Welcome to a journey into the rich world of Native American horse names. Imagine naming your horse not just for fun, but with meaning, history, and a touch of spirit.
That’s what Native American cultures have been doing for centuries. Their names are more than labels. They’re stories, memories, and even prayers.
Whether you’re naming a new horse or just curious, you’re in for a treat. Picture calling your horse “Thunder,” evoking the power of a storm, or “Sky,” capturing the endless blue above. Each name reflects a deep connection to nature, bravery, or the cosmos.
Get ready to explore names whispered across plains, sung in ceremonies, and cherished through generations. Let’s dive into a world where every name tells a tale.
Importance of Native American Horse Names in Contemporary World
Native American horse names aren’t just ancient whispers—they’re alive and kicking today.
In our modern world, these names bring a sense of history and depth to our horses. They connect us to a time when naming a horse meant something profound.
Imagine riding a horse named “Wind Dancer” or “Brave Spirit.” It’s not just a name; it’s a piece of tradition.
It’s a nod to cultures that valued harmony with nature, strength, and bravery. These names remind us of a time when every name had a story and every story had a purpose.
Today, choosing a Native American name for your horse isn’t just about the sound. It’s about carrying forward a legacy. It’s about honoring a connection to the earth, the skies, and the horse’s spirit.
These names give us roots and wings in a world full of choices. They let our horses carry a piece of history as they gallop into the future.
Read also: Brown Horse Names.
How to Choose a Native American Horse Name
Choosing a Native American horse name is a journey, not a chore.
Start by getting to know your horse. Watch how they move. Listen to their sounds. Feel their energy. This will help you find a name that fits just right.
Think about what stands out. Does your horse remind you of the wind, strong and steady? Or are they like a shadow, silent and swift? Maybe they’re as fierce as a warrior or as gentle as a morning breeze.
Look for inspiration in nature. Names like “Running River” or “Bright Star” capture the beauty of the world around us.
Respect is key. Understand the name’s meaning and background. This isn’t just about picking something cool; it’s about honoring a rich tradition.
Involve your friends or family. Sometimes, others see qualities you might miss.
In the end, trust your gut. You’ll know the name is right when it feels like it was always meant to be. A good name tells your horse’s story and keeps them connected to the spirit of their name.
Popular Native American Horse Names
1. Dakota – Friend
2. Koda – Ally
3. Cheyenne – People of a different tongue
4. Tala – Wolf
5. Mika – Wise raccoon
6. Winona – First-born daughter
7. Sakari – Sweet
8. Hok’ee – Abandoned
9. Kaya – Elder sister
10. Ahanu – He laughs
11. Mato – Bear
12. Kiona – Brown hills
13. Takoda – Friend to all
14. Nashoba – Wolf
15. Maka – Earth
16. Chayton – Falcon
17. Hinto – Blue
18. Kele – Sparrow
19. Aiyana – Eternal blossom
20. Onida – The expected one
21. Yuma – Son of the chief
22. Kitchi – Brave
23. Paco – Eagle
24. Aponi – Butterfly
25. Simi – Valley
26. Wicasa – Sage
27. Tayen – New moon
28. Wapi – Lucky
29. Zaltana – High mountain
30. Anoki – Actor
Native American Horse Names Based on Animals
31. Kangi – Crow
32. Hopi – Peaceful (also a tribe)
33. Koko – Night owl
34. Shiye – Son (relates to animals in spirit)
35. Tala – Wolf
36. Mahkah – Earth (often linked with animals)
37. Mato – Bear
38. Nashoba – Wolf
39. Hania – Spirit warrior (often linked to animal spirits)
40. Miki – Little (often used for smaller animals)
41. Keme – Thunder (linked to powerful animals like thunderbirds)
42. Tanze – Chief (often linked to dominant animals)
43. Iye – Smoke (can relate to elusive animals)
44. Adahy – In the oak woods (where animals dwell)
45. Waya – Wolf
46. Nikan – Friend (often used for companion animals)
47. Matoaka – Little snow feather (used for animals with snowy feathers)
48. Yiska – The night has passed (relates to nocturnal animals)
49. Hinto – Blue (can relate to blue-jay or other blue animals)
50. Catori – Spirit (relates to animals in spirit)
51. Elan – Friendly (used for friendly animals)
52. Yuma – Son of the chief (relates to animals with leadership qualities)
53. Kele – Sparrow
54. Akikta – Works with determination (relates to diligent animals)
55. Kaya – Elder sister (used for protective animals)
56. Mika – Wise raccoon
57. Winona – First-born daughter (used for a dominant female animal)
58. Tate – Wind (relates to birds)
59. Misu – Rippling brook (relates to animals near water)
60. Awan – Somebody (often used for animals with a notable presence)
Native American Horse Names Based on Nature
61. Aiyana – Eternal blossom
62. Kiona – Brown hills
63. Tayen – New moon
64. Ahote – Restless one (relates to wind or moving water)
65. Namid – Star dancer
66. Maka – Earth
67. Chenoa – Dove
68. Aponi – Butterfly
69. Dakota – Friend (relates to natural unity)
70. Chayton – Falcon
71. Hinto – Blue (relates to sky or water)
72. Nashoba – Wolf
73. Winona – First-born daughter (relates to the start of life)
74. Keme – Thunder
75. Kele – Sparrow
76. Elu – Beautiful (relates to beautiful landscapes)
77. Simi – Valley
78. Takoda – Friend to all (relates to natural harmony)
79. Tala – Wolf (relates to wildlife)
80. Kaya – Elder sister (relates to nurturing aspects of nature)
81. Wapi – Lucky (relates to finding good omens in nature)
82. Zaltana – High mountain
83. Anoki – Actor (relates to animals playing roles in nature)
84. Ahanu – He laughs (relates to the joyful aspects of nature)
85. Matoaka – Little snow feather
86. Tanze – Chief (relates to dominant aspects of nature)
87. Kitchi – Brave (relates to natural courage)
88. Onida – The expected one (relates to expected natural events)
89. Sakari – Sweet (relates to sweet aspects of nature)
90. Wicasa – Sage (relates to wise aspects of nature)
Native American Female Horse Names
91. Aiyana – Eternal blossom
92. Winona – First-born daughter
93. Kaya – Elder sister
94. Mika – Wise raccoon
95. Tala – Wolf
96. Kiona – Brown hills
97. Aponi – Butterfly
98. Chenoa – Dove
99. Elu – Beautiful
100. Onida – The expected one
101. Simi – Valley
102. Namid – Star dancer
103. Ahote – Restless one
104. Tayen – New moon
105. Kanti – Sing (to sing)
106. Kimana – Butterfly
107. Matoaka – Little snow feather
108. Aleshanee – She plays all the time
109. Adsila – Blossom
110. Galilahi – Attractive
111. Nidawi – Fairy
112. Kiona – Brown hills
113. Pavati – Clear water
114. Tiva – Dance
115. Ayita – First to dance
116. Leotie – Prairie flower
117. Meli – Bitter
118. Nadie – Wise
119. Naira – Big eyes
120. Salali – Squirrel
Native American Male Horse Names
121. Ahanu – He laughs
122. Dakota – Friend
123. Koda – Ally
124. Cheyenne – People of a different tongue
125. Sakari – Sweet
126. Hok’ee – Abandoned
127. Mato – Bear
128. Takoda – Friend to all
129. Nashoba – Wolf
130. Chayton – Falcon
131. Hinto – Blue
132. Kele – Sparrow
133. Wapi – Lucky
134. Wicasa – Sage
135. Anoki – Actor
136. Akecheta – Fighter
137. Cochise – Hardwood
138. Enapay – Brave
139. Jacy – Moon
140. Lenno – Man
141. Mingan – Grey wolf
142. Nodin – Wind
143. Segenam – Lazy
144. Tasunka – Horse
145. Wasabe – Bear’s tooth
146. Yiska – The night has passed
147. Mato – Bear
148. Elan – Friendly
149. Adahy – In the oak woods
150. Hania – Spirit warrior
Native American Horse Names Inspired by Literature
151. Nokomis – Grandmother (from Longfellow’s The Song of Hiawatha)
152. Uncas – Young Chief (from The Last of the Mohicans)
153. Attean – Bear (from The Sign of the Beaver)
154. Kateri – Pure (from Kateri Tekakwitha: Mohawk Maiden)
155. Chingachgook – Great Serpent (from The Last of the Mohicans)
156. Tecumseh – Panther in the Sky (from Panther in the Sky)
157. Criseyde – Golden (inspired by Native American reinterpretations of classic tales like Troilus and Criseyde)
158. Hiawatha – He Makes Rivers (from Longfellow’s The Song of Hiawatha)
159. Pocahontas – Playful one (subject of many literary works)
160. Tisquantum – He who has divine rage (inspired by literature on Squanto)
161. Sakakawea – Bird Woman (from The Story of Sacagawea)
162. Tamaya – In the center (from The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses)
163. Waheenee – Sour Huckleberry (from Waheenee: An Indian Girl’s Story)
164. Ishmael – God hears (from The Bear Comes Home by Rafi Zabor, influenced by Native American lore)
165. Alawa – Pea (from Alawa, the Little Blue Bird)
166. Mahalia – Tenderness (from The Indian in the Cupboard)
167. Matoaka – Snow feather (refers to Pocahontas in literature)
168. Sooleawa – Silver (from The Birchbark House)
169. Aracoma – Cornstalk’s daughter (from The Legend of Cornstalk’s Daughter)
170. Rowtag – Fire (inspired by Native American fire myths in literature)
171. Enapay – Brave (from Brave Enapay: A Sioux Story)
172. Taneekah – Blossom (from The Blossoming of Taneekah)
173. Opechancanough – He whose soul is white (from Opechancanough: The Last Warrior)
174. Makya – Eagle Hunter (from Makya: The Eagle Hunter)
175. Echeta – Chief (from Echeta and the Bear)
176. Shikoba – Feather (from Shikoba: A Tale of Feathers)
177. Tiponi – Child of importance (from Tiponi: The Legend of the First Feather)
178. Wematin – Brother (from Wematin: A Story of Brotherhood)
179. Shilah – Brother (from Shilah and the Wolves)
180. Nanyehi – Spirit Warrior (from Nanyehi: Beloved Woman of the Cherokee)
Native American Royal Horse Names
181. Adoeete – Big Tree (symbolic of strength)
182. Chaska – First born son
183. Tasunka – Horse
184. Nashoba – Wolf (often associated with leaders)
185. Wicasa – Sage
186. Kohana – Swift (a name fit for a royal steed)
187. Maka – Earth
188. Akecheta – Fighter
189. Sinte – Tail (like the tail of a horse, often seen as royal)
190. Hania – Spirit warrior
191. Keme – Thunder
192. Wapi – Lucky
193. Elan – Friendly (suitable for a royal companion)
194. Aponi – Butterfly (elegant and regal)
195. Takoda – Friend to all
196. Kitchi – Brave
197. Hok’ee – Abandoned (now a royal)
198. Yuma – Son of the chief
199. Ahanu – He laughs
200. Chayton – Falcon
201. Tayen – New moon (symbol of new beginnings)
202. Paco – Eagle
203. Chenoa – Dove
204. Hinto – Blue (symbolic of nobility)
205. Namid – Star dancer
206. Sakari – Sweet
207. Simi – Valley (home to a king or queen)
208. Kele – Sparrow
209. Kaya – Elder sister (a matriarchal name)
210. Anoki – Actor (one who plays many roles, like royalty)
Funny Native American Horse Names
211. Wigwam – Little house
212. Hootan – Owl (a wise joker)
213. Titteri – Laughing one
214. Wambleeska – White eagle (but for a clumsy horse)
215. Gigiyama – He dances awkwardly
216. Kokopelli – Mischievous spirit
217. Tikaani – Wolf (for a playful horse)
218. Howahkan – Of the voice (for a noisy horse)
219. Wohali – Eagle (but a little less graceful)
220. Hopisome – Peaceful (but maybe not so much)
221. Peta – Golden eagle (but likes to roll in the mud)
222. Cheveyo – Spirit warrior (but afraid of butterflies)
223. Wabun – East wind (but prefers a gentle breeze)
224. Kokopelti – Dancer (but clumsy on the trail)
225. Weomata – Eyes of the eagle (but always squinting)
226. Wahkan – Sacred (but with a silly personality)
227. Kelekan – Little sparrow (for a chunky horse)
228. Zintkala – Bird (but too lazy to fly)
229. Wikoska – Little sister (always causing mischief)
230. Wittanu – He who sits (for a lazy horse)
231. Pikuni – Ant (for a small but mighty horse)
232. Mankato – Blue earth (who loves to dig)
233. Kopaki – White hawk (but always dirty)
234. Niwaka – Tall trees (who always ducks under branches)
235. Iktomi – Trickster (always getting into trouble)
236. Chante – Heart (but really loves snacks)
237. Shikoba – Feather (a bit heavy on his feet)
238. Nuna – Land (but prefers to stay in the barn)
239. Sesi – Snow (but always muddy)
240. Nunaq – Small hill (but thinks he’s a mountain)
Elegant Native American Horse Names
241. Aiyana – Eternal blossom
242. Elu – Beautiful
243. Chenoa – Dove
244. Namid – Star dancer
245. Mika – Wise raccoon
246. Winona – First-born daughter
247. Tala – Wolf
248. Kiona – Brown hills
249. Aponi – Butterfly
250. Simi – Valley
251. Wicasa – Sage
252. Ahote – Restless one
253. Tayen – New moon
254. Kanti – Sing (to sing)
255. Kimana – Butterfly
256. Matoaka – Little snow feather
257. Galilahi – Attractive
258. Pavati – Clear water
259. Tiva – Dance
260. Ayita – First to dance
261. Leotie – Prairie flower
262. Meli – Bitter
263. Nadie – Wise
264. Naira – Big eyes
265. Salali – Squirrel
266. Wendigo – Evil spirit (for a horse with a mysterious aura)
267. Catori – Spirit (ethereal elegance)
268. Zaltana – High mountain
269. Anoki – Actor (with a flair for drama)
270. Tayen – New moon
Native American Mythological Names
271. Nanabozho – Trickster god in Algonquian mythology
272. Gitchi Manitou – Great Spirit (Algonquian mythology)
273. Coyote – Trickster figure in many Native American cultures
274. Thunderbird – Powerful spirit in many Native American cultures
275. Raven – Trickster god in Pacific Northwest mythology
276. Quetzalcoatl – Feathered serpent god (though from Mesoamerican mythology, it is embraced in some Native narratives)
277. Iktomi – Trickster spider (Lakota mythology)
278. Kanati – First man (Cherokee mythology)
279. Selu – Corn goddess (Cherokee mythology)
280. Heno – Thunder god (Iroquois mythology)
281. Uktena – Horned serpent (Cherokee mythology)
282. Wi – Sun god (Lakota mythology)
283. Unetlanvhi – Creator god (Cherokee mythology)
284. Ahone – Creator god (Powhatan mythology)
285. Coyote – Trickster figure in many tribes
286. Anog Ite – Double Face Woman (Lakota mythology)
287. Kachina – Spirit beings (Hopi mythology)
288. Piasa – Dragon-like creature (Illiniwek mythology)
289. Yeitso – Monster (Navajo mythology)
290. Tawa – Sun god (Hopi mythology)
291. Xolotl – God of lightning and death (Aztec mythology)
292. Hino – Thunder god (Iroquois mythology)
293. Kokopelli – Fertility god (Hopi mythology)
294. Mishipeshu – Underwater panther (Algonquian mythology)
295. Mapinguari – Mythical beast (Amazonian folklore, adopted by some tribes)
296. Napi – Trickster (Blackfoot mythology)
297. Wenebojo – Trickster god (Ojibwe mythology)
298. Aningan – Moon god (Inuit mythology)
299. Wakinyan – Thunderbird (Lakota mythology)
300. Sedna – Sea goddess (Inuit mythology)
Famous Native American Horse Names Based on Cities or States
301. Dakota – Named after North and South Dakota, meaning “friend” or “ally.”
302. Cheyenne – Named after the capital of Wyoming, meaning “people of a different tongue.”
303. Sioux – Named after the Sioux Falls in South Dakota, referencing the Sioux people.
304. Comanche – Named after the Comanche tribe, related to the city Comanche, Texas.
305. Apache – Named after Apache Junction in Arizona, referencing the Apache tribe.
306. Shawnee – Named after Shawnee, Oklahoma, referencing the Shawnee tribe.
307. Yuma – Named after Yuma, Arizona, referencing the Yuma people.
308. Tacoma – Named after the city in Washington, meaning “larger than water.”
309. Tucson – Named after Tucson, Arizona, derived from the O’odham word for “black base.”
310. Miami – Named after Miami, Florida, referencing the Miami tribe.
311. Navajo – Named after the Navajo Nation, related to Navajo City, New Mexico.
312. Oswego – Named after Oswego, New York, meaning “flowing out” in Iroquoian.
313. Erie – Named after Erie, Pennsylvania, referencing the Erie tribe.
314. Muskogee – Named after Muskogee, Oklahoma, referencing the Muscogee (Creek) tribe.
315. Choctaw – Named after Choctaw, Oklahoma, referencing the Choctaw tribe.
316. Tallahassee – Named after Tallahassee, Florida, meaning “old town.”
317. Alachua – Named after Alachua, Florida, meaning “sinkhole.”
318. Mankato – Named after Mankato, Minnesota, derived from a Sioux word meaning “blue earth.”
319. Topeka – Named after Topeka, Kansas, meaning “a good place to dig potatoes.”
320. Cahokia – Named after Cahokia, Illinois, referencing the Cahokia tribe.
Native American Horse Names That Pay Homage to Animals
321. Kangi – Crow
322. Waya – Wolf
323. Mahkah – Earth (often linked with animals)
324. Mato – Bear
325. Tala – Wolf
326. Koko – Night owl
327. Shiye – Son (relates to animals in spirit)
328. Hania – Spirit warrior (often linked to animal spirits)
329. Miki – Little (often used for smaller animals)
330. Keme – Thunder (linked to powerful animals like thunderbirds)
331. Nashoba – Wolf
332. Kele – Sparrow
333. Kaya – Elder sister (used for protective animals)
334. Aponi – Butterfly
335. Elan – Friendly (used for friendly animals)
336. Yuma – Son of the chief (relates to animals with leadership qualities)
337. Matoaka – Little snow feather (used for animals with snowy feathers)
338. Wahya – Wolf (in Cherokee)
339. Makya – Eagle hunter
340. Misu – Rippling brook (relates to animals near water)
Native American Horse Names Based on Gods and Heros
341. Nanabozho – Trickster god in Algonquian mythology
342. Gitchi Manitou – Great Spirit (Algonquian mythology)
343. Coyote – Trickster figure in many Native American cultures
344. Thunderbird – Powerful spirit in many Native American cultures
345. Raven – Trickster god in Pacific Northwest mythology
346. Quetzalcoatl – Feathered serpent god (though Mesoamerican, included here for cultural breadth)
347. Iktomi – Trickster spider (Lakota mythology)
348. Kanati – First man (Cherokee mythology)
349. Selu – Corn goddess (Cherokee mythology)
350. Heno – Thunder god (Iroquois mythology)
351. Uktena – Horned serpent (Cherokee mythology)
352. Wi – Sun god (Lakota mythology)
353. Unetlanvhi – Creator god (Cherokee mythology)
354. Ahone – Creator god (Powhatan mythology)
355. Anog Ite – Double Face Woman (Lakota mythology)
356. Kachina – Spirit beings (Hopi mythology)
357. Wenebojo – Trickster god (Ojibwe mythology)
358. Aningan – Moon god (Inuit mythology)
359. Wakinyan – Thunderbird (Lakota mythology)
360. Sedna – Sea goddess (Inuit mythology)
Native American Horse Names from TV and Film
361. Tonto – From The Lone Ranger
362. Chingachgook – From The Last of the Mohicans
363. Pocahontas – From Disney’s Pocahontas
364. Little Creek – From Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron
365. Spirit – From Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron
366. Nashoba – Wolf from Brother Bear
367. Kocoum – From Disney’s Pocahontas
368. Kit Carson – From various Westerns
369. Tecumseh – From Tecumseh: The Last Warrior
370. Geronimo – From Geronimo: An American Legend
371. Chief – From The Black Stallion
372. Windwalker – From the film Windwalker
373. Apache – From Apache films
374. Ten Bears – From Dances with Wolves
375. Red Cloud – From Crazy Horse
376. Crazy Horse – From Crazy Horse
377. Sitting Bull – From Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee
378. White Fang – From White Fang
379. Tomochichi – From Into the West
380. Nakoa – From the series Frontier
Native American Horse Names Inspired by Famous Native Americans
381. Sitting Bull – Famous Lakota leader
382. Geronimo – Famous Apache leader
383. Crazy Horse – Famous Lakota warrior
384. Tecumseh – Shawnee chief and warrior
385. Red Cloud – Oglala Lakota chief
386. Cochise – Leader of the Chiricahua Apache
387. Sequoyah – Creator of the Cherokee syllabary
388. Chief Joseph – Nez Perce leader
389. Black Hawk – Sauk leader
390. Osceola – Seminole leader
391. Wilma – Named after Wilma Mankiller, Cherokee Nation’s first female chief
392. Pontiac – Ottawa war chief
393. Squanto – Patuxet interpreter and guide
394. Sacagawea – Lemhi Shoshone guide for the Lewis and Clark expedition
395. Quanah – Named after Quanah Parker, Comanche leader
396. Tatanka – Named after Tatanka Iyotake (Sitting Bull)
397. Jim Thorpe – Named after the famous athlete
398. Black Kettle – Cheyenne chief
399. Touch the Clouds – Miniconjou Lakota chief
400. Nanyehi – Cherokee leader, also known as Nancy Ward
Powerful Native American Horse Names
401. Wakinyan – Thunderbird (a powerful spirit in many Native American cultures)
402. Akecheta – Fighter
403. Hania – Spirit warrior
404. Kitchi – Brave
405. Keme – Thunder
406. Kanati – First man (a powerful figure in Cherokee mythology)
407. Mato – Bear (symbolizes strength)
408. Takoda – Friend to all (power in unity)
409. Wicasa – Sage (powerful in wisdom)
410. Cetan – Hawk
411. Yuma – Son of the chief
412. Elan – Friendly (strong in relationships)
413. Iktomi – Trickster spider (cunning power)
414. Kangee – Raven (a powerful bird in many myths)
415. Shikoba – Feather (light yet strong)
416. Ahanu – He laughs (power in joy)
417. Chayton – Falcon
418. Nashoba – Wolf (symbol of strength and unity)
419. Tasunka – Horse (a powerful animal in Native culture)
420. Mingan – Grey wolf
Cool Native American Horse Names
421. Tala – Wolf
422. Dakota – Friend or ally
433. Koda – Ally
434. Mika – Wise raccoon
435. Chenoa – Dove
436. Aponi – Butterfly
437. Sakari – Sweet
438. Ahote – Restless one
439. Namid – Star dancer
440. Kaya – Elder sister
441. Paco – Eagle
442. Elu – Beautiful
443. Hinto – Blue
444. Kele – Sparrow
445. Simi – Valley
446. Tayen – New moon
447. Wapi – Lucky
448. Onida – The expected one
449. Kiona – Brown hills
450. Chayton – Falcon
Conclusion
Naming your horse is more than just picking a sound you like. It’s about finding a name that fits, a name with soul. Native American horse names offer a rich tapestry of meanings, stories, and connections to nature.
Whether you’re inspired by animals, gods, or powerful spirits, there’s a name that feels right. Remember, it’s not just a name; it’s a bond, a nod to history, and a tribute to your horse’s spirit. So, take a name that sings to you, and let it tell your horse’s story.
Ultimately, the right name will make your heart skip a beat and make your horse’s ears perk up. Happy naming.