Native American Names
It is believed that all names have a meaning and origin; some of our names today are Latin based, Greek, Indian or Chinese. They all mean something and some of them can still be deciphered in the language of origin.
Each cultured had a very systematic way of naming people, which is by class, status in the society and occupation. Names such as ‘Goldman’ for example would be of a man whose occupation was probably a goldsmith.
Native American names
Native Americans used names in order to classify a man or woman’s action and life; sometimes one will have a few names during one’s life according to his/her life’s action.
A known example is from the popular movie called ‘Dances with the wolves’ where Kevin Costner was given the mentioned name due to the fact that he was seen in the company of wolves while he practiced dancing around the fire.
Native American names are mainly a description of one’s character and his actions; often a ceremony is held where the person would be officially named and thereafter known by the given name; Native Americans are God fearing people who strongly believe that every action will have an outcome but also that each one of us make our own life and destiny.
Native American names are still used today a due to their originality they stand out from the crowd. Along the year these names suffered a great deal of changes as they were too long or hard to pronounce; if you research your own name’s meaning you may be pleasantly surprised to find that at its origin it may be some Native American influence.
Meaningful lives if what the Native American believed in and their names were proof of what they stood for and believed in.
Joseph Paige © 2006
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