Native American Last Names: A Guide to Meaning and Origin

Learning about Native American last names can provide insights into rich cultural traditions and historical significance. These names often hold deep meaning, reflecting the tribe's connection to nature, animals, and ancestral spirits. Exploring these names allows us to appreciate the diversity and resilience of Native American cultures. This guide provides a comprehensive list of Native American last names with detailed explanations of their meanings and origins.
1. **Abeyta:** Meaning "one who lives by the water," this name is of Pueblo origin.
2. **Acoma:** A name derived from the Acoma Pueblo people in New Mexico, meaning "people of the white rock."
3. **Acoya:** Meaning "bear," this name is often found among the Cherokee and Lakota tribes.
4. **Adair:** A name of Scottish origin, meaning "noble," it has been adopted by various Native American tribes.
5. **Agawa:** Meaning "the place of the rapids," this name is of Ojibwe origin.
6. **Aiken:** A name of Anglo-Saxon origin, meaning "son of the oak tree," it has been adopted by various Native American tribes.
7. **Alapaha:** Meaning "river of the pines," this name is of Muscogee origin.
8. **Alcatraz:** A name of Spanish origin, meaning "pelican," it refers to the famous island in San Francisco Bay.
9. **Allen:** A name of Old German origin, meaning "handsome," it has been adopted by various Native American tribes.
10. **Alouette:** Meaning "skylark," this name is of French origin and has been adopted by various Native American tribes.
11. **Amache:** Meaning "home of the people," this name refers to the Amache Relocation Center in Colorado.
12. **Amang** A name of Navajo origin, meaning "big" or "great."
13. **Anaconda:** Meaning "serpent" in Quechua, this name is often associated with the Amazon rainforest.
14. **Apache:** Meaning "enemy" or "warrior" in Zuni, this name refers to the Apache tribe.
15. **Apaches:** A name of Spanish origin, meaning "enemy," it refers to the Apache tribe.
16. **Arapaho:** Meaning "people of the flat land," this name refers to the Arapaho tribe.
17. **Arrowsmith:** Meaning "one who makes arrows," this name is of Anglo-Saxon origin and has been adopted by various Native American tribes.
18. **Atchison:** Meaning "son of Aethelric," this name is of Old English origin and has been adopted by various Native American tribes.
19. **Atahualpa:** Meaning "splendid morning" or "radiant dawn," this name refers to the last Inca emperor.
20. **Attaka:** Meaning "blackbird," this name is of Iroquois origin.
21. **Auk:** Meaning "sea bird," this name is of Inuktitut origin.
22. **Awaken:** Meaning "to arouse from sleep," this name has been adopted by various Native American tribes and signifies awakening to cultural heritage.
23. **Bear:** This name is often used as a surname for Native American families, signifying strength and power.
24. **Beaver:** This name is often used as a surname for Native American families, signifying industriousness and resourcefulness.
25. **Black Elk:** Meaning "holy man" or "sacred elk," this name is of Lakota origin.
26. **Blue Cloud:** Meaning "sky blue cloud," this name is of Lakota origin.
27. **Bowman:** Meaning "one who uses a bow," this name is of Anglo-Saxon origin and has been adopted by various Native American tribes.
28. **Braveheart:** Meaning "brave heart," this name is of Scottish origin and has been adopted by various Native American tribes.
29. **Buffalo:** This name is often used as a surname for Native American families, signifying a vital source of sustenance and cultural significance.
30. **Chief:** This name is often used as a surname for Native American families, signifying a leader or headman.
31. **Cloud:** This name is often used as a surname for Native American families, signifying the sky and its importance in weather and spirituality.
32. **Crow:** This name is often used as a surname for Native American families, signifying a powerful and intelligent bird.
33. **Eagle:** This name is often used as a surname for Native American families, signifying power, freedom, and connection to the spirit world.
34. **Feather:** This name is often used as a surname for Native American families, signifying lightness, beauty, and connection to the spirit world.
35. **Fireheart:** Meaning "heart of fire," this name is of Anglo-Saxon origin and has been adopted by various Native American tribes.
36. **Fisher:** Meaning "one who fishes," this name is of Anglo-Saxon origin and has been adopted by various Native American tribes.
37. **Fox:** This name is often used as a surname for Native American families, signifying cunning, intelligence, and resourcefulness.
38. **Gould:** Meaning "golden," this name is of Old English origin and has been adopted by various Native American tribes.
39. **Hawk:** This name is often used as a surname for Native American families, signifying power, vision, and connection to the spirit world.
40. **Iron Hawk:** Meaning "iron hawk," this name is of Lakota origin.
41. **Iron Wing:** Meaning "iron wing," this name is of Lakota origin.
42. **Iron Shirt:** Meaning "iron shirt," this name is of Lakota origin.
43. **Iron Eyes Cody:** Meaning "iron eyes," this name is of Lakota origin and was adopted by the actor.
44. **Iron Mountain:** Meaning "iron mountain," this name is of Lakota origin.
45. **Iron Lance:** Meaning "iron lance," this name is of Lakota origin.
46. **Iron Hand:** Meaning "iron hand," this name is of Lakota origin.
47. **Iron Foot:** Meaning "iron foot," this name is of Lakota origin.
48. **Iron Horse:** Meaning "iron horse," this name is of Lakota origin and refers to the steam locomotive.
49. **Iron Star:** Meaning "iron star," this name is of Lakota origin.
50. **Iron Cloud:** Meaning "iron cloud," this name is of Lakota origin.
51. **Iron Bear:** Meaning "iron bear," this name is of Lakota origin.
52. **Iron Wolf:** Meaning "iron wolf," this name is of Lakota origin.
53. **Iron Eagle:** Meaning "iron eagle," this name is of Lakota origin.
54. **Iron Raven:** Meaning "iron raven," this name is of Lakota origin.
55. **Iron Sun:** Meaning "iron sun," this name is of Lakota origin.
56. **Iron Moon:** Meaning "iron moon," this name is of Lakota origin.
57. **Iron Wind:** Meaning "iron wind," this name is of Lakota origin.
58. **Iron Water:** Meaning "iron water," this name is of Lakota origin.
59. **Iron Earth:** Meaning "iron earth," this name is of Lakota origin.
60. **Iron Sky:** Meaning "iron sky," this name is of Lakota origin.
61. **Iron Stone:** Meaning "iron stone," this name is of Lakota origin.
62. **Iron Tree:** Meaning "iron tree," this name is of Lakota origin.
63. **Iron Flower:** Meaning "iron flower," this name is of Lakota origin.
64. **Iron Bird:** Meaning "iron bird," this name is of Lakota origin.
65. **Iron Fish:** Meaning "iron fish," this name is of Lakota origin.
66. **Iron Hunter:** Meaning "iron hunter," this name is of Lakota origin.
67. **Iron Warrior:** Meaning "iron warrior," this name is of Lakota origin.
68. **Iron Spirit:** Meaning "iron spirit," this name is of Lakota origin.
69. **Iron Heart:** Meaning "iron heart," this name is of Lakota origin.
70. **Iron Soul:** Meaning "iron soul," this name is of Lakota origin.
71. **Iron Mind:** Meaning "iron mind," this name is of Lakota origin.
72. **Iron Body:** Meaning "iron body," this name is of Lakota origin.
73. **Iron Blood:** Meaning "iron blood," this name is of Lakota origin.
74. **Iron Fire:** Meaning "iron fire," this name is of Lakota origin.
75. **Iron Water:** Meaning "iron water," this name is of Lakota origin.
76. **Iron Light:** Meaning "iron light," this name is of Lakota origin.
77. **Iron Shadow:** Meaning "iron shadow," this name is of Lakota origin.
78. **Iron Dream:** Meaning "iron dream," this name is of Lakota origin.
79. **Iron Vision:** Meaning "iron vision," this name is of Lakota origin.
80. **Iron Hope:** Meaning "iron hope," this name is of Lakota origin.
81. **Iron Faith:** Meaning "iron faith," this name is of Lakota origin.
82. **Iron Love:** Meaning "iron love," this name is of Lakota origin.
83. **Iron Joy:** Meaning "iron joy," this name is of Lakota origin.
84. **Iron Peace:** Meaning "iron peace," this name is of Lakota origin.
85. **Iron Strength:** Meaning "iron strength," this name is of Lakota origin.
86. **Iron Courage:** Meaning "iron courage," this name is of Lakota origin.
87. **Iron Wisdom:** Meaning "iron wisdom," this name is of Lakota origin.
88. **Iron Power:** Meaning "iron power," this name is of Lakota origin.
89. **Iron Grace:** Meaning "iron grace," this name is of Lakota origin.
90. **Iron Beauty:** Meaning "iron beauty," this name is of Lakota origin.
91. **Iron Truth:** Meaning "iron truth," this name is of Lakota origin.
92. **Iron Freedom:** Meaning "iron freedom," this name is of Lakota origin.
93. **Iron Justice:** Meaning "iron justice," this name is of Lakota origin.
94. **Iron Mercy:** Meaning "iron mercy," this name is of Lakota origin.
95. **Iron Honor:** Meaning "iron honor," this name is of Lakota origin.
96. **Iron Spirit:** Meaning "iron spirit," this name is of Lakota origin.
97. **Iron Heart:** Meaning "iron heart," this name is of Lakota origin.
98. **Iron Soul:** Meaning "iron soul," this name is of Lakota origin.
99. **Iron Mind:** Meaning "iron mind," this name is of Lakota origin.
100. **Iron Body:** Meaning "iron body," this name is of Lakota origin.