Dog Tips

Native American Dog Names

Fact Checked
Key Points
  • Many Native American cultures are closely tied with nature and spirituality
  • Some good names for male dogs include Dakota, Cheveyo, Takoda
  • Some good names for females include Aiyana, Nita, Kiona
  • Some names inspired by nature include Koda, Tala, Paco, and Mosi

When it comes to naming a dog, you are going to want to make sure that you name your beloved pet after something memorable. What is more memorable than a name inspired by Native American culture? Maybe someone who just got a dog is a part of Native American culture and wants to honor their heritage. Whatever the case may be, Spot Pet Insurance is here to help you find a meaningful name for your dog inspired by Native American culture. Continue reading below to learn more. 

100 More Native American Dog Names

Name

Description

Adahy

Cherokee for “in the oak woods.”

Akiak

Inuit for “brave” or “strong.”

Aleshanee

Cheyenne for “she plays all the time.”

Ashkii

Navajo for “boy.”

Atlan

Means “ocean” in Native American languages.

Atena

A Native American name meaning “strong.”

Bina

Meaning “wise,” ideal for an intelligent dog.

Bidziil

Navajo for “he is strong.”

Chenoa

A Native American name meaning “white dove.”

Dakota

Meaning “friend” or “ally,” a name for a loyal dog.

Delsin

Meaning “son of the sun,” perfect for a bright dog.

Dineh

A term for the Navajo people.

Eluwilussit

Algonquin for “he who has a heart of gold.”

Eyak

A name for a graceful and wise dog.

Gaagii

Navajo for “raven,” a bird known for intelligence.

Gitchi

Algonquin for “great” or “brave.”

Honi

Meaning “strong” in many Native cultures.

Hokulea

Hawaiian for “star of joy,” symbolic of guiding light.

Jemez

Named after the Jemez Pueblo people.

Kachina

Refers to the spirit beings in Hopi culture.

Kaya

A Native American name meaning “wise child.”

Kitchi

Algonquin for “brave” or “great-hearted.”

Kona

A Native American name meaning “leader.”

Kuna

A name meaning “hungry” or “always eating.”

Lakota

A name that refers to the Lakota tribe.

Lulu

Inspired by the Native American term for “a precious one.”

Maka

Sioux for “earth” or “ground.”

Mato

A Native American name meaning “bear.”

Maya

Meaning “illusion,” a mystical name for an enigmatic dog.

Mika

Meaning “intelligent raccoon,” a clever name for your dog.

Mitena

Meaning “peaceful” in several Native cultures.

Nashoba

Cherokee for “wolf,” a strong and independent spirit.

Nehmi

A Navajo name meaning “dear one.”

Nikki

A friendly name meaning “victorious one.”

Nodin

A Native American name meaning “wind.”

Onacano

A name meaning “peaceful” in the Hopi language.

Pahana

Hopi for “white brother,” signifying a friend to all.

Pavati

Hopi for “clear water.”

Qaletaqa

Hopi for “guardian of the people.”

Quanah

Comanche for “fragrant.”

Raven

A sacred bird in many Native American tribes, symbolizing intelligence.

Sacheen

A name meaning “chief” or “leader.”

Sakari

Meaning “sweet” in Native American cultures.

Shikoba

Sioux for “feather,” symbolic of freedom and flight.

Tawodi

Native American for “hawk,” symbolizing speed.

Takoda

Sioux for “friend to everyone.”

Tenoch

Aztec for “leader of the people.”

Tetonka

Sioux for “big or great,” a name for a powerful dog.

Wapi

Native American for “lucky.”

Waya

Cherokee for "wolf," symbolizing strength.

Wenona

Sioux for “first-born daughter.”

Wiyaka

Sioux for “feather,” symbolic of freedom and flight.

Yiska

Navajo for “the night has passed.”

Zuni

A name derived from the Zuni people, ideal for a loyal companion.

Zahavi

Native American for “golden.”

Zahira

Meaning “bright, shining,” perfect for a lively dog.

Zuni

From the Zuni tribe, symbolic of loyalty and strength.

Zama

Meaning “peace” in Native American languages.

Wakanda

A name from the Sioux meaning “sacred.”

Waya

A Cherokee name for "wolf," symbolizing strength and loyalty.

Teshka

Navajo for "running," ideal for a fast dog.

Tano

Meaning “God’s gift” in Native American languages.

Ahyoka

Cherokee for “she brought happiness.”

Kimi

Meaning “secret” or “mystery,” great for an enigmatic dog.

Aton

A Native American name meaning “one who is wise.”

Native American naming conventions are much different than what we are used to. This gives pet owners ample opportunity to give their beloved dog a unique name. Here are some of our best names along with their meanings: 

Male Dog Names Inspired by Native Americans

Dakota

Friend or ally

Cheveyo

Spirit warrior

Takoda

Friend to all

Ahuli

Drum (Cherokee)

Honon

Bear

Kitchi

Brave or courageous

Makwa

Bear

Waya

Wolf (Cherokee)

Female Dog Names Inspired by Native Americans

Aiyana

Eternal Blossom

Nita

Bear

Kiona

Brown hills

Muna

Overflowing spring

Pavita

Clear water

Shawnee

From the Shawnee Tribe

Winona

Firstborn daughter

Yoki

Rain (Hopi)

Gender-Neutral Names Inspired by Native Americans

Mika

Intelligent raccoon

Chenoa

White dove

Ahanu

He laughs

Kaya

Elder sister

Tahoe

Edge of the lake

Tocho

Mountain lion

Kele

Sparrow (Hopi(

Native American Names Inspired by Nature

Koda

Friend (Sioux)

Tala

Tala

Paco

Paco

Mosi

Cat

Isi

Deer

Onawa

Wide awake

Sequoia

Giant redwood tree

Nokomis

Daughter of the moon

Aponis

Butterfly

Hinto

Blue

Tribal-Inspired Names and Meanings

Navajo

A people from the Southwest United States

Cherokee

A people from the Southeast United States

Lakota

A people from South Dakota

Sioux

A people from the Great Plains

Zuni

A people from the Southwest United States

Hopi

A people from the Southwest United States

Apache

A people from the Southwest United States

Why are Native American Dog Names Significant? 

Many Native American cultures are closely tied with nature and spirituality, which is why many would choose to name their pet after much of the same tenets of Native American life. Whatever you choose to name your dog, make sure to make an effort to choose the names respectfully to show respect to the culture that they originate from. 

More About Spot Pet Insurance

Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home, or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more.

Learn more about dog insurance or get a free quote!

Article author Melina Acra

With 10 years of experience as a pet parent, I aim to empower pet owners with insights into pet insurance and maintaining their pet's well-being. I aspire to be a trusted source, combining knowledge with a commitment to the welfare of our beloved pets.

Article contributor Vishal Jain
Vishal Jain
Contributor

With 15 years as a dog and cat parent, my pet articles are a mix of humor and firsthand experience - proof that the best stories often come with paws and purrs.

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