Native American Inspired Dog Names

Introduction

With the history of the United States being so entwined with Native Americans and their customs, it is understandable that many people have a love affair with all things Native American. Many people identify themselves as having Native American heritage and want to honor that heritage by naming their family’s companion a name that is inspired by Native American culture. When searching for a Native American inspired name for your new puppy, take the time to learn the customs and meanings behind each name you are considering. This name will become a testimony of your acceptance of Native American culture.

Native American Inspired Dog Names in Pop Culture

Featured Famous Dog With a Native American Inspired Name

Buck

There have been several different dogs in movies that are named Buck, including the movie Buck and the Magic Bracelet which was released in 1999. Buck, a formidable German Shepherd Dog, is the guardian of a gold miner camp. The camp is led by Zeb and his son, Kevin. A gang, known as the Whip Gang, invaded the camp and killed almost everyone. Buck was captured and sent into town to be part of a dog fighting scheme. Buck is fiercely battling another dog when the good guys, better known as the law, show up and break up the fighting ring.

Back at the mining camp fur trapper Natty and his friend Shanka, a medicine man, arrive to find Kevin has somehow survived the massacre. Natty and Shanka nurse Kevin back to health. Shanka gives Kevin a bracelet that contains magic and helps Kevin and his new friends out of some sticky situations. The bracelet is used to help free Buck and defeat the Whip Gang.

Another famous Buck can be found in the movie Summer School released in 1987. While Buck only had a supporting role in the movie, he played his part well and endeared himself to movie-goers. In this movie, Mr. Shoop, played by Mark Harmon, is stuck teaching summer school instead of vacationing in Hawaii. However, he learns to be a better teacher with the help of a history teacher played by Kirstie Alley. Mr. Shoop’s mongrel is a fun loving, super smart pooch that listens to the woes of his owner. Buck can be seen providing some laughable scenes within the movie and endearing himself to viewers.

A Newfoundland named Buck had a supporting role in the movie Hanging Up, released in 2000. This movie, starring Meg Ryan, Diane Keaton, Lisa Kudrow and Walter Matthau shows sisters bonding when their father is on his deathbed. Buck, owned by Maddy, played by Lisa Kudrow, makes several appearances to provide some lovable moments in this comedy.

Cherokee is another Native American inspired name that can be found in the movies. A Golden Retriever by the name of Cherokee is seen in the movie Scream 3 released in 2000. Cherokee is owned by Neve Campbell’s character, Sidney. Cherokee only makes minor appearances in the film, but he is memorable because of his happy nature.

A rather famous dog in film and literature is a wolf hybrid by the name of White Fang. The book was published in 1906 and written by Jack London. White Fang went on to star in several movies in 1936, 1991, 1993 and 1994 and even an animated TV series in 1993 by the same name. White Fang was a wild dog that became domesticated with the help of a Yukon gold hunter.

Native American Inspired Dog Name Considerations

Any size or breed of dog can be given a Native American inspired name. However, most people would typically think of a large dog, perhaps looking a bit wolf, like to have such a name. No matter the breed or size of your new pooch, finding a name that is inspired by Native American culture or customs should not give you a headache. If your ancestors can be traced back to a certain tribe, you may start your search by looking at names associated with that tribe. Some people choose to name their new puppy after a certain tribe or famous chief. Apache, Comanche, Navajo and Cherokee are very popular names, as is Cochise or Pontiac. Some people may also decide to shorten these tribal names for smaller dogs, such as Kee, Chee or Jo instead of using the full name. The meaning of the name may also influence your decision. Some meanings may not be appealing to you or your family, whereas other names and meanings may be just the right fit. Whatever Native American inspired dog name you decide to name your puppy, you can almost guarantee it will be a hit with those at the dog park.

Male Native American Inspired Dog Names

Votes	Name	Vote
8	Lakota A tribe that is part of the Sioux nation
8	Honi Arapaho for wolf
8	Maka Sioux word for earth
7	Hanska Sioux word meaning tall
6	Buck Many Native American men chose this name as their American name
6	Kiche The sky spirit of the Cree
5	Dakota A friend or ally
5	Akikta To work with determination
5	Nashoba Choctaw word that means wolf
4	Hosa Little raven or young crow
4	Geronimo Famous Apache chief
4	Kawa Apache word for great
4	Tantaka Lakota word for buffalo
4	Ute The tribe found in the Great Basin
3	Kentucky The land of tomorrow
3	Pontiac Odawa war chief
3	Elan Strong like a tree
2	Comanche Tribe found throughout the Great Plains
2	Chaska The first born son
2	Matto A brave warrior
1	Cochise Famous chief; a type of wood
1	Tahoma Navajo for water’s edge
0	Koda Partners or allies
0	Mahaska White cloud; perfect for an all white dog
-1	Wazi A Lakota god known as the wizard
-2	Apache Group of tribes found throughout the southwest
-2	Shaman The tribal medicine man
-3	Koko Blackfoot for night
-3	Yuma Navajo meaning song of the chief
-4	Zuni Southwestern tribe that was artistic

Female Native American Inspired Dog Names

Votes	Name	Vote
7	Navajo Tribe that was located in the southwest
6	Chenoa White dove
6	Pocahontas Famous guide; means playful woman
6	Shoshone Native American tribe located throughout the north
5	Dyani To be smart and fast like a deer
4	Talulah Leaping water in Choctaw
4	Ayita The first to dance
4	Una Hopi for remember
3	Catori She is a spirit
3	Poloma Choctaw word for bow
2	Miki Inuit for little
1	Aiyana Eternal blossom
1	Sioux A group of tribes also known as the First Peoples
1	Cheyenne A tribe of the Great Plains
1	Kayah She may be little but she is wise
1	Ama Cherokee for water
1	Lulu Hopi word for rabbit
1	Tiva Hopi word for dance
1	Kasa Means dressed in fur
0	Kaliska Coyote chasing a deer
0	Kansas The people of the south wind
0	Kiowa Tribe in the south; means the hills are brown
-1	Leotie Flower of the prairie
-2	Nita Bear or like a bear
-2	Sacagawea Guide who led Lewis and Clark
-3	Winona Sioux for first daughter
-4	Anevay Cherokee word for superior
-4	Cherokee Dawn or perfect time; name of a powerful tribe
-4	Dena Valley or she is in the valley
-4	Mansi Hopi for plucked flower