The name 'Sioux' probably comes from the Algonquian word nadowesiu 'snake-like ones' (i.e. enemies). The first European contact with the Sioux was through French Jesuit priests and the explorer Jean Nicolet who first heard about them from the Algonquians.
Their name for themselves is Dakota, Nakota or Lakota although this has been described as 'white man's talk' by the leader Lame Deer who prefers Ikce wicasa 'natural humans' or 'free wild, people.
Brule Oglala Hunkpapa Yankton
| Akecheta warrior | Angpetu-Tokecha The Other Day | Appanoose Chief when a Child |
| Canowicakte Kills In Woods | Cetanwakuwa Charging Hawk | Chaska Eldest Son |
| Enapay Goes Bravely Out | Eyanosa Tall/Big | Huya-Na Little Eagle |
| Iromagaja Raining Face | Ishna Witca Single Man | Kangi Sunka Crow Dog |
| Kohana Fast | Mahkah Earth | Mahpee Sky |
| Makhpfya-Luta Red Cloud | Makhpia-Luta Red Cloud | Makhpia-Sha Red Cloud |
| Manishee Unable To Walk | Mankato Blue Earth | Maspera Mohe Moose |
| Mato Watakpe Running Bear | Matohinsda Moulting Bear | Matoskah White Bear |
| Odakota Friends/Allies | Ogaleesha Red Shirt | Ohanzee Shadow |
| Ohiyesa Winner | Pizi Man In The Middle | Shappa Red Thunder |
| Sintay Galeska Spotted Tail | Sinte Maza Iron Tail | Tahatan Hawk |
| Taheton Crow | Takoda Friends/Allies | Tamela Pashme Blunt Knife |
| Tashunka Horse | Tashunka Witko Crazy Horse | Tasunke Horse |
| Tatank'amimi Walking Buffalo | Tatanka Iyotanka Sitting Bull | Tatanka Psica Jumping Bull |
| Tatanka Ptecila Little Bull | Tatonga Large Deer | Wahnahtah Charger |
| Wakoyantanke Big Thunder | Wambleeska White Eagle | Waneta Charger |
| Wanonce Point Of Attack | Wapasha Red Leaf | Wasechun Tashunka American Horse |
| Wicahpi Isnala Lone Star | Pezi grass |
These often end in an element signifying 'woman' usually 'win/winh' or 'wia/wea'
| Angpetu Day | Cakakawia/Sacagawea/Sacajawea bird woman | Chapa Beaver |
| Chapawee Busy | Chlumani Dew | Dowanhowee Singing Voice |
| Ehawee She Laughs | Eyota Greatest | Gdhedanstemin any hawk woman |
| Hantaywee Cedar Girl | Kimimela Butterfly | Magaskawee Swan Girl |
| Makawee Generous/Motherly | Maoneka Earth | Mapiya Sky |
| Mina Eldest Daughter | Minnekadawn Empties Into Water | Ptaysanwee White Buffalo |
| Tahcawin Doe | Talutah Scarlet | Tasina Sapewin Black Blanket |
| Wachiwi Dancing Girl | Wahchintonka Patient | Washta Good |
| Wasula Hair Storm | Weayaya Sunset | Wehinahpay Sunrise |
| Wichapi Isnala Long Star | Wichapi Star | Wichapi Wakan Holy Star |
| Wihakayda Youngest Daughter | Winona/Wenona Eldest Daughter | Witashnah Pure/chaste |
| Wiyaka-Wastewin Pretty Plume | Zitkala Bird | Zonta Trusted |
| Zuzela |
This collection of names was compiled by Kate Monk and is ©1997, Kate Monk.
Copies may be made for personal use only.