Inuit baby names reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Inuit people in the Arctic. These names often carry deep meanings, rooted in the natural world, spiritual beliefs, and familial connections. Let’s explore some of the most popular ones and their meanings, classified into male, female, and unisex categories.
Male names
- Amaqjuaq – The strong one.
- Inuksuk – An Alaskan cairn to mark pathways; On the right path.
- Kumaglak – Fictional name featured in “Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner”.
- Nootaikok – God of icebergs.
- Pana – God who cares for the souls in the underworld before their reincarnation.
- Panuk – Island.
- Pilip – Inuit form of Philip; Lover of horses.
- Silla – God of the sky.
- Tekkeitsertok – God of hunting; Master of caribou.
- Tiguaak – The adopted child.
- Toklo – He is spontaneous and versatile.
- Tonraq – Tiny man.
- Torngarsuk – Name of a powerful sky god.
- Tulimaq – Rib.
- Tulok – Warrior or god of the stars.
- Tulugaak – Like a raven; Creator of light.
- Ujurak – Variant of Ujarak, meaning rock.
- Yoskolo – Breaking off sugar-pine cones.
- Yotimo – A yellow jacket used for carrying pieces of meat from the house to the nest.
- Yutu – To claw.
- Amaruq – Grey wolf.
- Inuk – Human being.
- Jago – A little rascal.
- Miki – Small.
- Nanuk – Polar bear.
- Nukka – Little sister.
- Pakarina – Dawn.
- Suluk – Feather.
- Tiguaq – Adopted child.
- Tuluk – Warrior.
Female names
- Ahnah – A wise woman.
- Akna – Inuit Goddess of fertility and childbirth.
- Alasie – She who is honest and noble.
- Amka – One with a friendly spirit.
- Anjij – Inuit form of Anne; Grace.
- Aqakuktuq – Fish catcher.
- Arnaaluk – Big woman; A spirit of the woman under the sea.
- Arnakuagsak – Old woman from the sea; Goddess of the hunters.
- Arnapkapfaaluk – Name of the goddess who inspires fear in the hearts of hunters.
- Arnaq – Woman; Girl.
- Asiaq – Goddess prayed for good weather.
- Ataksak – Goddess of the ruler of the sky.
- Atiqtalik – Polar bear mother.
- Elisapee – Spelling variation of Elisapie; My God is an oath.
- Elisapie – Inuit form of the name Elizabeth; My God is an oath.
- Hitty – Hyena.
- Isapoinhkyaki – Singing crow woman.
- Jissika – Inuit form of Jessica; Rich or God beholds.
- Kireama – A hill.
- Kirima – A hill.
- Meriwa – Thorn.
- Nuliajuk – A woman with a fin.
- Nuvua – A fictional name.
- Tapeesa – Arctic flower.
- Tanaraq – Name of Tundra’s granddaughter.
- Ticasuk – Possessor of knowledge.
- Uki – Survivor.
- Alornerk – Under-feet.
- Aqsaq – Frost.
- Atiqtalaaq – Polar bear cub.
- Cupun – Inuit word for coal.
- Ivalu – Tendon.
- Nini – Porcupine.
- Pipaluk – Sweet little thing.
- Qin – Bone.
Unisex names
- Adlartok – Clear sky.
- Alornerk – Under-feet.
- Aput – Snow.
- Arnaq – Woman; Girl.
- Atiqtalaaq – Polar bear cub.
- Cupun – Inuit word for coal.
- Ikiaq – Red spruce.
- Kallik – Lightning.
- Kanaaq – The lower part of the leg.
- Nanouk – Variant of Nanuq; Polar bear.
- Nanurjuk – Star.
- Nukilik – One who is strong.
- Nuna – Land, Lullaby.
- Nuniq – Polar bear.
- Qimmiq – Dog.
- Siqiniq – The sun.
- Taqtu – Kidney.
- Tehoronianhen – Covered in clouds.
- Tootega – Old woman deity who could walk on water.
- Tukkuttok – He who is generous.
- Tulimak – Rib.
- Umiaktorvik – River.
- Uukkarnit – Calved ice.
- Yuka – Good; Beautiful.
- Yura – Farmer.
- Aga – Mother.
- Arluk – Seal.
- Iluq – Frost.
- Kavik – Wolverine.
- Nuvua – A fictional name.
- Sakari – Sweet.
- Sesi – Snow.
- Suka – Fast.
- Tiriaq – Moon.
- Ukpik – Snowy owl.
- Usik – Snowflake.
- Yura – Beautiful.
The bottom line
Inuit names are full of deep meanings tied to nature, spirituality, and rich cultural heritage. They’re not just names; they’re stories that honor traditions. If you’re looking for a name that reflects strength, beauty, or a connection to the land, Inuit names have got you covered.
If you want to read more about Inuit tradition, discover this article.
