99 Native American Names for Male or Female Dogs
Native American Inspiration
Native American words and names evoke powerful images of courage and the forces of nature. These 99 meaningful words make unique names for dogs, both large and small alike.
For strong male dogs, I like names that conjure images of the animal kingdom of the Wild West. Bears, buffalo, and wolves were revered in Native American cultures, and these lyrical names can bestow health and long life on their namesakes.
To come up with these name ideas, I canvased native languages from around the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska. Feel free to add your own name suggestions in the comments section.
Strong Male Dog Names
Name
| Tribe or Language
| Meaning
|
|---|---|---|
Kuruk
| Pawnee
| Bear
|
Honovi
| Hopi
| Powerful Deer
|
Animosh
| Algonquin
| Dog
|
Omitaa
| Blackfoot
| Dog
|
Makwa
| Algonquin
| Bear
|
Nokosi
| Seminole
| Bear
|
Honan
| Miwok
| Bear
|
Honaw
| Hopi
| Bear
|
Miwak
| Miwok
| Growl of a Bear
|
Keme
| Algonquin
| Thunder
|
Ahonu
| Algonquin
| He Who Laughs
|
Maska
| Strong and Brave
| |
Koa
| Hawaiian
| Strong and Brave
|
Kitchi
| Algonquin
| Brave
|
Tonka
| Dakota
| Bull
|
Yansa
| Cherokee
| Buffalo
|
Names for Wolf-Like Breeds
Name
| Tribe or Language
| Meaning
|
|---|---|---|
Hemene
| Nez Perce
| Wolf
|
Tikaani
| Inuit
| Wolf
|
Apisi
| Blackfoot
| Coyote
|
Kiyaya
| Yakima
| Howling Wolf
|
Amarog
| Inuit
| Wolf
|
Honi
| Arapaho
| Wolf
|
Honiahaka
| Cheyenne
| Little Wolf
|
Maikoh
| Navajo
| Wolf
|
Maiyun
| Cheyenne
| Wolf
|
Maheegan
| Algonquin
| Wolf
|
Waya
| Cherokee
| Wolf
|
Noble Names
Name
| Tribe or Language
| Meaning
|
|---|---|---|
Desna
| Inuit
| Boss
|
Akiak
| Inuit
| Brave
|
Micco
| Seminole
| Chief
|
Alii
| Hawaiian
| Chief
|
Kahuna
| Hawaiian
| Held in High Esteem
|
Hiamovi
| Cheyenne
| High Chief
|
Awan
| Algonquin
| Somebody
|
Yuma
| Navajo
| Son of the Chief
|
Bidziil
| Navajo
| He Who is Strong
|
Cute Names for Small Dogs
Name
| Tribe or Language
| Meaning
|
|---|---|---|
Kele
| Hopi
| Sparrow
|
Mochni
| Hopi
| Talking Bird
|
Sequoyah
| Cherokee
| Sparrow
|
Miki
| Inuit
| Little
|
Mansi
| Hopi
| Plucked Flowers
|
Mukki
| Algonquian
| Child
|
Nikan
| Potawatomi
| My Friend
|
Nuttah
| Algonquian
| My Heart
|
Ogin
| Wild Rose
| |
Pakwa
| Hopi
| Frog
|
Pules
| Algonquian
| Pigeon
|
Rozene
| Rose
| |
Salali
| Cherokee
| Squirrel
|
Sihu
| Hopi
| Flower
|
Names From Color Words
Name
| Tribe or Language
| Meaning
|
|---|---|---|
Hento
| Dakota
| Blue
|
Sioux
| Kangee
| Crow or Raven
|
Kilchii
| Navajo
| Red Boy
|
Muraco
| White Moon
| |
Skah
| Sioux
| White
|
Suki
| Algonquin
| Black
|
Sesi
| Inuit
| Snow
|
Fala
| Choctaw
| Crow
|
Gomda
| Kiowa
| Crow
|
Meaningful Names for Rescued Dogs
Name
| Tribe or Language
| Meaning
|
|---|---|---|
Tiquanna
| Inuit
| Adopted Son
|
Arawak
| Tupi
| Spirit
|
Hok'ee
| Navajo
| Abandoned
|
Dakota
| Sioux
| Friend
|
Nikan
| Potawatomi
| Friend
|
Takoda
| Sioux
| Friend to Everyone
|
Aloha
| Hawaiian
| Love, Hello, and Goodbye
|
Names From Nature
Name
| Tribe or Language
| Meaning
|
|---|---|---|
Abedabun
| Cheyenne
| Sight of Day
|
Abetzi
| Omaha
| Yellow Leaf
|
Adsila
| Cherokee
| Blossom
|
Aiyana
| Eternal Blossom
| |
Alawa
| Algonquin
| Pea
|
Ama
| Cherokee
| Water
|
Amitola
| Rainbow
| |
Aponi
| Butterfly
| |
Awanata
| Miwok
| Turtle
|
Awantia
| Fawn
| |
Chapa
| Sioux
| Beaver
|
Cholena
| Bird
| |
Chumani
| Sioux
| Dewdrops
|
Kele
| Hopi
| Sparrow
|
Kewanee
| Potawatomi
| Prairie Hen
|
Kinta
| Choctaw
| Deer
|
Koko
| Blackfoot
| Night
|
Leotie
| Flower of the Prairie
| |
Lulu
| Rabbit
| |
Mika
| Intelligent Racoon
|
Big Dog Names
Name
| Tribe or Language
| Meaning
|
|---|---|---|
Adoette
| Kiowa
| Big tree
|
Bly
| Tall
| |
Wyome
| Algonquian
| Large Plain
|
Bidzill
| He is Strong
| |
Enyeto
| Miwok
| Walks like a Bear
|
Eyota
| Great
| |
Hanska
| Sioux
| Tall
|
Hiamovi
| Cheyenne
| High Chief
|
Holata
| Seminole
| Alligator
|
Ituha
| Sturdy Oak
| |
Kai
| Willow Tree
| |
Liwanu
| Miwok
| Growling Bear
|
Machk
| Algonquian
| Bear
|
Mato
| Sioux
| Bear
|
Songaa
| Strong
| |
Tasunke
| Dakota
| Horse
|
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
Comments
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.
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.
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?
Hello need help findkng a name dor my new black male chow chow
My mini schnauzer puppy needs a First Nations name, please. Preferably Yakama Nation. Any suggestions?
- AUTHOR
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.
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
À Tribe
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.
Here is the Blackfoot word for warrior: áwaawahkao’tsii . Oniiniiwat is another variation on the translation from warrior. I hope that helps!
Here is the Blackfoot word for warrior: áwaawahkao’tsii . Oniiniiwat is another variation on the translation from warrior. I hope that helps!
What is the black foot word for protector and warrior?
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!!
Can anyone tell me a good name for brown husky male. only one survived. THANks
THANK YOU
Does anyone know a Native American word meaning Survivor ?
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
you guys are cool 8)
- AUTHOR
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.
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.
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...
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...
- AUTHOR
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!
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
- AUTHOR
Hi Deb: What kind of name were you looking for (Male/Female) Size, Attribute? And I will see what we can find for you!
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
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
i love these animal names
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!
- AUTHOR
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!
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
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.
Gow ja
Like ouch but gou ga is how you say Lightning in Blackfoot.
I have a rescue named "Takoda". He lives up to his name. =)
does any one know how to say lightning in blackfeet i got a new dog today and need help finding a name
Solaras,
You better believe Micco was the boss/chief of the house :)
- AUTHOR
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.
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.
That does sound familiar, now that you mention it. But I don't remember either. Hopefully there will be good news on facebook later.
- AUTHOR
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.
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.
- AUTHOR
That's great Dogmam58! Thanks for sharing!
Our male Rhodesian Ridgeback is named Julou's Pahayuca by Ruvanda. Pahayuca, a little sanitized means Amorous Man in Comanche.
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