Native American (Siouan, Dakota-lakota) names belong to the Native American (Siouan, Dakota-lakota) language tradition. This collection contains 41 Native American (Siouan, Dakota-lakota) names with their meanings, cultural backgrounds, and pronunciation guides. You'll find 3 names traditionally given to boys and 31 names for girls, reflecting naming patterns from regions where Native American (Siouan, Dakota-lakota) is spoken. These names carry the linguistic heritage and cultural values of Native American (Siouan, Dakota-lakota)-speaking communities. Common themes include life, leader, new, showing what Native American (Siouan, Dakota-lakota) cultures have valued across generations.
Wyn is a short form of Wynona, Wynonna, and Wynter. The name is of Native American (Siouan, Dakota-Lakota) and the Germanic origin and comes from the following roots: (WINÚŊNA) and (*WENTRUZ > WINTER).
Wynn is a short form of Wynona, Wynonna, and Wynter. The name is of Native American (Siouan, Dakota-Lakota) and the Germanic origin and comes from the following roots: (WINÚŊNA) and (*WENTRUZ > WINTER).
This name means “little Shahi, little Cree.” The name comes into English in the form “Chaiena,” a direct rendering of Siouan Dakota (dialect) Šahíyena (1890), corresponding to Lakota (dialect) Šahíyela. It is the usual diminutive of Šahíya, the name of the Cree. So the Cheyenne is called the “little cree” (by the Sioux). The Cree are one of the largest groups of first nations / Native Americans in North America, with over 200,000 members living in Canada. In the United States, this Algonquian-speaking people historically lived from superior lake westward. Today, they live mostly in Montana, where they share a reservation with the Ojibwe (Chippewa).
This name and its variants are descended from an indigenous Native American tribe. The name is translated as “friend, friendly, allies” in the Yankton-Yanktonai and Santee dialects of the Lakota Sioux language. Dakota is in use for both girls and boys. It was the 203rd most popular name for American boys in 2007, having ranked in the top 100 most popular names from 1995 to 2000.
This name derives from the Native American (Siouan, Dakota-Lakota) “chaska”, meaning “first-born son”.
This name means “little Shahi, little Cree.” The name comes into English in the form “Chaiena,” a direct rendering of Siouan Dakota (dialect) Šahíyena (1890), corresponding to Lakota (dialect) Šahíyela. It is the usual diminutive of Šahíya, the name of the Cree. So the Cheyenne is called the “little cree” (by the Sioux). The Cree are one of the largest groups of first nations / Native Americans in North America, with over 200,000 members living in Canada. In the United States, this Algonquian-speaking people historically lived from superior lake westward. Today, they live mostly in Montana, where they share a reservation with the Ojibwe (Chippewa).
This name means “little Shahi, little Cree.” The name comes into English in the form “Chaiena,” a direct rendering of Siouan Dakota (dialect) Šahíyena (1890), corresponding to Lakota (dialect) Šahíyela. It is the usual diminutive of Šahíya, the name of the Cree. So the Cheyenne is called the “little cree” (by the Sioux). The Cree are one of the largest groups of first nations / Native Americans in North America, with over 200,000 members living in Canada. In the United States, this Algonquian-speaking people historically lived from superior lake westward. Today, they live mostly in Montana, where they share a reservation with the Ojibwe (Chippewa).
This name means “little Shahi, little Cree.” The name comes into English in the form “Chaiena,” a direct rendering of Siouan Dakota (dialect) Šahíyena (1890), corresponding to Lakota (dialect) Šahíyela. It is the usual diminutive of Šahíya, the name of the Cree. So the Cheyenne is called the “little cree” (by the Sioux). The Cree are one of the largest groups of first nations / Native Americans in North America, with over 200,000 members living in Canada. In the United States, this Algonquian-speaking people historically lived from superior lake westward. Today, they live mostly in Montana, where they share a reservation with the Ojibwe (Chippewa).
This name means “little Shahi, little Cree.” The name comes into English in the form “Chaiena,” a direct rendering of Siouan Dakota (dialect) Šahíyena (1890), corresponding to Lakota (dialect) Šahíyela. It is the usual diminutive of Šahíya, the name of the Cree. So the Cheyenne is called the “little cree” (by the Sioux). The Cree are one of the largest groups of first nations / Native Americans in North America, with over 200,000 members living in Canada. In the United States, this Algonquian-speaking people historically lived from superior lake westward. Today, they live mostly in Montana, where they share a reservation with the Ojibwe (Chippewa).
This name means “little Shahi, little Cree.” The name comes into English in the form “Chaiena,” a direct rendering of Siouan Dakota (dialect) Šahíyena (1890), corresponding to Lakota (dialect) Šahíyela. It is the usual diminutive of Šahíya, the name of the Cree. So the Cheyenne is called the “little cree” (by the Sioux). The Cree are one of the largest groups of first nations / Native Americans in North America, with over 200,000 members living in Canada. In the United States, this Algonquian-speaking people historically lived from superior lake westward. Today, they live mostly in Montana, where they share a reservation with the Ojibwe (Chippewa).
This name derives from the Native American (Siouan, Dakota-Lakota) “chaska”, meaning “first-born son”.
This name and its variants are descended from an indigenous Native American tribe. The name is translated as “friend, friendly, allies” in the Yankton-Yanktonai and Santee dialects of the Lakota Sioux language. Dakota is in use for both girls and boys. It was the 203rd most popular name for American boys in 2007, having ranked in the top 100 most popular names from 1995 to 2000.
This name and its variants are descended from an indigenous Native American tribe. The name is translated as “friend, friendly, allies” in the Yankton-Yanktonai and Santee dialects of the Lakota Sioux language. Dakota is in use for both girls and boys. It was the 203rd most popular name for American boys in 2007, having ranked in the top 100 most popular names from 1995 to 2000.
This feminine given name is an anglicized form derived from the Native American (Siouan, Dakota-Lakota) “Winúŋna,” meaning “first-born daughter,” a term which was assigned as a name to first-born children if they were female. The name was predominantly popular in the 20s and after thanks to the American actress Winona Ryder. John Koontz suggested that the name was a compound of “wi- (female”) plus “no” (first) plus “-na” (a diminutive suffix) and thus a reflex of the Proto-Siouan numeral “*rǫ/nǫ” (one).
This feminine given name is an anglicized form derived from the Native American (Siouan, Dakota-Lakota) “Winúŋna,” meaning “first-born daughter,” a term which was assigned as a name to first-born children if they were female. The name was predominantly popular in the 20s and after thanks to the American actress Winona Ryder. John Koontz suggested that the name was a compound of “wi- (female”) plus “no” (first) plus “-na” (a diminutive suffix) and thus a reflex of the Proto-Siouan numeral “*rǫ/nǫ” (one).
This name and its variants are descended from an indigenous Native American tribe. The name is translated as “friend, friendly, allies” in the Yankton-Yanktonai and Santee dialects of the Lakota Sioux language. Dakota is in use for both girls and boys. It was the 203rd most popular name for American boys in 2007, having ranked in the top 100 most popular names from 1995 to 2000.
This feminine given name is an anglicized form derived from the Native American (Siouan, Dakota-Lakota) “Winúŋna,” meaning “first-born daughter,” a term which was assigned as a name to first-born children if they were female. The name was predominantly popular in the 20s and after thanks to the American actress Winona Ryder. John Koontz suggested that the name was a compound of “wi- (female”) plus “no” (first) plus “-na” (a diminutive suffix) and thus a reflex of the Proto-Siouan numeral “*rǫ/nǫ” (one).
This name means “little Shahi, little Cree.” The name comes into English in the form “Chaiena,” a direct rendering of Siouan Dakota (dialect) Šahíyena (1890), corresponding to Lakota (dialect) Šahíyela. It is the usual diminutive of Šahíya, the name of the Cree. So the Cheyenne is called the “little cree” (by the Sioux). The Cree are one of the largest groups of first nations / Native Americans in North America, with over 200,000 members living in Canada. In the United States, this Algonquian-speaking people historically lived from superior lake westward. Today, they live mostly in Montana, where they share a reservation with the Ojibwe (Chippewa).
This feminine given name is an anglicized form derived from the Native American (Siouan, Dakota-Lakota) “Winúŋna,” meaning “first-born daughter,” a term which was assigned as a name to first-born children if they were female. The name was predominantly popular in the 20s and after thanks to the American actress Winona Ryder. John Koontz suggested that the name was a compound of “wi- (female”) plus “no” (first) plus “-na” (a diminutive suffix) and thus a reflex of the Proto-Siouan numeral “*rǫ/nǫ” (one).
The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain. The theories include: 1) From the Native American (Siouan, Dakota-Lakota) “amitola,” meaning “of the rainbow, like a rainbow.” This name comes from a legend that says that the first colorful picture was painted on the clouds by a young Indian chief named Amitola.
This name means “little Shahi, little Cree.” The name comes into English in the form “Chaiena,” a direct rendering of Siouan Dakota (dialect) Šahíyena (1890), corresponding to Lakota (dialect) Šahíyela. It is the usual diminutive of Šahíya, the name of the Cree. So the Cheyenne is called the “little cree” (by the Sioux). The Cree are one of the largest groups of first nations / Native Americans in North America, with over 200,000 members living in Canada. In the United States, this Algonquian-speaking people historically lived from superior lake westward. Today, they live mostly in Montana, where they share a reservation with the Ojibwe (Chippewa).
This feminine given name is an anglicized form derived from the Native American (Siouan, Dakota-Lakota) “Winúŋna,” meaning “first-born daughter,” a term which was assigned as a name to first-born children if they were female. The name was predominantly popular in the 20s and after thanks to the American actress Winona Ryder. John Koontz suggested that the name was a compound of “wi- (female”) plus “no” (first) plus “-na” (a diminutive suffix) and thus a reflex of the Proto-Siouan numeral “*rǫ/nǫ” (one).
The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain. The theories include: 1) From the Native American (Siouan, Dakota-Lakota) “amitola,” meaning “of the rainbow, like a rainbow.” This name comes from a legend that says that the first colorful picture was painted on the clouds by a young Indian chief named Amitola.
This name and its variants are descended from an indigenous Native American tribe. The name is translated as “friend, friendly, allies” in the Yankton-Yanktonai and Santee dialects of the Lakota Sioux language. Dakota is in use for both girls and boys. It was the 203rd most popular name for American boys in 2007, having ranked in the top 100 most popular names from 1995 to 2000.
This name means “little Shahi, little Cree.” The name comes into English in the form “Chaiena,” a direct rendering of Siouan Dakota (dialect) Šahíyena (1890), corresponding to Lakota (dialect) Šahíyela. It is the usual diminutive of Šahíya, the name of the Cree. So the Cheyenne is called the “little cree” (by the Sioux). The Cree are one of the largest groups of first nations / Native Americans in North America, with over 200,000 members living in Canada. In the United States, this Algonquian-speaking people historically lived from superior lake westward. Today, they live mostly in Montana, where they share a reservation with the Ojibwe (Chippewa).
This name means “little Shahi, little Cree.” The name comes into English in the form “Chaiena,” a direct rendering of Siouan Dakota (dialect) Šahíyena (1890), corresponding to Lakota (dialect) Šahíyela. It is the usual diminutive of Šahíya, the name of the Cree. So the Cheyenne is called the “little cree” (by the Sioux). The Cree are one of the largest groups of first nations / Native Americans in North America, with over 200,000 members living in Canada. In the United States, this Algonquian-speaking people historically lived from superior lake westward. Today, they live mostly in Montana, where they share a reservation with the Ojibwe (Chippewa).
This name derives from the Native American (Siouan, Dakota-Lakota) “óta” (to be many, much, a lot of, plenty) plus “kté” (to kill). In turn, the name means “kills many.”
This name means “little Shahi, little Cree.” The name comes into English in the form “Chaiena,” a direct rendering of Siouan Dakota (dialect) Šahíyena (1890), corresponding to Lakota (dialect) Šahíyela. It is the usual diminutive of Šahíya, the name of the Cree. So the Cheyenne is called the “little cree” (by the Sioux). The Cree are one of the largest groups of first nations / Native Americans in North America, with over 200,000 members living in Canada. In the United States, this Algonquian-speaking people historically lived from superior lake westward. Today, they live mostly in Montana, where they share a reservation with the Ojibwe (Chippewa).
This name means “little Shahi, little Cree.” The name comes into English in the form “Chaiena,” a direct rendering of Siouan Dakota (dialect) Šahíyena (1890), corresponding to Lakota (dialect) Šahíyela. It is the usual diminutive of Šahíya, the name of the Cree. So the Cheyenne is called the “little cree” (by the Sioux). The Cree are one of the largest groups of first nations / Native Americans in North America, with over 200,000 members living in Canada. In the United States, this Algonquian-speaking people historically lived from superior lake westward. Today, they live mostly in Montana, where they share a reservation with the Ojibwe (Chippewa).
The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain. The theories include: 1) From the Native American (Siouan, Dakota-Lakota) “amitola,” meaning “of the rainbow, like a rainbow.” This name comes from a legend that says that the first colorful picture was painted on the clouds by a young Indian chief named Amitola.
The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain. The theories include: 1) From the Native American (Siouan, Dakota-Lakota) “amitola,” meaning “of the rainbow, like a rainbow.” This name comes from a legend that says that the first colorful picture was painted on the clouds by a young Indian chief named Amitola.
The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain. The theories include: 1) From the Native American (Siouan, Dakota-Lakota) “amitola,” meaning “of the rainbow, like a rainbow.” This name comes from a legend that says that the first colorful picture was painted on the clouds by a young Indian chief named Amitola.
The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain. The theories include: 1) From the Native American (Siouan, Dakota-Lakota) “amitola,” meaning “of the rainbow, like a rainbow.” This name comes from a legend that says that the first colorful picture was painted on the clouds by a young Indian chief named Amitola.
This name means “little Shahi, little Cree.” The name comes into English in the form “Chaiena,” a direct rendering of Siouan Dakota (dialect) Šahíyena (1890), corresponding to Lakota (dialect) Šahíyela. It is the usual diminutive of Šahíya, the name of the Cree. So the Cheyenne is called the “little cree” (by the Sioux). The Cree are one of the largest groups of first nations / Native Americans in North America, with over 200,000 members living in Canada. In the United States, this Algonquian-speaking people historically lived from superior lake westward. Today, they live mostly in Montana, where they share a reservation with the Ojibwe (Chippewa).
This name means “little Shahi, little Cree.” The name comes into English in the form “Chaiena,” a direct rendering of Siouan Dakota (dialect) Šahíyena (1890), corresponding to Lakota (dialect) Šahíyela. It is the usual diminutive of Šahíya, the name of the Cree. So the Cheyenne is called the “little cree” (by the Sioux). The Cree are one of the largest groups of first nations / Native Americans in North America, with over 200,000 members living in Canada. In the United States, this Algonquian-speaking people historically lived from superior lake westward. Today, they live mostly in Montana, where they share a reservation with the Ojibwe (Chippewa).
This name means “little Shahi, little Cree.” The name comes into English in the form “Chaiena,” a direct rendering of Siouan Dakota (dialect) Šahíyena (1890), corresponding to Lakota (dialect) Šahíyela. It is the usual diminutive of Šahíya, the name of the Cree. So the Cheyenne is called the “little cree” (by the Sioux). The Cree are one of the largest groups of first nations / Native Americans in North America, with over 200,000 members living in Canada. In the United States, this Algonquian-speaking people historically lived from superior lake westward. Today, they live mostly in Montana, where they share a reservation with the Ojibwe (Chippewa).
This name means “little Shahi, little Cree.” The name comes into English in the form “Chaiena,” a direct rendering of Siouan Dakota (dialect) Šahíyena (1890), corresponding to Lakota (dialect) Šahíyela. It is the usual diminutive of Šahíya, the name of the Cree. So the Cheyenne is called the “little cree” (by the Sioux). The Cree are one of the largest groups of first nations / Native Americans in North America, with over 200,000 members living in Canada. In the United States, this Algonquian-speaking people historically lived from superior lake westward. Today, they live mostly in Montana, where they share a reservation with the Ojibwe (Chippewa).
This name means “little Shahi, little Cree.” The name comes into English in the form “Chaiena,” a direct rendering of Siouan Dakota (dialect) Šahíyena (1890), corresponding to Lakota (dialect) Šahíyela. It is the usual diminutive of Šahíya, the name of the Cree. So the Cheyenne is called the “little cree” (by the Sioux). The Cree are one of the largest groups of first nations / Native Americans in North America, with over 200,000 members living in Canada. In the United States, this Algonquian-speaking people historically lived from superior lake westward. Today, they live mostly in Montana, where they share a reservation with the Ojibwe (Chippewa).
The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain. The theories include: 1) From the Native American (Siouan, Dakota-Lakota) “amitola,” meaning “of the rainbow, like a rainbow.” This name comes from a legend that says that the first colorful picture was painted on the clouds by a young Indian chief named Amitola.
The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain. The theories include: 1) From the Native American (Siouan, Dakota-Lakota) “amitola,” meaning “of the rainbow, like a rainbow.” This name comes from a legend that says that the first colorful picture was painted on the clouds by a young Indian chief named Amitola.
radiant
You've reached the end of the list
Native American (Siouan, Dakota-lakota) names developed within the Native American (Siouan, Dakota-lakota) language tradition. The naming traditions from regions where Native American (Siouan, Dakota-lakota) is spoken have evolved over centuries, shaped by migration, trade, religion, and cultural exchange. Today's Native American (Siouan, Dakota-lakota) names carry this history.
Native American (Siouan, Dakota-lakota) naming traditions reflect the values and beliefs of regions where Native American (Siouan, Dakota-lakota) is spoken. Names served multiple purposes: identifying individuals, honoring ancestors, expressing hopes for a child's future, and marking religious or cultural affiliation. These functions shaped which names became popular and how they were used.
Today, Native American (Siouan, Dakota-lakota) names appear far beyond regions where Native American (Siouan, Dakota-lakota) is spoken. Immigration, global media, and cultural exchange have made many Native American (Siouan, Dakota-lakota) names familiar worldwide. Parents choose these names to honor heritage, appreciate their meanings, or simply because they like how they sound. The 41 names in this collection range from ancient choices still popular today to names that have fallen out of use but retain historical interest.
Native American (Siouan, Dakota-lakota) naming traditions have developed their own patterns and preferences. Names may honor family members, reflect religious beliefs, describe hoped-for qualities, or commemorate significant events. These patterns explain which names stayed popular.
These traditional patterns still matter, but modern parents also mix things up. Some combine traditional and contemporary elements, pick names from other cultures, or create unique variations of classic names.
This collection breaks down to 7% masculine names (3) and 76% feminine names (31). About 17% (7) work as gender-neutral or unisex options.
Native American (Siouan, Dakota-lakota) names follow the phonetic rules of their language of origin. English speakers may need to adjust their pronunciation for sounds that don't exist in English. Each name page includes a pronunciation guide to help.
When in doubt about pronunciation, listening to native speakers helps more than reading transliterations. Each name page has a pronunciation guide. If you're considering a Native American (Siouan, Dakota-lakota) name for your child, say it out loud and think about how others in your community will pronounce it.
The 41 Native American (Siouan, Dakota-lakota) names in this collection offer choices ranging from familiar options to rare discoveries. Each carries cultural meaning from regions where Native American (Siouan, Dakota-lakota) is spoken.
Native American (Siouan, Dakota-lakota) names for girls outnumber those for boys in our collection. Many cultures have developed distinct naming traditions for each gender.
Current naming trends show renewed interest in heritage names, with parents seeking meaningful connections to cultural roots. Some Native American (Siouan, Dakota-lakota) names have crossed over to mainstream use, while others remain specific to Native American (Siouan, Dakota-lakota)-speaking communities.
Popular Native American (Siouan, Dakota-lakota) names for boys include Wyn, Wynn, Chey, Dakoda, Chaske. Our database contains 3 Native American (Siouan, Dakota-lakota) names traditionally given to boys, ranging from classic choices to unique options.
Our collection includes 31 Native American (Siouan, Dakota-lakota) names for girls. Popular choices blend traditional sounds with meaningful origins. Use the feminine tab to explore options organized by popularity.
Native American (Siouan, Dakota-lakota) names carry meanings from the Native American (Siouan, Dakota-lakota) language tradition. Common themes in Native American (Siouan, Dakota-lakota) names include life, leader, new, light. Each name in our database includes its specific meaning and cultural context.
Native American (Siouan, Dakota-lakota) names follow the phonetic rules of their language. Each name page includes a pronunciation guide. When uncertain, listening to native speakers provides the most accurate reference.
This database contains 41 Native American (Siouan, Dakota-lakota) names: 3 for boys and 31 for girls. This represents documented names that have been used historically or are in current use. The actual number of Native American (Siouan, Dakota-lakota) names ever used is certainly higher.
Spelling difficulty depends on the specific name and your familiarity with Native American (Siouan, Dakota-lakota) phonetics. Some Native American (Siouan, Dakota-lakota) names have been adapted to English spelling conventions, making them straightforward. Others retain original spellings that may be unfamiliar. Consider how important easy spelling is to you when choosing a name.