Native American horse names are deeply rooted in history, meaning, and spirit.

These names go beyond labels—they carry stories, memories, and prayers.

Names like “Thunder” evoke the power of a storm, while “Sky” captures the vastness above.

Each name reflects a connection to nature, bravery, and the cosmos. Whether naming a new horse or exploring this tradition, these names have been cherished and passed down through generations.

Dive into a world where every name holds a tale.

How to Choose a Native American Name for Horse

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.

Read also: Names of Brown Horses. 

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

If you’re looking for strength, grace, or a tribute to the spirit of the wild, these Native American female horse names are sure to inspire you.

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 (See also: Disney Horse Character in Movies.)

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

Read also: Names for Horses in Spanish.

Native Horse Names: Conclusion

Naming your horse is about more than just choosing a sound. It’s about finding a name that fits and has meaning.

Native American horse names are rich in history, stories, and connections to nature.

Inspired by animals, gods, or spirits, these names honor your horse’s spirit.

The right name will make your heart skip a beat and your horse’s ears perk up. Enjoy the process of naming.