Why Do Indians Have Weird Names?

The first community that comes to mind when a strange nickname or name is mentioned is the Indians. Because this community is perhaps the most interesting and from colorful name traditions has one. These names mean much more than classic names such as Ali and John.

Native American names, a society’s values, beliefs and lifestyle It also gives hints about Therefore, these names, which are an important part of Native American culture, are still kept alive in Native American communities today. So, why do they choose such different names?

Today, people are given names that they will carry throughout their lives at birth, and no one changes their name except in compulsory situations, but this situation has become very interesting for the Indians.

Native Americans throughout their lifetime They can change names 2-3 times. Of course, they also give a name to the person at birth. This name; He is chosen according to the place of his birth, the traditions of his family and his environment.

However, it can change in adolescence and adulthood according to the successes and life experiences of the person. In other words, these new names given to the person, the characteristic features of the person, his connection with nature and reflects their experience.

To put it simply, the name changes as the person changes.

For example, when you were born “Little black eyes” a boy named after him, if he excels at hunting “White Hawk” can be called. If he becomes an experienced leader for the rest of his life, his name is “The Mighty Hawk They Talked About” It can turn into something like

People do not just live their lives with the name given to them at birth. The biggest reason for the name change is that it is a way for people to reach their goals as they grow up. source of motivation is to be created.

Native American names; It is selected based on symbolic elements such as nature, animals and characteristics.

These names not only identify a person, but also provide clues about Native American culture. Most of the Native American names; animals such as eagles, bulls, or deer, or like the Sun, Moon, and wind. from natural elements chosen by inspiration.

Each chosen name has a symbol and specific forces is believed to have. For example, the name Dancing Wind sounds good, but Native Americans know that the dancing wind represents a hurricane. This name is given to people with a changeable and angry nature.

To take another example, bear is a common name just like ours Ahmet. A person Wounded Bear If she gets her name, other people know she’s suffering and needs special attention. If a person achieves great things, to describe one’s open-minded perception as well as his special connection between heaven and earth, namely spirituality. “Eagle Eye” can be given a new name.

There are several ways to give a name to a person.

One of these ways is for the family or the person who will receive the name to ask someone close to you to name it. Another way is someone’s to give a name is to offer. In both cases, a special ceremony is required.

Families and friends of the tribal community on ceremonial days in the sacred circle is collected; prays, and the naming member makes a loud announcement to the spiritual leader, the aides, and others present. In this announcement, it is explained what the name is and why it is given to the person. The named person and his family present gifts to the spiritual leader, the giver, and everyone present as he conducts the ceremony.

These ceremonies still continue today. There are many prerequisites for people to participate in such ceremonies. One of these prerequisites is the person to be named before the ceremony. because it does not identify with the name is to be sure.

The Native American tradition of naming inspires the individual to strive to become better, heal, and improve. However, if the person does not have any talent or any name does not suit him, by birth name There are also Native Americans living their life.