Do you consider using Native American tribe names as names for children disrespectful?

Such as Dakota, Cheyenne, etc... Why do you feel that way?

Do you consider using Native American tribe names as names for children disrespectful?
I don't consider it disrespectful because I'm not very familiar with Native American culture.





I have heard that the tribes consider it disrespectful, though. Apparently it's hard for them to explain why, but it would be the rough equivalent of, in Western culture, choosing to name your child something like "Christ" or "God."





There are naming websites run by Native Americans that will help you choose a Native American name for your child if you want one. For a small donation, they will send you a list of either Native American names or words that would make good names. You get to choose the gender, language, and how "foreign" you want the name to sound.





If you want your child to receive a traditional "spirit" name, however, you'll have to take your child to see a tribal religious leader in person.
Reply:most definitely





Native Americans have lost so much to the invading Europeans and to American society in general (remember the old Paul Revere and the Raiders song "Cherokee Nation"?. The lyrics are below.). They even lost their own tribal names to the invaders.





The name "Sioux" is a French version of the Ojibwa word nadewisou, which means "treacherous snakes". The native names for the Sioux mean "An Alliance of Friends", which is Dakhota in the Santee dialect, Nakhota in the Yankton dialect and Lakhota in the Teton dialect. There are a number of different spellings of these names.





The Native American name Cheyenne is a Tribal name from Siouan Dakota Shahiyena, meaning "people of alien speech" (literally "red-speak, red-come").





A number of people on this site have expressed a liking for the name "Kiva". This word means (n.) A large chamber built under, or in, the houses of a Pueblo village, used as an assembly room in religious rites or as a men's dormitory. It is commonly lighted and entered from an opening in the roof.





At my urging, a writer questioned the tribes about using the name and was informed that they would find it offensive.





Am I Native American? No, I'm 2nd generation Irish American. My ancestors and recent relatives lived through the English subjugation of the Irish people. The native Gaelic language was not allowed to be spoken or taught. Children were deprived of any education. The chosen religion (Roman Catholicism) was forbiddent to be practiced.





From what I've read, Gaelic is now spoken by 1-2% of the population. The British have virtually wiped out the native language.





While religion and education are no longer proscribed for the Irish, the term "hedgerow" is still somewhat in use. Priests held Mass and taught children behind hedges, rocks, and in old abandoned buildings.





Because of my ancestors and near relatives, I've learned a greater appreciation for the history of other people. Maybe others will feel I'm too old-fashioned or out-of-the-loop but it boils down to respect. The British had no respect for the Irish and white people, in general, have no respect for Native American culture.





Sorry this is so long but it's a complicated issue that cannot be answered in just a few words.
Reply:Mostly I think it is silly. I am Shoshone and Paiute, enrolled, as are both of my parents, etc.





I once met a man named Shoshone, I asked him, "Are you Shoshone?" He said, "Yes." I repeated, "Are you Shoshone?" He said, "Yes" again. So I asked again and he just didn't get it. So, I said, "I'm Shoshone, you know, the tribe." It was kind of uncomfortable, for him that is.





As a teacher I'd do the same thing, ask kids who were named tribal names if they were Cheyenne, Dakota, etc. Most didn't even know that those are names of a nation of people. (Apparently some here on YA do not know that either.)





So, in sum, is it disrespectful? No. Mostly it is just uninformed people who think they are doing native people a favor or honor when really they are just self indulgent.





JMO.
Reply:No not at all. If we say that it's disrespectful to use Native American tribes then we can start using that for everything...Every city, state, country, and continent could then be offended if someone named their child after them. Every person who had someone named after them could say that it's disrespectful. I think naming someone after someone or something should be considered an honor.
Reply:I'm just here to agree with Ruby and Emmy. They said it way better than I could! It is disrespectful, and comes across as incredibly ignorant. The only thing worse is when parents pick the name off a map and have no idea it's an American Indian tribe, misspell it (Shyann, anyone?)
Reply:you might want to check on the real meaning of some of those names. many of the names non natives know our nations by were given by our enemies to describe us. many of them are less than flattering and you may just end up calling your child a name that means dog people or snakes or man eaters.





and as many here have said well, yes it is offensive. i like the way brings light put it..self indulgent. many people think if THEY want to do it or have it then they can. most don't care if it harms others.
Reply:Why would it be disrespectful? On the contrary, I think anyone is honoured when a baby is named after them , whether it is a whole tribe or just a person's first name. I think Cheyenne is gorgeous :-)
Reply:Not at all. Most all cultures use names that are descriptive of places or events.


Even so called english or american names have meanings.


I had an uncle named Tacoma.We aren't Indian.
Reply:well i dont see the difference as when people name their children after cities and countries (ex. Madison, Brooklyn, Asia, Ireland...)
Reply:No, There beautiful names and dont need the label.


They arent disrespectful, its more honory
Reply:Dakota and Cheyenne are also names of places, so no, I think it's pretty ridiculous say that. But I do think it's silly to use names of tribes with no clue as to their proper pronunciation or meaning.
Reply:No, why would they be considered disrespectful??
Reply:Yes, they are very disrespectful to the people of those tribes. It is culturally disrespectful and shows the ignorance of the parents who knows absolutely nothing about the Native American tribe that they are naming their poor child after.





[Edit] I am Cherokee Indian but that does not mean I would go naming my kid Cherokee. Nor would I name my child Irish, German, Scottish, English, American, or Canadian.
Reply:Yes, if you are not Native American.
Reply:no not at all i think those are beautiful names :]
Reply:NO someone said this to me on here as my daughters name is Shyanne i changed the spelling and am considering Dakota for my next daughter





I am of native american descent and have a spirit guide so how can honouring my ancestors be disrespectful some people never have anything positive to say!





EDIT: how do i get a thumbs down for telling the truth and my opinion
Reply:no because i don't think people use them because they are tribe names, they just like the name
Reply:Don't think so Lily.