for your beautiful husky puppy. Those eyes are stunning! https://pethelpful.com/dogs/Names-For-Dogs-With-Bl...

Josie on January 26, 2017:

What would you guys suggest for a black and white clover masked husky puppy? I was hoping for a good fitting name in Sioux or Cherokee but anything cute would work. He sorta looks like this. http://cdn-www.dailypuppy.com/media/dogs/anonymous...

Barbara Fitzgerald (author) from Georgia on December 30, 2016:

Hi Deb: Yes, I believe your pronunciations are correct. For friend their is Dakota and Takoda mean friend or ally, Nikan also means friend in Potawatomi. I hope that helps!

Deb on December 29, 2016:

Hi Solaras, well the test post didn't work and I still can't access the password not found page so I will post this and await moderation. Thank you so much for trying to help!

He's a young male about 18 mos old, supposed to be very friendly. He's mostly black *long coat* German Shepherd with mahogany red coloring on his legs and around his eyes, kind of raccoon'ish-like.

We are looking for a shortish 2-3 syllable *gentle* name even though he's a German Shepherd. Nothing scary sounding, nothing cute sounding. We want noble/proud/dignified sounding. Our dogs are our furry kids :)

I will give you the ideas we've been tossing around:

______________________________

He is currently in a shelter, brought in as a stray and we'll be traveling 6 hours one way to bring him home, so something involving wandering since he was a stray or long journey since he will have a long journey and we don't know how far he traveled before he was found either.

Several people have seen photos, say he's gorgeous and that he's got intelligent eyes.

He'll be a little brother to 2 sisters.

_______________________________

I found a few but not sure on the pronunciations, maybe you could let me know if I've got the pronunciations right?

Tiquanna (tee quan nah?) supposed to mean adopted son

Koda (koh dah?) supposed to mean friend

Misun (mee soon?) supposed to mean little brother

Thank you again for your help!

Deb

Barbara Fitzgerald (author) from Georgia on December 28, 2016:

Hi Deb: What kind of name were you looking for (Male/Female) Size, Attribute? And I will see what we can find for you!

Deb on December 28, 2016:

We are getting a new dog soon and I'd *love* to give him a meaningful Native American name. All the sites I've found are very limited with names. I've tried a few online translation sites which turn out to be useless and my searches have not found any human translators. Looks like Rosetta Stone can't help either (yes, I'm getting desperate). Does anyone know where I could find a good translator or someone reliable that could help me with this? Thank you! Deb

Thunder on November 19, 2016:

Geronimo does not mean he who yawns. That is English for Jerome. The Mexicans could not pronounce his real name. Facts should be checked before publishing

jj on October 25, 2016:

i love these animal names

Keepthemflying@yahoo.com on July 24, 2016:

A playful and extremely loyal white German Shepherd met us in our driveway as we pulled in last night. After spending the night on our deck facing in ad to keep watch on our Family we are praying she is a stray. Our first stop this morning is to the pet adoption set up at the gun show to scan for his microchip. This dog seems to be well cared for and eagerly let me brush him out. If we get to keep him since he chose us, naming will be next. Hubby has already began calling him "Ghost" which he answers to. I want to offer him up a unique Native American middle name or a Military K9 name. Any suggestions? He seems to be around 9 months to a year old. Blessings abound!

Barbara Fitzgerald (author) from Georgia on June 16, 2016:

For your brown dachshund, you might consider Desna, which means boss, or Nikan for friend. If you want to focus on names for dogs with blue eyes, this article may be useful https://hubpages.com/dogs/Names-For-Dogs-With-Blue... Best Wishes!

terry on June 16, 2016:

Looking for miniature dachshund male names (dapple, brown, light tan, brown nose and blue eye's) open to any and all suggestions and help please

the-boxer from Belgium on June 12, 2016:

Fantastic!! We had been looking for an appropriate name for our black puppy arriving in 6 weeks time. Thanks to your listing of many wonderful names we have chosen SUKI (meaning black).

This name sings on the tongue and we can't wait to start calling this when she comes home at the age of 9 weeks.

Kathy McGraw from California on October 19, 2015:

Gow ja

Like ouch but gou ga is how you say Lightning in Blackfoot.

Lauren Soucy on October 19, 2015:

I have a rescue named "Takoda". He lives up to his name. =)

dilynn weatherwax on June 09, 2015:

does any one know how to say lightning in blackfeet i got a new dog today and need help finding a name

Kathy McGraw from California on September 01, 2014:

Solaras,

You better believe Micco was the boss/chief of the house :)

Barbara Fitzgerald (author) from Georgia on September 01, 2014:

Hi Kathy: Thanks for dropping by. Love your Mom's pet's names; did the bird growl like a bear? lol I am sure Micco was chief around the house, after all cats have servants, and dogs have masters.

Kathy McGraw from California on September 01, 2014:

I am putting the finishing touches on a Native American kids book and found your list of names very interesting. Even more interesting is 2 of my moms pets had names from here. Her bird was named Miwok and her cat was Micco.

RockyMountainMom from Montana on August 03, 2014:

That does sound familiar, now that you mention it. But I don't remember either. Hopefully there will be good news on facebook later.

Barbara Fitzgerald (author) from Georgia on August 03, 2014:

I Hope Makwa is feeling better soon. I have the feeling that was someone's name in The Last of The Mohicans, but it's been a long time since I read it.

RockyMountainMom from Montana on August 03, 2014:

Another fascinating hub, and interesting timing. That's the second time the name Makwa has come up today. A local wolf biologist friend named his dog Makwa (he looked like a bear cub as a puppy) and though I don't know the details, Makwa is needing positive thoughts today toward pulling through some type of serious illness or injury.

Great hub, thanks for posting it.

Barbara Fitzgerald (author) from Georgia on August 02, 2014:

That's great Dogmam58! Thanks for sharing!

Dogmama58 on August 02, 2014:

Our male Rhodesian Ridgeback is named Julou's Pahayuca by Ruvanda. Pahayuca, a little sanitized means Amorous Man in Comanche.