72 Inuit Baby Names From The People Of The Arctic

From Ahnah to Yura, celebrate the uniqueness of these indigenous names from the Arctic.

Written by Nisha Bharatan, B.Tech Specialty: Kids Fun and Developmental ActivitiesExperience: 6 years

Nisha Bharatan is a writer with six years of experience. After completing her engineering from Savitribai Phule Pune University, she did content marketing courses to complement her interest in writing. Nisha discovered her passion for writing in 2016 when she started documenting her journey into motherhood.

Read full bio of Nisha Bharatan

Edited by Rebecca Malachi, BSc Specialty: Pregnancy, Health and WellnessExperience: 12 years

Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

Read full bio of Rebecca Malachi

Fact-checked by Trisha Chakraborty, MA, BEd Specialty: Child development & educationExperience: 5 years

Trisha worked as a schoolteacher for three years before taking up professional writing in 2021. She completed her masters in English from the University of Calcutta and bachelors in Education from the University of Burdwan.

Read full bio of Trisha Chakraborty

Last Updated on Nov 12, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Just like every other culture and religion, naming is extremely important for the Inuit people. Inuit baby names reflect the diverse cultural heritage of the indigenous Inuit communities residing in the Arctic regions. But what sets Inuit people apart is the fact that they name their children after body parts. For instance, the baby name Taqtu, means ‘kidney’, Putuguq means ‘big toe’, and Shin means ‘lower part of the leg’. They even take inspiration from celestial bodies, for example, Siqiniq, which means ‘sun’, Taqqiq, which means moon, and Nanurjuk, which means ‘Betelgeuse star in the Orion constellation’. Tuq&urausiit holds significance in Inuit naming customs, particularly in the naming of children. In traditional practices, Inuit children are given names of respected family elders, and sometimes they carry the tuq&urausiit of their namesakes. In certain families, tuq&urausiit terms are used in place of conventional given names. Children carry forward the legacy and wisdom of their forebears through the continuation of these meaningful naming practices This demonstrates the deep-rooted cultural values and respect Inuit people have for their ancestors (1). Inuit people are strict followers of animism, which explains their love for spiritual names, such as Nuliajuk, which means a ‘woman with a fin, who is the leader of all the seals in the sea’, Ijiraq, which means ‘caribou like spirit’, and Nanurluk, which is the name of a mythical, large polar bear. Inuit people even name their children after parents, grandparents, ancestors, or anyone they respect. They believe that the purpose of naming children after people they love is to ensure that the person lives on, even after death. It’s their way of keeping the memories alive. Also, Inuit elders do not call their grandchildren by their names. They refer to them as irnngutaq, which means ‘grandchild’. Now that this post has acquainted you with a small, but important part of Inuit naming customs and conventions, let’s proceed to the baby name list below. We’ve handpicked the best and most versatile Inuit baby names for you.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Ila	Girl	Earth; Speech; Companion; Associate; Torch; Island
Nuna	Unisex	Lands bordering the northern oceans; Now
Kirima	Girl	A hill
Adlartok	Unisex	Clear sky
Ahnah	Girl	A wise woman
Akna	Girl	Inuit Goddess of fertility and childbirth
Alasie	Girl	She who is honest and noble
Alornerk	Unisex	Under-feet
Amaqjuaq	Boy	The strong one
Amaruq	Unisex	Grey wolf

Amka	Girl	One with a friendly spirit
Anjij	Girl	Inuit form of Anne; Grace
Aput	Unisex	Snow
Aqakuktuq	Girl	Fish catcher
Arnaaluk	Girl	Big woman; A spirit of the woman under the sea
Arnakuagsak	Girl	Old woman from the sea; Goddess of the hunters
Arnapkapfaaluk	Girl	Name of the goddess who inspires fear in the hearts of hunters
Arnaq	Girl	Woman; Girl
Asiaq	Girl	Goddess prayed for good weather
Ataksak	Girl	Goddess of the ruler of the sky

Atiqtalaaq	Unisex	Polar bear cub
Atiqtalik	Girl	Polar bear mother
Cupun	Unisex	Inuit word for coal
Elisapee	Girl	Elisapee is a spelling variation of Elisapie; My God is an oath.
Elisapie	Girl	Inuit form of the name Elizabeth; My God is an oath.
Hitty	Girl	Hyena
Ikiaq	Unisex	Red spruce
Inuksuk	Boy	An Alaskan cairn to mark pathways; On the right path
Isapoinhkyaki	Girl	Singing crow woman
Jissika	Girl	Inuit form of Jessica; Rich or God beholds

Kallik	Unisex	Lightning.
Kanaaq	Unisex	The lower part of the leg
Kireama	Girl	A hill
Kumaglak	Boy	Kumaglak is a fictional name featured in "Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner".
Meriwa	Girl	Thorn
Nanouk	Unisex	Variant of Nanuq; Polar bear
Nanurjuk	Unisex	Star
Nootaikok	Boy	God of icebergs
Nukilik	Unisex	One who is strong
Nuliajuk	Girl	A woman with a fin

Nuniq	Unisex	Polar bear
Nuvua	Girl	A fictional name
Pana	Boy	God who cares for the souls in the underworld before their reincarnation
Panuk	Boy	Island
Pilip	Boy	Inuit form of Philip; Lover of horses
Qimmiq	Unisex	Dog
Siqiniq	Unisex	The sun
Tanaraq	Girl	Name of Tundra's granddaughter
Tapeesa	Girl	Arctic flower
Taqtu	Unisex	Kidney

Tehoronianhen	Unisex	Covered in clouds
Tekkeitsertok	Boy	God of hunting: Master of caribou
Ticasuk	Girl	Possessor of knowledge
Tiguaak	Boy	The adopted child
Toklo	Boy	He is spontaneous and versatile
Tonraq	Boy	Tiny man
Tootega	Unisex	Old woman deity who could walk on water
Torngarsuk	Boy	Name of a powerful sky god
Tukkuttok	Unisex	He who is generous
Tulimak	Unisex	Rib

Tulimaq	Boy	Rib
Tulok	Boy	Warrior or god of the stars
Tulugaak	Boy	Like a raven; Creator of light
Ujurak	Boy	Variant of Ujarak, meaning rock
Umiaktorvik	Unisex	River
Uukkarnit	Unisex	Calved ice
Yoskolo	Boy	Breaking off sugar-pine cones
Yotimo	Boy	A yellow jacket used for carrying pieces of meat from the house to the nest
Yuka	Unisex	Bright star; Cause of fragrance; Blssm
Yura	Unisex	Beautiful

Yutu	Boy	To claw
Tikaani	Unisex	Wolf

Inuit baby names are more than just labels; they are threads woven into the fabric of a vibrant and resilient culture. These names serve as a bridge between past and present, carrying the essence of the Arctic's breathtaking landscapes, spiritual beliefs, and cherished family legacies. Embracing Inuit naming traditions is a celebration of the profound connection between generations and the enduring values of the indigenous communities. As we delve into the captivating world of Inuit naming practices, we are reminded of the beauty and significance that these names bestow upon each new generation, ensuring that the cultural heritage remains alive and thriving for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the differences between Inuit and other Indigenous baby names?

Inuit names have unique pronunciations and spellings, which are less common in other languages, including indigenous cultures. Inuit names may often be derived from the Inuktitut language within the Arctic region, whereas indigenous names may have varied language origins concerning their cultural group or tribe. Moreover, Inuit names are mostly inspired by the geography of the Arctic regions, whereas the indigenous names may be specific to the features of their respective regions.

2. What is the significance of choosing traditional Inuit baby names?

Most Inuit names are influenced by their geographical location, traditions, and language; thus, choosing such names helps uphold cultural heritage and beliefs. Moreover, some of these names are also passed down through generations preserving the family lineage while maintaining linguistic diversity and establishing a sense of belonging.

Infographic: Attractive Inuit Baby Names With Meanings

Inuit baby names celebrate the beauty and richness of the indigenous people of the Arctic region. Experience the tradition of venerating esteemed elders and preserving legacies as you delve into the profound significance of each name. Check out the intriguing infographic below on Inuit baby names.

inspiring inuit names for your baby (infographic)

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

Reviews.
https://ans-names.pitt.edu/ans/article/view/2063/2062

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.