How Navajo People Get Their "Indian Name"

[@waitsfanatic1]

It is a pleasure not only to hear your teachings, but also to hear your Mother tongue. Peace.

[@chrishartwig5230]

I have different names from different tribes. My Sioux name that my grandfather gave me is Bear Who Likes to be Gentle. A Navajo elder dubbed me Wanderer Who Seeks. Cherokee elder just called me Nighthawk.

[@Kelly_C]

sure you do

[@phoenixmoon5580]

I'd like to hear the stories behind all these names if you are willing. They seem very different from one another yet similar. I'd also like to hear what names of these you prefer and why.

[@nordicbeauty373]

I. Was always called “bear” …(now my title sister who isn’t young ). My sister was named “Big” shy. Wh y? They never elaborated. I can remember when she would spend the night, my sister and opted to sleep on the top bunk.my sister was deathly afraid of her…idk why…she was so kind, loving , and she had hair that dragged down past het ankle.s. We three io us would have have to separate in section to wash her, clean her, and shampoo….she just couldn’t dot it anymore due to arthritis.

[@TechDeath28]

I believe you bro

[@TechDeath28]

@@Kelly_C my grandmother was full blooded native American, potawatomi and odawa. It's not a very far stretch for OP to have roots from at least one tribe let alone 2, plus it's easy enough to visit a reservation especially if you have family that lives there. Why would you doubt that?

[@marionmuolo9321]

Good man to stand up for his loved ones rather than his job

[@timmccarthy3034]

I LOVE THIS GUY...He is so beautiful.....and has so much wisdom..and a wonderful humor, ...and is so generous in all his sharing....

[@irenelee9250]

Ahee hee, shi cheii. I like to add a comment. My Navajo name was given to me by my mother. Also, when I was 8 years old, I still remember some men and women navajo names in our community who are no longer on mother earth. But, these names were given to them by the comunity of what kind of personality, or what kind of work they did.

[@irenelee9250]

Additional comment to my recent text, these individuals that I spoke of: i have learned many things from them. Of course, life was different when I was a little girl. The community were thoughtful and respectful to one another, and helpful to each other. When an individual is coming by- they would give them something to eat before they visited. And laughter breaks out among the family. This is what I remember.

[@rettapine9500]

Ahee Hee Shi Cheii.

[@janelliot5643]

The Grandson of Laughing Medicine Man! That's beautiful and it's so fits you, Wally, and your gift for teaching what has been handed up to you from trusted teachers.

[@durwinpocha2488]

You have earned your name. Action is louder than words, it is the language of the great spirit.

[@bonnieandclyde222]

My son was born in a hospital with beautiful pine trees at the window , I looked up and saw a bird so called him Bird in a Tree , as well as his English name ,it's a lovely and important way to call people and remember

[@graceyjewels7148]

That's so perfect

[@phoenixmoon5580]

May he fly high over any obstacle or fear, may he soar with blessings and success, and may he always have a protective and approprate shelter to rest in.

[@wulfseig1864]

Thank you for you teachings. Blessings to Navajo Nation and all other Indigenous Nations during these trying times.

[@tracycalder9368]

Traditional people make a lot of sense.

[@ZoneZero-sm9jv]

Except for the whole polygamy thing and the blood sacrifice.

[@karenoaks7778]

Please don't judge another culture or their spiritual practice. Also, you are talking about both of these plus a very different generation. Rather than assume you know everything, recognize that you know little and open your mind. Ask questions and learn.

[@ZoneZero-sm9jv]

@@karenoaks7778 I know a lot more than you assume

[@ymirist1162]

My ancestors are Native Americans from South America & they all have spanish names which makes sense because we all live in South America but my family stopped giving "Indian names" so although I don't have one I love hearing others names. I also love to learn about them. (Plus I grew up in a Christian household so I just really want to learn about my roots)

[@jasonstrange1697]

Thank you Uncle Wally so much for trying to bring me back down to center. I really appreciate it. And I hope to be able to do something for you.

[@gotmullets]

My Father ...when I was young and growing up... once told me he was always told by his mother...that you can never call yourself something or basically name yourself.. that you have to wait till others call you something or name you something... and that it's based off what you do, how you are and act, what you say and so on.. similar to what you have said. He even said that I couldn't just tell someone... I'am a "Great guy"....that I'd have to wait until someone else or in some cases several others have called me a "Great guy".. I almost feel .. in some sense.. his words are derived or his teachings are derived from his Mother (my Grandmother on his side)..she is said to be a descendant of the Diné people. My name here is derived from what many people have always referred to me as through my life growing up.. I was always kind of quiet and mild mannered around people I didn't know mostly and also very quiet and respectfully reserved around my elders.. so many friends and family would assume I was a "Shy Boy".. I would be called that all the time.. or referred to as that...then also.. when I was older...in my teens...I was a little wild in everything I would do..whether it was working or if it was something fun.. id seem "savage" in my efforts.. but meaning I did it quickly with extreme seriousness.. and I wasn't afraid of anything at the time.. being a young man..sometimes many of us feel invincible.. One day someone put all that together and had referred to me as "ShyBoy Savage" and others liked that name and so it stuck. I apologize for the lengthy post.. Thank you for your wonderful wisdom and teachings! I appreciate you very much!

[@grammyd8361]

These teachings are wonderful! Thank you so much, for sharing your truth in a world that seems, all are lies and trickery... Deceptions. Please continue as you raise our spirits and bless our lives with your knowledge.

[@baswordfish]

Pendleton blanket, chief Joseph pattern, on the back, love it!

[@MEAT_CANNON]

Please never stop sharing your wisdom with us, Wally. ✌

[@RichieALevy]

Ya'at'eh. Thank you for this very enlightening story and history of traditional naming. As a retired foreign language teacher, I truly enjoy your relaxed and enjoyable way of imparting your knowldge of the indigenous people of this land!. I wish more Americans were as interested in learning languages as I have been for over 5 decades. Little by little I am learning with you and thanks to other Navajo language videos. Stay safe Mr. Brown!

[@dougreed736]

My wife and our kids 3 got their native names today. I honor You're honesty brother

[@RealGigaMind]

It's a great age we live in. KZbin is such a platform that voices who might have lost, become immortal till the end of the time, granted KZbin lasts till then and videos don't get flagged.

[@Sweetest73]

It remains me of judaism and Christianity where they also regard names as something very important; though I like better the Navajo Way , where different names are giving to you; specially the ceremonial name ; I wish I knew the name God knows me by 😊 !!!! This YT channel is such a blessing! Thank you 💙

[@shellieperreault6262]

It's the name that was used at your baptism.

[@eveningclicks7767]

Not all Christians are presented with a new name at baptism. However we see in Revelation 2:17 God will give each person a white stone with a new name on it.

[@oveerikstorhaug2217]

Thank you very much for this teaching dear Wally. The Sami people of Norway has managed to save their language and thereby their culture. (I am Norwegian) So please dr Wally whould you please also do these videos in the native Navajo language? It will be very important for the future of your culture and life on earth. Times are changing fast now and the english is (mix of 4 languages) only a rubbish helping language compared to the native languages . There are many folks now and more to come to wake up that want to learn these old languages of nature so it is very important to keep them alive. May God bless you for your nice teaching.

[@FaithMidnight]

Navajo Grandpa, this is the name I give to you because you are an old man full of knowledge and stories.

[@aminajaberi2911]

My grandmother always gave us our names. Now I continue the tradition and give my kids names. My son is oldest is elk of the river and my second son Is white pony.

[@staciwashington3212]

I choose that spiritual Navajo name, Staci Reed, in honor of my grandmother, Essie Mae Reed, and her loving relationship with the Navajo people. Thank you.🌷💞

[@bulbhorn]

Very interesting as always. Thank you.

[@atenraakhu7416]

Very similar concept to the Ancient Egyptians, where the name was part of the personality. And for the Egyptians once the person departs from this Material World the Spirit will lives through his Name.

[@momo_bryant]

I have Navajo bloodline. My great grandmother was forced to sign over her rights. Our family was written down in the Dawes rolls as Cherokee. My cousin believed we were Cherokee however after a LOT of research I was able to find out we were Navajo. (maybe both but that's a lot more research). Anyway, I hate that I wasn't able to learn more about my Native roots. I've always wanted to learn more & would love an authentic Navajo name. But I no longer have any family that could give me one.

[@swiftcee266]

This is amazing. I was given my name by my tribe. Effectively. We are all the same. Yet thousand miles away. Blessings to you

[@NickHered]

Thank you for this information! Very interesting stuff!

[@OpreRoma]

Interesting video, Laughing Medicine Man is an amazing name, can tell just from that how wonderful your granddad must have been. Solidarity from a mixed Mincéir/Romanichal in the UK who is, like so many in these comments, looking to understand her roots which bigotry sought to extinguish and forced underground. I've developed an interest in other cultures who've had similar experiences as a result of my own attempts to understand exactly where I came from and that's how I came across this video

[@phoenixmoon5580]

Please can you explain what YOU mean by Minceir and Romanichal please? (I'm thinking that Romanichal =Romani connection, and Minceir looks similar to words in the French language. I am also thinking I'm 100% wrong!). I'm also born and reside in the UK. It is good to see someone from the same part of the world who through some type of sense (spiritual for me) has found these videos.

[@katrussell6819]

Recently I acquired a Inuit stone carving and sent it to a museum in Juneau. It was made by Charlie Tooktwo. There is a story with that name.

[@gregkral4467]

I sometimes wonder if with how we are named in European cultures, if one kind of grows into their name, like the name helps form who you will be, or what you would be like. I have seen so many people with same first names seem to be very very similar to each other, and some names, I have have seen only in untrustworthy or petty people, or they seem to have very similar traits. My own is supposed to be Greek origin meaning watchful.... and that I believe describes me a lot, I have almost an OCD in terms of needing to learn as much and remember as much as possible, especially in areas that others don't commonly know. I like to experiment, with almost everything to find the truths of that thing if possible, and if works, will do my best to remember and share. I feel sometimes that I am like a sponge that needs to record everything I can understand, and find connections and patterns between different things as if I were to be an encyclopedia of sorts, and I get very sad that people seem to know so little of almost everything now. We are clever, but not wise anymore. Maybe that will help me move onto the next world, or worlds. Thank you for your videos, sir. They give much to think about.

[@peacemaker6156]

All i remember my fever was so high i could hear tha angels sing and it was beautiful. Grandaddy blew smoke on me and may have danced around me chanting ? I aint sure. Then grandma made me i totty. Thats why im strong immune system today.

[@camilleshryock3180]

Bless you for teaching me your culture. It is very interesting.

[@brejoyal5390]

I love this method of naming people! Thank you very much for sharing this :) I have two sons and I am currently 15 weeks pregnant. I probably won't know the sex until my baby is born, but if my baby is a girl I might name her "Winona" which means "firstborn daughter." And I love that I can also call her another name later if I choose to! I might also come up with new names for my sons! No one can force us to strictly go by just one name our entire lives and in all circumstances :) Unfortunately, I don't have a rich culture to interact with, especially in such a personal or tight, communal level. I live just with my husband and children. We visit other family members about once a year. But I hope to be a bigger part of my children's lives and I hope for Grandchildren!

[@brianlevine4802]

Thank You, Grandfather. AHO!

[@Love2TravelAway]

Very interesting thank you for educating us🌸🌷🦋💕

[@braindeadvirus5173]

in my tribe (which is just me) I am known as Blue bear running (to the shop to get more food) I am blue from food deficiency and in winter I am called sleepy big blue bear singing(not running)

[@JonDoeNeace]

I could only count on two hands the people who've impacted me so wholly that my perspective changed. I'd consider these people to be friends, people who were deserving of my loyalty and support. There's only a handful of these. One old friend, when we first met, he asked my name . I said "John Neace" and he says "John Doe." And from that point on, he never referred to me as anything besides John Doe, he said "until you know who you are, you're John Doe." He was Navajo. I am John Doe, though I know who I am a bit more now.

[@mizzmy929]

😍😍😍 I appreciate all the wonderful things you share.

[@pacotorres1208]

How is everyone out that way after the virus!?? Keeping nation In my prayer's

[@jamesotisjr2322]

20 covid cases in the rest of Socorro County. at least 89 cases on the Alamo rez.

[@anyacara9538]

Thank you. I too care.

[@stn7172]

Virus has never been isolated, don't believe the bs

[@Ruthie888]

Thank you!

[@duaneholcomb8408]

I was told that my people have names after things events. And sometimes places. Though now it is not always that way. But originally it was the way,,,

[@qwadpj5093]

I knew one friend in Gallup he went by the name airplane and his brother went by the name helicopter because they would come in for a landing.

[@JoseMejia-ke1ez]

Muy interesante la renuncia a la Policía para no abandonar a sus seres queridos , una gran reflexión .

[@marjohnsmusings3222]

Grandmother Mechi named me, Walks with Honor. I am the only grand-daughter of one of the stolen children. The nuns named her; Mary Carlson, at an Indian school. Her native father was called Walks with Carlson. Her white mother and her twelve children had been abandoned by her husband, Carlson. My great grandfather took care of Margaret Carlson and the younger of her 12 kids. My grandmother was Margaret's thirteenth child but Walks with Carlson's first born. Carlson returned after over four years away without one letter and found his wife had a new baby. He agreed not to kill Margaret or Walks with Carlson if he would leave and never return and Margaret sent her 'bastard halfbreed' away. Tiny Mary was only a toddler. Mary made it to third grade at the Indian School, then was sent to live with a white family as their laundress and seamstress. Mary ran away at 15 to marry James Nicholson. Out of fear of kidnap, rape or murder , Mary hid in her house. For my safety, she refused to teach me her father's language but Mary did teach me stories of the Ghost Dancers, why I should wear silver and turquoise and wear my hair long. Mary also taught me how to weave and sew. My heritage was stolen. I believe Walks with Carlson acted as a guide during the Spanish American War and later farm foreman on the land Carlson was granted for serving in that war.

[@julialopez27]

A mí Unos señores de ellos me regaló un dije. hermoso de plata con turquesa lo bendición y habló en su lengua. y lo hice collar , espero de todo corazón volverme a encontrar a él. para ahora yo regalarle un (bacanora licor típico de los indios yaquis) De dónde es mi estado (Sonora) aunque yo no sea yaqui 😞. qué hice un collar con el dije que me regaló y que no me lo quito

[@cedarpoplar]

You never get to choose your own name. Those closest to you get that priority in naming you. Problem is you have to stick with it. Momma always likes to make it sound heartwarming. But your fellas will make it sound awkward unless, you can prove yourself

[@ChristaFree]

Guess that's where the expression "go make a name for yourself" comes from.

[@staciwashington3212]

I will call my Navajo name Staci Reed. Like the reed of a bamboo flute. I like to sing.🌷🐘

[@paulanderson9009]

my friends and family call me the wolf walker

[@magorzatadudziak2092]

Thank you.

[@jamesotisjr2322]

my Dine bud Ray says his native name is Ten Beers. he gave it to himself after the character named Ten Bears in The Outlaw Josey Wales.

[@im_the_operator_with_my_po1684]

0 dislikes on this video almost one year after been published instill some hope in me, maybe

[@leotacoakley3096]

My name is leota it means wildflower growing up I did not understand why my name was different now I understand and proud of it

[@AnneDowson-vp8lg]

What a lovely name! It is true that our names are given to us by other people, mainly family. From Anne Margaret (which means Gracious Pearl).

[@robertsias7107]

Seems like coyote is juvenile character

[@spoton6906]

When I was born, Aunties called me Little White Man. Later, in the Army was called Hey You. Now my wife calls me Ahhh, Him.

[@troymccleery5400]

I was told my name was Black Crow but he knew I would not feel deserving (which was correct). So was named Many Horses instead. What is the meaning of Many Horses?

[@phoenixmoon5580]

Well, what can many horses do? They have power whilst being graceful. A team of horses can pull heavy loads. Also, the power of a horse is how the power of a car or engine based vehicle is measured, in 'horsepower'. Are you a car or engine person? (Note: Not a Navajo or connected to them, used to be obsessed with horses. Also wish to assist in answering your question).

[@TODD1968ification]

My name is Far Looker. Given to me by my Cherokee brothers.

[@MetalSnake6199]

My name is Metal Snake. Im born on the year of the Snake and my element is Metal. But that being said, the Metal/Earth is very, as the element is called, down to Earth and unpersuaded. The snake is Smart, Calculated, and very wise. I really like my alias. Sorta sounds like a Metal Gear Solid name. It's pretty cool in my opinion.

[@MetalSnake6199]

He speaks of "Christian name", and I never thought of it as that. I know what my name means, so let me explain them. Gregory Adam-Oscar Mendoza. Gregory - The Watchers Adam - Earth Oscar - [God's] Devine Spear Mendoza - Cold Mountain I love my name. It's very cultural.

[@OGmolton1]

Thanks!

[@NavajoTraditionalTeachings]

Thank you

[@niapitcher1337]

THANKS FOR SHARING

[@mistervacation23]

What about "Irving two smokes"?

[@Ishisah]

Navajo names aren't romanic like you see in movies. Navajo names can be unfortunate, for instance: If you have big ears, you will be called Big Ears, if you have a huge mouth, you're called Huge Mouth. Navajo names are descriptive--and describe your most obvious features. That is why you can have several different names, because people will describe you differently. Ceremonial names, well no one knows those names because you are not allowed to tell anyone, because people can use them against you.

[@olafwitt7246]

Thank you sir.

[@philobetto7212]

I’m white but named nez for tall then sundown I forget Navaho for sundown.

[@JR-nm2zu]

Thank you

[@jessicaprintke4973]

I know that you have your Ideas But I am Cherokee By blood However Rain water That last name It definitely belongs to my mother

[@braindeadvirus5173]

in autum I am called big blue bear with nothing to do but write stories on KZbin

[@Ленад-е1ш]

God Bless my dears ❤️❤️❤️🌈☀️💞

[@staciwashington3212]

I am Dancing Butterfly.

[@robert11751]

i named myself jimmy fry bead

[@TheoriginalRainy]

I am hispanic and white. My auntie is navajo she married my uncle dads brother. She always called me rainbow. I always felt special for being the only white kid who recieved a name. . So she must have really seen something good in me ?

[@MCLMisty]

I'm Infinity, Chief Lenard (Lion-bold) Elrich (the rich) Walker 3rd. after enlightenment, all names are kinda my name. nonduality really make english a hard language to use but unfortunately its the only language i really know well

[@crystalclear6660]

I wish that I was given a name other than the one at birth.

[@duaneholcomb8408]

I think .most people are that way. But what we do in life that is if we are a good person or bad is more important than what you answere to

[@Ahmedqamislo]

Eagle flies

[@Tejah]

😊

[@Ishisah]

Now I was told, by my Navajo Cultural teacher, that all Navajo kids on the Rez have to take. Navajo's were only suppose to have one wife, and it was because of the Indian wars that Navajos started to take more wives--to repopulate the tribe.

[@jasonstrange6991]

It means number 1 father.

[@WAXBAE]

Can people of other cultures be named by indigenous people?

[@mahen77]

Hi, how to pronounce Onida?

[@loriwilliams2677]

My mother was half shawnee,her mother was raped by an Irishman.its been years but I believe her family name meant blood on snow?I always say I'll try to find out more but something stops me...ty for the Bread of knowledge

[@cv507]

reminds me of arizona wilders birth D8 ?

[@jayaristonlim4244]

I am here because I had a dream that I was named by a Native American like fox or something.. what could it mean... Godbless you Guys🙏🙏🙏😊

[@kbee4955]

my nalí lady gave me my name

[@rfsmusic1378]

Hey I have a question so I found out my grandad Navajo Indian what emoji flag is used for Navajo Indians ..

[@staciwashington3212]

What is my name, grandpa?

[@GarthOJ]

Please forgive my ignorance. Do they have no name until they are given a name?

[@distanctive4768]

GP. Oj pretty sure that’s the case with everyone

[@yes0r787]

lol

[@rainsarrows4315]

Given one at birth and your name can change

[@brejoyal5390]

I have the same question. I think one Native American tradition is to name a first born daughter "Winona" and firstborn son "Chaska." I'm not sure if that's the right spelling for the boys name. Winona means literally "firstborn daughter" and Chaska is "firstborn son."

[@KREN12623]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🖤💙💛🤍🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@ratty5]

He gave up the badge for 2 wives? That’s respectable given the conservative times.

[@anthonyvaughan1549]

What would my name bee without them there would bee no u or mees.

[@jasonstrange6991]

I will call you I nook

[@heavinhellandearth5309]

Before after me internity no matter what apostlic God and the devil and Jesus Christ name amen

[@michaelray5023]

My Indian name is ‘Michael’ because I was born in a modern hospital & I needed a name on my birth certificate. So my family called me ‘MICHAEL’ some people call it a ‘Christian’ name, but it’s an ‘Indian name’ now lol. Some people call me other names lol! What you call yourself isn’t the absolute truth about you & what others call isn’t absolute either lol. Just an ‘Indian’ thought 😆

[@originalnative5745]

Michael Ray issss

[@jasonstrange6991]

That's Laotian

[@jessicaprintke4973]

L o l Please don't question me I belong to God the God Basque country I am older than the land you live on My bloodlines make up only 7% of the world You know Understand I wish you no Harm But you are

[@jessicaprintke4973]

I'm RH- Navajo cannot be my bloodlines it's not possible

[@niapitcher1337]

MY NAME IN ONE MY.PAST LIVES WAS CRAZY HORSE. EYE NAME MY DAUGHTER FIRSR NAME IMANI. IMANI MEANS FAITH HER MIDDLE NAME IS AMMON. AMMON MEANS AMEN. AMMON WAS A BLACK CARBON GODDESS. AND SHE IS. SHE NAME HER FIRST DAUGHTER NAMYA. NAMYA MEANS WROTHY OF HONOR. HER 2ND DAUGHTER NAME IS NIA. NIA MEANS PURPOSE

[@larryhernandez76]

Paintitred. . .

[@KayhanDemirci-z4k]

How do you say "fighting Turk"in NAVAJO language?i appriciate for my name thank you

[@oveerikstorhaug2217]

Thank you very much for this teaching dear Wally. The Sami people of Norway has managed to save their language and thereby their culture. (I am Norwegian) So please dr Wally whould you please also do these videos in the native Navajo language? It will be very important for the future of your culture and life on earth. Times are changing fast now and the english is (mix of 4 languages) only a rubbish helping language compared to the native languages . There are many folks now and more to come to wake up that want to learn these old languages of nature so it is very important to keep them alive. May God bless you for your nice teaching.

[@AnneDowson-vp8lg]

It is good that people keep their own language. But I am English and it is my native language. If Wally Brown didn't explain his Navajo customs in English I and many other people would not get to know about them, which would be a pity, because we can only learn to live in peace with each other by talking about our customs, what we have in common and also our interesting differences.

[@oveerikstorhaug2217]

@@AnneDowson-vp8lg If you are an english speaker you should be able to see that I wrote "also" wich in turn should mean I am asking to make it in both languages.

[@normanschmidt8389]

Thank you.