American Boy Names

A masculine name in Choctaw culture.

The name of one of the branches of the Great Sioux Nation has a very namelike sound, but is not used as a name by the Lakota people themselves, and could be seen as appropriative.

Cherokee is the name of a Native American tribe, the largest in the United States stretching from North Carolina through Oklahoma. The meaning of the word Cherokee is uncertain: It may be Choctaw for "those who live in the mountains" or "those who live in the cave country" or it may be an Anglicization of the word the Cherokee use to refer to themselves, Tsalagi. The name was given to 19 baby girls in the U.S. in 2013 but was not recorded on the boys' roster, though we'd consider it equally appropriate for either gender.

Originally a personal name meaning "quarreler" or "wrangler," Ditiyahihi was adopted as the Cherokee title for a lawyer.

A name given among the Choctaw tribe of Mississippi and Oklahoma.

Owls are very important to the Cherokee people — folklore associates them with warfare.

A compelling Cherokee word name.

In Cherokee culture, elk symbolize strength, agility, and masculinity.

Famously borne by Atagulkalu or Attakullakulla, a Cherokee leader known to the English as Little Carpenter. The English translation reflected both his given name and slight physique.

Often written in English as Cooweescoowee — a place name in Oklahoma.

Owls are revered and feared in Cherokee culture, thought of as witches in disguise. Uguku is one of multiple owl names in the Cherokee language. It is onomatopoetic with the owl's calls.

Traditional Cherokee choice that would make a one-of-a-kind baby name today.

Diwali is best known as the Hindu festival of lights, but as a baby name, it has Cherokee origins.

The given name of Hanging Maw, the leading chief of the Overhill Cherokee during the late 18th century.

The given name of Conocotocko II, or Standing Turkey, a Cherokee chief in the 18th century. He advised the tribe to go to war against the then-colonies of South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia.

Used as a name as well as a compound in many Cherokee words, including the clan name Anitsiskwa, or "Bird Clan."

A masculine name from the Choctaw tribe of Mississippi and Oklahoma.

Related to the name Gawonisgi, also the Cherokee word for "speaker."

Traditional Choctaw male name.