Navajo Last Names: A List of Traditional and Modern Surnames

Navajo last names, also known as clan names, are an integral part of Navajo culture and identity. These names often reflect ancestral lineage, geographical origins, and cultural values. This list explores a selection of traditional and modern Navajo last names, offering insights into their meanings and significance.
1. **Begay**: A common Navajo surname, meaning "young" or "child," suggesting a youthful spirit and potential for growth.
2. **Bighorse**: Denotes a strong and powerful lineage, reflecting the importance of horses in Navajo culture.
3. **Black**: A descriptive surname reflecting physical appearance or geographical association, symbolizing darkness and mystery.
4. **Blue**: Similarly descriptive, suggesting a connection to the color blue, which holds spiritual and symbolic significance in Navajo culture.
5. **Chee**: Meaning "salt," representing the value of sustenance and nourishment in Navajo life.
6. **Chilchinni**: A name signifying "red ant," possibly referencing the color or behavior of this insect.
7. **Clah**: Denoting "feather," symbolizing lightness, freedom, and connection to the spiritual realm.
8. **Clark**: A name that has been adopted by some Navajo individuals, possibly representing a desire for clarity or connection to the English language.
9. **Claw**: A surname referencing the claw of an animal, potentially symbolizing strength, defense, or resourcefulness.
10. **Cline**: A name adopted by some Navajo families, possibly representing a connection to the English language or a desire for social mobility.
11. **Coon**: A descriptive surname referring to the raccoon, which holds a place in Navajo folklore and mythology.
12. **Coriz**: A name of Spanish origin, possibly adopted through historical interactions or cultural exchange.
13. **Cotton**: A surname suggesting a connection to cotton plants, an important resource for textiles and crafts in Navajo culture.
14. **Curley**: A descriptive surname referring to curly hair, suggesting a unique appearance or personality trait.
15. **Deer**: A name that reflects the importance of deer in Navajo culture, both as a food source and as a symbol of agility and grace.
16. **Dillon**: A surname of Irish origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals for personal reasons or through intermarriage.
17. **Dine**: A name that simply means "the people" in Navajo, denoting a strong sense of community and shared identity.
18. **Etsitty**: A name that refers to "the place of the cottonwood tree," reflecting the significance of this tree in Navajo culture.
19. **Evans**: A surname of Welsh origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo families through historical interactions or personal preference.
20. **Fernandez**: A name of Spanish origin, possibly adopted through historical interactions or cultural exchange.
21. **Foster**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
22. **Francis**: A name of French origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or historical interactions.
23. **Garcia**: A name of Spanish origin, possibly adopted through historical interactions or cultural exchange.
24. **George**: A name of Greek origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or historical interactions.
25. **Grey**: A descriptive surname suggesting a connection to the color gray, which holds symbolic meaning in Navajo culture.
26. **Harris**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
27. **Harrison**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
28. **Hawkeye**: A descriptive surname suggesting sharp eyesight, representing the importance of observation and knowledge in Navajo culture.
29. **Henderson**: A surname of Scottish origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
30. **Henry**: A name of German origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or historical interactions.
31. **Heron**: A name referring to the heron, a bird that holds symbolic meaning in Navajo culture.
32. **Hill**: A descriptive surname suggesting a connection to hills or mountains, representing the landscape and geography of the Navajo Nation.
33. **Holmes**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
34. **Hooper**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
35. **Johnson**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
36. **Jones**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
37. **Kai**: A name that means "ocean" in Hawaiian, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or cultural exchange.
38. **Kennedy**: A surname of Irish origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
39. **King**: A name denoting a position of authority or leadership, potentially reflecting the role of certain individuals in Navajo society.
40. **Lee**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
41. **Lewis**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
42. **Long**: A descriptive surname suggesting a tall stature, potentially representing physical characteristics or a strong presence.
43. **Lopez**: A name of Spanish origin, possibly adopted through historical interactions or cultural exchange.
44. **Manuel**: A name of Spanish origin, possibly adopted through historical interactions or cultural exchange.
45. **Martin**: A name of Latin origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or historical interactions.
46. **Martinez**: A name of Spanish origin, possibly adopted through historical interactions or cultural exchange.
47. **Manygoats**: A surname reflecting the importance of goats in Navajo culture, both as a source of food and as a symbol of resilience.
48. **McBride**: A surname of Irish origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
49. **McDonald**: A surname of Scottish origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
50. **McGee**: A surname of Irish origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
51. **Miller**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
52. **Mitchell**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
53. **Moore**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
54. **Morgan**: A surname of Welsh origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
55. **Morris**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
56. **Murphy**: A surname of Irish origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
57. **Nelson**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
58. **New**: A surname suggesting a sense of new beginnings or innovation, reflecting the evolving nature of Navajo culture.
59. **Newton**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
60. **Norris**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
61. **Oliver**: A name of Latin origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or historical interactions.
62. **One**: A descriptive surname suggesting a singular or unique identity, reflecting the value of individuality in Navajo culture.
63. **Ortiz**: A name of Spanish origin, possibly adopted through historical interactions or cultural exchange.
64. **Owen**: A surname of Welsh origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
65. **Parker**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
66. **Peterson**: A surname of Scandinavian origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
67. **Phillips**: A surname of Greek origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or historical interactions.
68. **Pierce**: A surname of French origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or historical interactions.
69. **Pinto**: A name of Spanish origin, possibly adopted through historical interactions or cultural exchange.
70. **Powell**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
71. **Price**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
72. **Red**: A descriptive surname reflecting physical appearance or geographical association, symbolizing strength and power.
73. **Reed**: A name that refers to the reed plant, which holds cultural significance in Navajo traditions.
74. **Reyes**: A name of Spanish origin, possibly adopted through historical interactions or cultural exchange.
75. **Richard**: A name of German origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or historical interactions.
76. **Rivera**: A name of Spanish origin, possibly adopted through historical interactions or cultural exchange.
77. **Roberts**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
78. **Robinson**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
79. **Rodriguez**: A name of Spanish origin, possibly adopted through historical interactions or cultural exchange.
80. **Rogers**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
81. **Romero**: A name of Spanish origin, possibly adopted through historical interactions or cultural exchange.
82. **Rose**: A name that signifies beauty, grace, and fragility, representing the delicate balance of nature in Navajo culture.
83. **Ross**: A surname of Scottish origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
84. **Russell**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
85. **Ryan**: A surname of Irish origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
86. **Sanchez**: A name of Spanish origin, possibly adopted through historical interactions or cultural exchange.
87. **Santa**: A name of Spanish origin, possibly adopted through historical interactions or cultural exchange.
88. **Santiago**: A name of Spanish origin, possibly adopted through historical interactions or cultural exchange.
89. **Scott**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
90. **Seelye**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
91. **Shepherd**: A name that denotes a caretaker of sheep, reflecting the importance of livestock in Navajo culture.
92. **Smith**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
93. **Snow**: A descriptive surname suggesting a connection to snow, which holds symbolic meaning in Navajo culture.
94. **So**: A name that means "ocean" in Korean, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or cultural exchange.
95. **Soto**: A name of Spanish origin, possibly adopted through historical interactions or cultural exchange.
96. **Spencer**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
97. **Stewart**: A surname of Scottish origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
98. **Stone**: A descriptive surname suggesting a connection to stones, which hold spiritual and cultural significance in Navajo culture.
99. **Strong**: A surname suggesting physical or mental strength, reflecting the importance of resilience in Navajo culture.
100. **Taylor**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
101. **Thomas**: A name of Aramaic origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or historical interactions.
102. **Thompson**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
103. **To**: A name that means "ocean" in Japanese, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or cultural exchange.
104. **Torres**: A name of Spanish origin, possibly adopted through historical interactions or cultural exchange.
105. **Tucker**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
106. **Tyler**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
107. **Underwood**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
108. **Valdez**: A name of Spanish origin, possibly adopted through historical interactions or cultural exchange.
109. **Vance**: A surname of French origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or historical interactions.
110. **Vega**: A name of Spanish origin, possibly adopted through historical interactions or cultural exchange.
111. **Velarde**: A name of Spanish origin, possibly adopted through historical interactions or cultural exchange.
112. **Ventura**: A name of Italian origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or historical interactions.
113. **Vigil**: A name of Spanish origin, possibly adopted through historical interactions or cultural exchange.
114. **Villa**: A name of Spanish origin, possibly adopted through historical interactions or cultural exchange.
115. **Villegas**: A name of Spanish origin, possibly adopted through historical interactions or cultural exchange.
116. **Vincent**: A name of Latin origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or historical interactions.
117. **Walker**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
118. **Wallace**: A surname of Scottish origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
119. **Walter**: A name of German origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or historical interactions.
120. **Ward**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
121. **Washington**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
122. **Watson**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
123. **Weaver**: A name that denotes a craftsperson who weaves textiles, reflecting the importance of weaving in Navajo culture.
124. **West**: A descriptive surname suggesting a connection to the western region, representing the geographical location of the Navajo Nation.
125. **White**: A descriptive surname reflecting physical appearance or geographical association, symbolizing purity and clarity.
126. **Williams**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
127. **Wilson**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
128. **Wise**: A surname suggesting intelligence, knowledge, and wisdom, reflecting the value of learning in Navajo culture.
129. **Wolf**: A name that refers to the wolf, which holds symbolic meaning in Navajo culture and folklore.
130. **Wood**: A descriptive surname suggesting a connection to trees or forests, representing the natural environment of the Navajo Nation.
131. **Wright**: A surname of English origin, possibly adopted by some Navajo individuals through personal preference or social connections.
132. **Young**: A surname suggesting a youthful spirit and potential for growth, reflecting the importance of future generations in Navajo culture.
133. **Yucca**: A name that refers to the yucca plant, which holds cultural significance in Navajo traditions.
134. **Zaragoza**: A name of Spanish origin, possibly adopted through historical interactions or cultural exchange.
135. **Zephyr**: A name that refers to a gentle breeze, representing the importance of air and wind in Navajo culture.