90 Unique Cherokee Last Names With Meanings

Cherokee surnames hold deep significance, often drawing from nature, clan history, and key events that shaped the Cherokee people.

These names differ from typical European last names, as many Cherokee surnames show connections to the land, animals, or important qualities passed through family lines.

This article looks at a variety of real Cherokee last names, what they mean, and why they matter in Cherokee culture.

If you want to learn about your family tree, understand Native American naming customs, or just hear the tales behind these names, this guide gives a thoughtful view into the rich history of Cherokee surnames.

Cherokee Last Names

Ahyoka (Cherokee) – It means “she brought happiness,” a name reflecting joy and blessing.

Amo (Cherokee) – It means “water” and symbolizes purity, life, and flow.

Atsadi (Cherokee) – It means “fish” and is often linked to agility and sustenance.

Bigfeather (Cherokee-English) – This name means “large feather,” often a symbol of honor or status.

Buffalomeat (Cherokee-English) – The meaning of this name is “buffalo meat,” which represents strength and survival.

Colagnee (Cherokee) – In this name, “cola” means “raven,” and “gnee” implies a descriptive trait.

Cornsilk (Cherokee-English) – This name means “corn silk” and reflects the importance of maize in Cherokee life.

Deerinwater (Cherokee-English) – It means “a deer in the water” and evokes gentleness and grace.

Gadugi (Cherokee) – It means “working together,” a name connected to community values.

Groundhog (Cherokee-English) – This name refers to the animal; possibly linked to clan or behavior.

Kanuna (Cherokee) – It means “bullfrog” and is symbolic in Cherokee stories and songs.

Kanoska (Cherokee) – The meaning of this name is “to wander,” associated with freedom or searching.

Littebear (Cherokee-English) – This name means “small bear” and often symbolizes protection or strength.

Longcoat (Cherokee-English) – This name refers to a distinctive garment; may imply status.

Mohe (Cherokee) – It means “elk”; revered in many Native cultures.

Nanyehi (Cherokee) – It means “one who goes about”; also the name of Nancy Ward, a famous Cherokee woman.

Onacano (Cherokee) – This name means “he comes from the path” and is associated with travelers or scouts.

Oocumma (Cherokee) – It means “smoke” and is often tied to ritual or fire.

Redbird (Cherokee-English) – This name refers to the cardinal, a sign of messages or courage.

Ridge (Anglicized Cherokee) – The meaning of this name is “high land”; famously used by Major Ridge.

Sequoia (Cherokee) – It means “sparrow” or “pig’s foot”; also the name of the Cherokee syllabary inventor.

Skwala (Cherokee) – It means “fox” and symbolizes cleverness.

Snowbird (Cherokee-English) – This name refers to winter birds; it might symbolize endurance or migration.

Standingdeer (Cherokee-English) – The meaning of this name is “a deer standing still,” a symbol of awareness and balance.

Suwanoka (Cherokee) – It means “echo” and is often tied to spiritual messages.

Swimmer (Cherokee-English) – This name refers to one who swims, a common clan name or achievement title.

Tahlonteeskee (Cherokee) – It means “he who talks while walking” and is associated with diplomacy.

Tayanita (Cherokee) – It means “young beaver” and reflects hard work and family ties.

Teesateska (Cherokee) – It means “he puts down the fire,” perhaps a calming or peacemaking symbol.

Tenasi (Cherokee) – It means “meeting place” and is also the origin of the state name Tennessee.

Thlochv (Cherokee) – It means “hawk” and is associated with vision and strength.

Toineeta (Cherokee) – It means “flint” and often symbolizes strength or weaponry.

Totsu (Cherokee) – This name means “he listens” and signifies wisdom or respect.

Tsa-la-gi (Cherokee) – It means “Cherokee” in their own language; used in place of tribal identity.

Tsiyu (Cherokee) – It means “otter” and represents playfulness and agility.

Tsula (Cherokee) – It means “fox,” a name denoting cleverness.

Ulibarri (Spanish-Cherokee) – The meaning of this name is “of the new town”; some Cherokee families adopted it during colonization.

Uwoduhi (Cherokee) – It means “beautiful,” a name representing grace or value.

Waya (Cherokee) – It means “wolf,” one of the most honored Cherokee clan animals.

Watts (Anglicized Cherokee) – A surname used by a prominent Cherokee leader, sometimes translated from “Oowatie.”

Wilnoty (Cherokee) – It means “black rock,” a solid and grounded name.

Yonaguska (Cherokee) – The meaning of this name is “drowning bear,” a legendary Cherokee chief.

Yona (Cherokee) – It means “bear” and symbolizes strength and protection.

Zonnie (Cherokee) – It means “beautiful”; often used as a given name or surname.

Dusti (Cherokee) – It means “spring frog,” symbolic of change and nature.

Wattuna (Cherokee) – It means “flowering tree,” poetic and seasonal in tone.

Chulahoma (Cherokee) – It means “red fox” and can refer to swiftness and stealth.

Ulisi (Cherokee) – It means “grandmother,” a revered title used as a surname in some cases.

Tayanigi (Cherokee) – It means “beaver hunter” and reflects livelihood and clan duties.

Chewey (Cherokee-English) – Derived from Chu-i; often used by Cherokee families in Oklahoma.

Aganuni (Cherokee) – The meaning of this name is “he is standing,” a reference to strength and presence.

Awiakta (Cherokee) – In this name, awi means “deer” and akta means “eye”, symbolizing grace and sharp vision.

Dusti (Cherokee) – This name refers to the “spring frog,” a sign of renewal and changing seasons.

Echota (Cherokee) – This was the word for “fireplace,” also the name of a historic Cherokee town.

Golanv (Cherokee) – The meaning of this name is “he is coming,” often used to signify arrival or emergence.

Kamama (Cherokee) – This name translates to “butterfly,” a symbol of transformation.

Gawonii (Cherokee) – This name means “he is speaking,” connected to eloquence or leadership.

Salali (Cherokee) – A word for “squirrel,” associated with agility and preparation.

Waya (Cherokee) – This last name means “wolf,” one of the seven Cherokee clans.

Uganawasti (Cherokee) – Translates as “new road,” signifying a fresh path or journey.

Tayanita (Cherokee) – This name refers to a “young beaver,” a creature known for persistence.

Kanuna (Cherokee) – Refers to a “bullfrog,” often linked to deep sounds and presence in nature.

Oukah (Cherokee) – In this name, ouka refers to a chief or leader.

Aniwaya (Cherokee) – This name indicates the “Wolf Clan,” one of the oldest Cherokee lineages.

Yona (Cherokee) – A word that stands for “bear,” symbolizing strength and guardianship.

Tsisqua (Cherokee) – This surname translates as “bird,” often used to signify freedom.

Oocumma (Cherokee) – The meaning of this name is “smoke,” evoking ritual or transformation.

Ahuli (Cherokee) – In this name, ahu represents “drum,” and it may imply rhythm or heartbeat.

Utsidihi (Cherokee) – This last name means “he is a helper,” a title of service and support.

Kanegisgi (Cherokee) – Translates to “bringer of the news,” often tied to messengers.

Skwala (Cherokee) – This name refers to the “fox,” clever and agile in Cherokee lore.

Degataga (Cherokee) – The name means “standing together,” often linked to unity.

Atohi (Cherokee) – Refers to “tree,” a grounding and sacred image in Cherokee culture.

Wayauna (Cherokee) – Combines waya (wolf) and una (child), forming “wolf child.”

Giduwa (Cherokee) – This surname points to the Giduwa or Kituwah people, the ancestral Cherokee.

Nokose (Cherokee) – A word for “bear cub,” softening the power of Yona.

Inola (Cherokee) – Refers to a “black fox,” a rare and mystical animal.

Chewoh (Cherokee) – This name relates to “drumbeat,” often found in ceremonial contexts.

Degani (Cherokee) – A name that conveys “he is grounded,” symbolizing steadiness.

Usdi (Cherokee) – This name means “little” and was sometimes used affectionately.

Nvwati (Cherokee) – This word stands for “medicine,” central to healing traditions.

Gogesi (Cherokee) – Refers to the “owl,” a creature linked to wisdom and mystery.

Tayuwi (Cherokee) – This name suggests “he returns,” indicating loyalty or cycles.

Takwali (Cherokee) – Translates as “panther,” an animal revered for stealth and power.

Tushka (Cherokee) – In this name, tushka stands for “warrior,” a common honorific.

Onawa (Cherokee) – A poetic name for “awakening,” often tied to morning light.

Ahyuli (Cherokee) – Refers to the concept of “choice,” reflecting independence.

Udahili (Cherokee) – A name connected to “trail” or “pathway.”

Awenasa (Cherokee) – Translates to “my home,” a name of belonging.

Tayanigi (Cherokee) – This name means “beaver hunter,” rooted in traditional roles.

Closing Remarks

Cherokee last names resemble more than just personality; they are tied to cultural values, nature, and community. I hope you appreciate our efforts in crafting this post, and also, thanks for being here.