500+ Fascinating Native American Dog Names to Choose From

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Last Updated on April 27, 2023

Native American history and culture have a long-lasting influence on modern America, including the popularity of using Native American names and words for naming people and pets.

With that in mind, we have tried to compile the most popular Native American dog names for you.

Alaskan Malamute in the snow
A full coated Alaskan Malamute standing on snow

Keep reading to see our suggestions and, hopefully, find the perfect name for your furry friend.

What’s a good Native American name for a dog?

Two Chihuhua dogs under the Japanese Cherry Blossom tree
Meet Popo and Pom, two adorable Chihuahuas enjoying the springtime

Dogs were our best friends even when Native Americans ruled the continent, so each tribe has its own word for dog. For example, the Cherokee word for dog is Gihli.

Native American dog names can be inspired by many other things, especially by nature whose elements played a vital spiritual role in the lives of indigenous people.

There are many Native American languages, but some are more spread than others. For example, the Cherokee people speak the Iroquoian language.

Meanwhile, the Algonquin language is spoken by many well-known tribes, such as Cree, Blackfoot, Arapaho, and Cheyenne, among others.

The interesting thing about Native American names is how they are chosen. Some even have more than one name or they change it throughout their lives.

In many instances, names are added to the birth name to acknowledge the heroic deeds of the individual.

There’s also the presence of sacred spirit names, kept in confidence and only known between the individual and the Medicine Man of the tribe, the traditional healer and a spiritual guide among Native Americans.

When choosing a moniker for your dog, you can ask others for their opinion or use your dog’s appearance and personality. You can also say the name and see if your pup likes it or not.

Famous Native American dog names

A Greenland dog with extremely long tongue
Source: @furi_the_greenlanddog / IG

While each Native American tribe has its own heroes, there are some famous Native Americans that we all know.

Naming your dog after these Native Americans would be the ultimate sign of respect.

  1. Cochise
  2. Gall
  3. Geronimo
  4. Mourning Dove/Christine Quintasket
  5. Nanye-hi/Nancy Ward
  6. Pocahontas
  7. Pontiac
  8. Sacagawea
  9. Sequoiah
  10. Sitting Bull
  11. Tecumseh
  12. Ahtahkakoop
  13. Ahuitzotl
  14. Black Hawk
  15. Crazy Horse
  16. Maria TallChief
  17. Red Cloud
  18. Squanto
  19. Will Rogers

5 famous Native American names on Instagram

You can also get inspiration from the most popular dogs of Instagram with Native American names or origins:

  1. Michi & Inola – @indiandog.dk
  2. Tara – @tarathehound
  3. Xochitl – @xochitl_with_an_x
  4. Kuma – @adventures.of.kuma
  5. Tatonka & Takoda – @tonkaandkoda

Native American dog names & meanings

Two native American Indian dog being playful
Source: @tonkaandkoda / IG

We have prepared an extensive list and included many Native American dog names.

Names for dogs inspired by Native American culture

Native American dog names don’t have to be inspired by the language of the indigenous people, but also different things from the Native American culture.

  1. Bead
  2. Feather
  3. Fringe
  4. Ghost
  5. Moccasin
  6. Mukluks (Boots)
  7. Pup
  8. Spirit
  9. Tipi
  10. Turquoise

Names for dogs inspired by Native American tribes

These Native American tribes make pretty dog names.

  1. Absentee
  2. Adai
  3. Alabama
  4. Aleut
  5. Amikwa
  6. Apache
  7. Assuti
  8. Biloxi
  9. Caddo
  10. Cahokia
  11. Callam
  12. Calusa
  13. Choctaw
  14. Clovis
  15. Cocopa
  16. Comanche
  17. Dotame
  18. Eerie
  19. Erie
  20. Eyak
  21. Fremont
  22. Hopi
  23. Huron
  24. Illini
  25. Inuit
  26. Iowa
  27. Jemez
  28. Kansas
  29. Kanza
  30. Kato
  31. Kewa
  32. Kichapoo
  33. Kickapoo
  34. Kiowa
  35. Laguna
  36. Lakota
  37. Lumbee
  38. Mahican
  39. Maya
  40. Miami
  41. Missouri
  42. Miwok
  43. Mobile
  44. Mohawk
  45. Mojave
  46. Munsee
  47. Napissa
  48. Natchez
  49. Nauset
  50. Navajo
  51. Nipmuc
  52. Oconee
  53. Ofo
  54. Ojibwe
  55. Omaha
  56. Oneida
  57. Osage
  58. Ottawa
  59. Ozette
  60. Papago
  61. Pawnee
  62. Pecos
  63. Peoria
  64. Pequot
  65. Pima
  66. Piro
  67. Pomo
  68. Ponca
  69. Pueblo
  70. Rappahannock
  71. Saluda
  72. Saulk
  73. Sawokli
  74. Seneca
  75. Serrano
  76. Sewee
  77. Shasta
  78. Shawnee
  79. Skidi
  80. Spokan
  81. Tachi
  82. Taos
  83. Tewa
  84. Tillamook
  85. Waco
  86. Wailaki
  87. Walla Walla
  88. Wichita
  89. Wyoming
  90. Yahi
  91. Yana
  92. Yazoo
  93. Zuni

Meaningful tribal names for rescued dogs:

  1. Aloha – Love, Hello, and Goodbye
  2. Arawak – Spirit
  3. Dakota – Friend
  4. Hok’ee – Abandoned
  5. Nikan – My Friend
  6. Takoda – Friend to Everyone
  7. Tiquanna – Adopted Son

Dog names from American Indian colors

A German Indian dog adorably sitting in a wooden bench
Source: @adventures.of.kuma / IG
  1. Gomda – Crow
  2. Henna – Red
  3. Hento – Blue
  4. Heove – Yellow
  5. Hinto – Blue
  6. Kilchii – Red Boy
  7. Luta – Red
  8. Mahkate – Black
  9. Meskwaa – Red
  10. Miko – Red
  11. Muraco – White Moon
  12. Seke – Black
  13. Sesi – Snow
  14. Sioux – Crow or Raven
  15. Skah – White
  16. Suki – Black
  17. Waapesk – White
  18. Waapi – White
  19. Yahto – Blue

Native American dog names inspired by nature

The vast majority of Native American dog names come from nature since the indigenous people were perfectly in tune with their surroundings.

  1. Ahawi – Deer
  2. Ama – Water
  3. Amadahy – Forest Water
  4. Atsila – Fire
  5. Bidaban – Beginning of Dawn
  6. Chirich – Trickster
  7. Dena – Valley
  8. Goga – Summer
  9. Kai – Willow Tree
  10. Kiona – Brown Mountain
  11. Maka – Earth
  12. Misu – Rippling Brook
  13. Onawa – Nocturnal
  14. Pavita – Clear Water
  15. Peta – Golden Eagle
  16. Soma – Sun
  17. Tallulah – Leaping Water

Native American animal names

  1. Ahmik
  2. Aponi
  3. Askook
  4. Awanata
  5. Awantia
  6. Bena
  7. Chapa
  8. Chenoa
  9. Cholena
  10. Dyami
  11. Fala
  12. Honan
  13. Kangee
  14. Kele
  15. Kinta
  16. Kuruk
  17. Lulu
  18. Makwa
  19. Pakwa
  20. Pazi
  21. Pules
  22. Salali
  23. Sasa
  24. Toucho

Native American words meaning wolf, coyote and fox:

  1. Aho
  2. Amarok/Amarog
  3. Apisi
  4. Beya ish
  5. Cu la al ke
  6. Hemene
  7. Honi
  8. Honiahaka
  9. Inola
  10. Kiyaya
  11. Kooy
  12. Kyiyu
  13. Lelou
  14. Lokwa
  15. Maheegan
  16. Mahigan
  17. Maikoh
  18. Maiyun
  19. Mingan
  20. Okhmhaka
  21. Shunkaha
  22. Sinapu
  23. Sinopa
  24. Tala
  25. Tattuye
  26. Teekon
  27. Tikaani
  28. Tivaci
  29. Tokala
  30. Tokula
  31. Tsu lal gi
  32. Tëme
  33. Tëmetët
  34. Waya
  35. òkwës

Native American spirit dog names

a German Indian dog walking in a forest with wet fur
Source: @adventures.of.kuma / IG

Spirit names in the culture of Native Americans are commonly inspired by things and elements from nature, like animals, plants, and natural phenomenons. Let’s check them out:

Native American spirit dog names from nature

  • Abedabun – Sight of Day
  • Abetzi – Yellow Leaf
  • Adsila – Blossom
  • Aiyana – Eternal Blossom
  • Amitola – Rainbow
  • Anevay – Superior
  • Chumani – Dewdrops
  • Flo – Arrow
  • Kanti – Sings
  • Kewanee – Prairie Hen
  • Koko – Night
  • Leotie – Flower of the Prairie
  • Mika – Intelligent Racoon
  • Noya – Sand
  • Suleta – To Fly Around
  • Sunki – To Catch Up With
  • Taipa – Flying Quail
  • Taima – Thunder
  • Tiva – Dance
  • Waneta – Charge
  • Washta – Good

Animal spirit dog names from indigenous languages

  • Abeytu – Green Leaf
  • Aditsan – Listener
  • Chlumani – Dew
  • Kasa – Dressed in Furs
  • Kekoa – The Courageous
  • Keme – She Knows
  • Koa – Brave
  • Meda – Prophetess
  • Tepkunset – Moon
  • Wyanet – Beautiful
  • Zonata – Trusted

Indigenous spirit animal names

  • Enyeto – Walks as a Boar
  • Etu – Sun
  • Halyn – Unique
  • Mansi – Plucked Flowers
  • Mochni – Talking Bird
  • Mukki – Child
  • Nuttah – My Heart
  • Ogin – Wild Rose
  • Rozene – Rose
  • Sequoyah – Sparrow
  • Sihu – Flower

More meaningful spirit dog names

  1. Alo
  2. Ayita
  3. Catahecassa
  4. Elan
  5. Ohanko
  6. Raini
  7. Tula
  8. Wahkhan
  9. Weeko

Indian words that make great dog names

a Xoloitzcuintli, a hairless dog on a hike
Source: @xolos_del_nahual / IG

Some Native American or Indian words simply sound awesome. We have selected our favorites to be used for dog names:

  1. Akando
  2. Aviaja
  3. Ayita
  4. Chatan
  5. Cha’tima
  6. Count Coup
  7. Hateya
  8. Helki 
  9. Hiawatha
  10. Huyana
  11. Iracema
  12. Ixchel
  13. Kateri
  14. Kemosabe
  15. Luyu
  16. Meli
  17. Migina
  18. Motega
  19. Na’estse
  20. Nese
  21. Niaran
  22. Nikiti
  23. Nistu
  24. Niwot
  25. Pati
  26. Piapot
  27. Powwow
  28. Sike
  29. Tahki
  30. Tepee
  31. Tlalli
  32. Tooan Tuh
  33. Totem
  34. Wapasha
  35. Winnie
  36. Yunuen
  37. Zihna

Strong Native American dog names

If your pooch is strong and powerful, then it is a good idea to choose a strong Native American name for him:

  1. Ahonu – He Who Laughs
  2. Akikta – Determined
  3. Animosh – Dog
  4. Axe – Father of Peace
  5. Cailan – Warrior for Life
  6. Cheveyo – Spirit Warrior
  7. Denali – Great One
  8. Doli – Bluebird
  9. Enapay – Strong and Powerful
  10. Eyota – Great
  11. Hanska – Tall
  12. Herrick – Leader of an Army
  13. Honaw – Bear
  14. Honovi – Powerful Deer
  15. Kitchi – Brave
  16. Kohana – Swift
  17. Maska – Strong and Brave
  18. Miwak – Growl of a Bear
  19. Nina – Strong
  20. Nokosi – Bear
  21. Pallaton – Warrior
  22. Wakanda – Possesses Magic
  23. Yansa – Buffalo

Dog names inspired by strong Native American names meaning chief or boss

  1. Akiak
  2. Alii
  3. Annawan
  4. Bidziil
  5. Dasan
  6. Desna
  7. Hiamovi
  8. Kahuna
  9. Micco
  10. Tyee
  11. Winema
  12. Winema
  13. Yuma

Strong Indian names that celebrate great deeds:

  1. Adoette
  2. Bly
  3. Holata
  4. Ituha
  5. Liwanu
  6. Machk
  7. Mato
  8. Songaa
  9. Tasunke
  10. Wyome

Cute Native American dog names

a Chihuahua puppy looking curiously while standing

Some dogs are so adorable that the only name that would fit is a cute name. Choose one from our list if you are looking for cute Native American names.

  1. Achak
  2. Adahy
  3. Akecheta
  4. Alawa
  5. Anna
  6. Aponi
  7. Atepa
  8. Awendela
  9. Chilam
  10. Elsu
  11. Enesta
  12. Gad
  13. Hassun
  14. Hokaratcha
  15. Hotha
  16. Hurit
  17. Huslu
  18. Imala
  19. Iye
  20. Japa
  21. Jolon
  22. Kaya
  23. Kineks
  24. Kinta
  25. Liseli
  26. Lonato
  27. Lusio
  28. Lye
  29. Migina
  30. Miki
  31. Mitexi
  32. Mona
  33. Mongwau
  34. Naira
  35. Nakos
  36. Nayavu
  37. Neewa
  38. Nova
  39. Onida
  40. Pezi
  41. Pinon
  42. Quanah
  43. Sahale
  44. Sawni
  45. Shikoba
  46. Tanis
  47. Tatanka
  48. Una
  49. Winona

Best male and female Native American dog names

two Alaskan Malamutes ready to sled
Source: @malamute.planet / IG

Whether you have a boy or a girl dog, we’ve got you covered with some of the best male and female Native American dog names:

Native American names for female dogs

  1. Abey
  2. Almika
  3. Atotoztli
  4. Awendea
  5. Ayasha
  6. Cocheta
  7. Itzel
  8. Magena
  9. Mansi
  10. Muna
  11. Nuna
  12. Odina
  13. Onawa
  14. Orenda
  15. Poloma
  16. Quanah
  17. Shadi
  18. Shima
  19. Sitala
  20. Tablita
  21. Takala
  22. Utah
  23. Waneta

Indigenous names for large and powerful female dogs

  1. Anpaytoo
  2. Atim
  3. Etenia
  4. Hiawassee
  5. Ihkweea
  6. Iskwew
  7. Maji
  8. Mawkwa
  9. Menewa
  10. Nita
  11. Paytah
  12. Tama
  13. Tiponi
  14. Wuti

Native American Indian names for small girl dogs

  1. Aqene
  2. Kimi 
  3. Meli
  4. Papina
  5. Sitsi
  6. Tehya
  7. Weeko
  8. Yazhi
  9. Yoki

Female Native American spirit dog names

  1. Arizona
  2. Aylen 
  3. Catori
  4. Chepi
  5. Enemene
  6. Enola
  7. Halona
  8. Kachina
  9. Kaliska
  10. Kimama
  11. Kwanita
  12. Macha
  13. Naira
  14. Nayeli
  15. Nizhoni
  16. Pipaluk
  17. Sayen
  18. Tadita

Native American names for male dogs

  1. Abooksigun
  2. Abukcheech
  3. Ahiga
  4. Ahote
  5. Ahunu
  6. Allohak
  7. Anoki
  8. Antiman
  9. Antinanco
  10. Apiatan
  11. Aponivi
  12. Aranck
  13. Asahavey
  14. Askuwheteau
  15. Ata’halne
  16. Aucaman
  17. Avonaco
  18. Awan
  19. Ayawamat
  20. Bilagaana
  21. Bodaway
  22. Caiya
  23. Chansomps
  24. ChasChunka
  25. Chaska
  26. Chochmo
  27. Chocho Kpi
  28. Chochuschuvio
  29. Chogan
  30. Choovio
  31. Chovi Hoya
  32. Chowilawu
  33. Chua
  34. Chuchip
  35. Chunta
  36. Chusi
  37. Ciqala
  38. Cowessess
  39. Delsin
  40. Demonthin
  41. Doba
  42. Eluwilussit
  43. Enkoodabaoo
  44. Etchemin
  45. Feo
  46. Gaagii
  47. Hakan
  48. Halian
  49. Hastiin
  50. Helaku
  51. Helushka
  52. Hevataneo
  53. Honanir
  54. Hototo
  55. Igasho
  56. Isi
  57. Istu
  58. Jacy
  59. Kachada
  60. Kawacatoose
  61. Kesteloo
  62. Laneetees
  63. Len
  64. Lise 
  65. Mahpee
  66. Matunaaga
  67. Matwau
  68. Minninnewah
  69. Mosi
  70. Muraco
  71. Nahele
  72. Neka
  73. Niichaad
  74. Niyol
  75. Nodin
  76. Nosh
  77. Odakota
  78. Ohanzee
  79. Otaktay
  80. Ouray
  81. Pachu’a
  82. Paco
  83. Pahana
  84. Patwin
  85. Pegalesharro
  86. Piapot
  87. Pivane
  88. Powa
  89. Qaletaqa
  90. Rowtag
  91. Sakima
  92. Sani
  93. Shilah
  94. Shiye
  95. Sike
  96. Tansy
  97. Taregan
  98. Togquos
  99. Tohopka
  100. Tse
  101. Vipponah
  102. Wakiza
  103. Wambleeska
  104. Yanisin
  105. Yas
  106. Yiska

What Native American name should I give my dog?

a groomed Greenland dog
Source: @greenlanddogpack / IG

Choosing the right Native American name for your dog can take some time, but the important thing is that there are many choices.

We have tried to be as comprehensive as possible, but we know that we’ve missed out on some great Native American names.

If you have more names to add to our list, let us know in our comment section.

Further reading: Dog names by different countries and languages

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