American Baby Names

Along with traditional Cherokee names, the Cherokee translated many names with European origins using their syllabary. Magi is the Cherokee interpretation of Michael.

Louisiana is a geographic spin on the Louise theme. Pretty, if a bit of a syllable overload. Short form Lou or Lulu lightens it.

In Choctaw culture, new names were given after major life events. This would have been bestowed on a man following a hunting achievement.

A pretty and wearable option with traditional Choctaw roots.

A feminine name in Choctaw culture.

Waya pays homage to the wolf — one of the most respected creatures in Native American culture.

Atohi is related to the name Adahy, both of which are derived from the Cherokee word adohi, meaning "woods."

Derived from the Choctaw elements tok, meaning "has" and abi, "killer."

One celebrity baby Pilot put this occupational choice into the pool -- together with the middle name Inspektor, something we wouldn't advise following.

This upbeat, friendly surname name has appeared on television's Battlestar Galactica a handful of cartoons, and on a literary note, a character in Herman Melville's Moby Dick. Sports fans might think of Boomer Esiason, the NFL quarterback turned color commentator. He's not the only athlete to answer to the upbeat nickname.

One of the classic hippie word names. In the 1970s, actors Barbara Hershey and David Carradine gave this name to their son...who later changed it to Tom.

Journalist Hiawatha Bray is a singular contemporary bearer of this name of a Native-American leader immortalized in a Longfellow poem.

In Cherokee, TS is pronounced like a J, which may lead to some pronunciation confusion. Nevertheless, Tsula is an appealing choice.

Buffaloes are honored in Cherokee culture, as they were notoriously difficult to hunt yet an important food source.

Cheasequah refers to the cardinal, associated with the sun in Cherokee culture.

Male name in Choctaw culture.

Ahuli's pleasant beat makes it a striking option for a son.

Perky Cherokee boy name with a great meaning. Foxes symbolize cleverness and playfulness in Cherokee culture.