Naming conventions among Massachusett tribe

Bren McDonnall · Nov 26, 2017

This is a followup to my earlier threads regarding the 500AD story. The protag has finally encountered the natives, and I'd like, if possible, to create naming conventions consistent with what might be historically accurate.

I know that there's no true way to figure this out. Pretty much all the names I've found have either been anglicized or untranslated, and my brain just can't translate ancient Algonquin readily enough.

So, what I'm looking for are suggestions so as to avoid the cliched animal names and such.

benbenberi · Nov 27, 2017

The tribe might have resources that can help you. In CT the Pequots have a very active program of historical and cultural research (links at the Pequot Museum site) -- they may be able to help, or point you to something more relevant.

DrDoc · Nov 27, 2017

Try this: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Algonquian_personal_names.

What I don't know is whether they adopted a later name based on some event in their lives, e.g. Stands with a fist, Ten Bears, Three Eagles, etc. Of course, these are anglicized versions or native language names.

Bren McDonnall · Nov 28, 2017

Thanks. I'll check those names.

Naming conventions among Massachusett tribe

Bren McDonnall

benbenberi

practical experience, FTW

DrDoc

Ex everything; trying something new

Bren McDonnall