What is in an Indian Name?

You are given the name that you walk with in your spirit, for your name is your spirit.
Spirit Medicine©1995 by Wolf Moondance

I read a comment about the romanticism of having an “Indian” name. They can evoke adventure, mysticism, and a little romance. But one’s Indian or Natural name is not a novelty. We are generally given a name at birth. But for some Pueblos, infants were not named until several weeks old. The Elder women would take the newborn out at dawn for prayers. The Eldest of the Grandmothers received the baby’s name. Each name was unique and not repeated. The energy, vibration, and power of the name bestowed were solely for that child. This uniqueness of name is shared in other cultures and applies to adults as well. It is said that Crazy Horse, Oglala Sioux, was given the name of and by his Father, who then took the name Worm.

Traditionally, an Adult or Spiritual name was an important part of the ceremonies and activities during which a young person was recognized as an adult. This name may have come to an Elder through vision, ceremony and prayer, or be based upon the child’s accomplishments and personality. The fear of a less than flattering name surely prompted good behavior. Even a young person would realize the hardship of being known as “Lazy Toad.” But an adult name could also come directly to the child through a vision.

Additional names can come throughout adult life. These can emanate from prominent experiences, such as a Vision Quest, or society membership. Some names are secretive, known only to the bestower and bearer or a select few. Names based on an experience reinforce the power of that event and continue the bearer’s recognition for it. Each name represents and recognizes aspects of personality and personal growth, either that which has occurred, or that which will come.

A name can also be representative of a current life phase. They can inspire us to achieve, to learn. They can foretell what we are to become or overcome, and evoke the aspects of our personal journey they identify. Change is a constant in all things. We learn and we grown. For some, an adult name will be with and suit that person for a lifetime. For others, they can be out grown, more reflective of the past than the present or future, and no longer appropriate.

There are probably as many traditions to receiving a name as there are Tribes and Clans. In some American Indian communities, it is not appropriate to simply ask for one. A name is of great importance and power, and each one is sacred. One must be ready before the name is revealed to an Elder, and one must wait. There are Elders who teach that finding one’s name can be in part, or entirely, a personal quest. Perhaps there is a personal aspect involved. When as an adult, our current name seems no longer suitable, or sufficient, this may be the time to prepare for a new name, one which more accurately represents this part of the journey.