Where can I find reliable, online Native American naming resources?

Question

So I've been trying to do some actual research in naming conventions for characters I write about. One of them being a Native American with ties to their tribe and its respective language (Dakotan).

However, I can't seem to find RELIABLE resources. Most language sites or baby name sites I've found perpetuate the same baby names, usually attributed without actual language origins. But digging a little deeper on actual Native American support and resource sites, those names are usually mis-attributed at best, and patently falsely translated or made up at worst.

http://www.native-languages.org/ is an excellent resource, but it's lacking in actual people naming sources. Mind, I can get that. Native American naming conventions are very closely cherished by the various tribes, mostly quite secretive, and not at all wide-spread outside of the communities.

However, I'm still at a loss for some good means of naming a female character in Dakotan. It's driving me batty.

Answer 1

I'm not Dakota and our naming ceremonies are different, but I have Dakota/Nakota friends. their naming rituals are complex and they keep the details to themselves. it is unlikely you will find accurate info online or in books.



as a writer, I suggest you simply acknowledge the complexity of the naming of a child and leave it at that. you can say your character received their name in traditional ceremony without going into all the details. The name would be in the language. Perhaps you can find some actual historical names and use those.



please don't make anything up. that is how disinformation is spread.



ETA: try the census records for the time period you are writing. you can search the Indian census of north or south dakota. your library should have subscriptions.

Answer 2

Well, it is not an easy task deciding your baby’s name. Finding the perfect name for a girl or a boy takes much negotiations and disagreements between couples and some even lead to fights. There is no shortage of cute and lovely names for kids; but the daunting task is to pick just one among the thousands that might be crossing your mind at that time. However, your naming problem could be easily solved by the use of various online baby names resources. These are health websites dedicated to provide you with not only cute names for your kid, but ones that will be helpful in his or her overall development.

Answer 3

There's an app for that. or try nativeanguages.com

Answer 4

"flying eagle"...BOOM.



"Running bear"...BOOM



"Little foot"...BOOM.