Giving a child an Indian name is an important part of Cheyenne culture. Traditionally, a child is named for a relative. Sometimes other names are given to individuals later in life, such as when someone returns home from military service. A few non-Cheyennes are given names by Cheyennes. If you are not a Cheyenne but wish to take a Cheyenne name for yourself or someone else in your family, be aware that you will not be following traditional Cheyenne naming procedure. Read Eugene Little Coyote's article, Cheyenne Naming. If you wish to use a Native American name for a pet (or non-Indian child), read some warnings.
Some of the Cheyenne names have become obsolete. They may still be used as names, but we cannnot find anyone living today who knows for sure what their meaning is.
Click on a link to see and hear Cheyenne names:
