Choctaw Surnames

Seal of the Choctaw

Choctaw surnames, as with the surnames of other Native American nations, represent a mix of traditional practices and the impact of European contact and (often imposed) Western naming conventions. Both of these factors have also been shaped by historical events.

Today Choctaw surnames reflect a duality springing from these various influences.

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History of the Choctaw

Extent of Choctaw conquests in 1800, before land cessions relative to modern Mississippi.

The Choctaw people are believed to have first inhabited what is now the southeastern United States around 3,000 years ago. Their historical territory primarily encompassed regions of present-day Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. They were skilled farmers and traders, known for their sophisticated agricultural practices and community rituals. Significant European contact began in the 16^th century. In the 18^th century, they allied with the French against British forces. They lost much of their lands after the French and Indian War (1754-1763) which reshaped colonial America in Britain's favour.

In the 1830's the Choctaw, along with the Cherokee and Creek nations, were forced by government policies to relocate westward to Oklahoma, a devastating event known as the "Trail of Tears". With inadequate food and shelter and facing severe weather along the march many of them perished. Today the Choctaw population is estimated at about 225,000.

Search historical records on MyHeritage

Traditional Choctaw names

Choctaw in an 1858 engraving.

Traditional naming conventions of the Choctaw Indians included several different elements, which are broadly similar to those of other Native American tribes, notably the Cherokee:

• Choctaw society was matrilineal, with names tied to an individual's clan (known as iksa) on their mother's side. In turn this connection to clan identity was significant in determining an individual's social status.
• Choctaw names were fluid. A name given at birth could be replaced or supplemented later in life by names reflecting personal attributes or experiences.
• The Choctaw were deeply connected to the natural world around them. Names like Awanita ('butterfly"), Hatak ("deer"), or Ama ("water") are examples this connection.
• Names did not follow the Western convention of first, middle and last names. Instead Choctaw names were simple and short, usually just two or three syllables. The names followed the phonetic rules of the Choctaw's own language.
• Certain names, known as humma (an honorific title in the Choctaw language), were used as a way of emphasising the virtues of honour and courage. These were important in Choctaw culture. Bestowing a humma name encouraged an individual to live by these virtues, or denoted someone who had already demonstrated them in a leadership role or in battle.

Modern Choctaw family names

The intrusion of European settlers into their traditional lands resulted in many Choctaw adopting Western-style surnames (family names), either voluntarily or because these names were forced on them. These might be adaptations of a traditional name or an entirely new name influenced by English. Governmental policies required formal surnames for record-keeping and legal purposes. New names also came about from contact with a European trader or settler, especially in cases of intermarriage.

Some common Choctaw names (used as either first or family names) and their generally accepted meanings include:

Surname	Origin/Meaning
Nashoba	wolf
Folsom	reed grass
Tushka	warrior
Atoka	ball ground
Isi	deer
Nita	bear
Shikoba	feather
Tahlako	eagle

There is a growing movement within the Choctaw nation to return to traditional names and promote their usage. New Choctaw generations are being encouraged by their elders to learn about the significance of their ancestors' names and take pride and sense of belonging that comes with embracing Choctaw's cultural heritage.

Notable Choctaw figures

Various websites list the names of historical figures who have been especially prominent in story of the Choctaw nation including their chiefs, as well as more current notable U.S. citizens of Choctaw descent, like the following:

• Brett Favre, American former professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 20 seasons
• Anna Lewis, American teacher, historian and writer, who specialized in American history, and particularly the history of the Southwest
• Ross Anderson, American speed skier, holder of the US record in speed skiing at 247,934 km/h
• Van T. Barfoot, United States Army officer and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II.
• Rue McClanahan, American actress of Irish and Choctaw ancestry, best known by her role of Blanche Devereaux on the sitcom The Golden Girls

See also

• Cherokee surnames
• Apache surnames
• Sioux surnames
• Greenlandic surnames
• Navajo surnames
• Mesoamerican and Andean surnames
• American surnames
• Native American surnames
• Native American ethnicity
• Native American genealogy
• Indigenous North American surnames

Explore more about Choctaw surnames

Separate Wiki articles, listed under "See also", provide details of data records and other resources offered by MyHeritage and which are a great starting point for researching possible Choctaw connections. MyHeritage also offers DNA testing. This can provide evidence of Choctaw ancestry and help connect with others who share a common Choctaw name or heritage. Note that if your Native American ethnicity does not appear in an "Ethnicity Estimate", you might also consider testing one of your parents or grandparents. It is more likely that evidence of Native American DNA will appear in generations closer to a Native American ancestor.

A researcher should also consider variations of names when conducting searches. As with with other Native American tribes many Choctaw names were transliterated into English, leading to spelling and pronunciation variations over time. Knowing where your Choctaw ancestors lived, or the specific clan within the Choctaw nation to which an ancestor belonged, can also provide valuable context. This will help you to locate Choctaw ancestors in specific databases, census rolls or in any physical records.

The following LegacyTree webinars, while general in nature, can also provide insights on how to research your Choctaw ancestry more effectively:

• Documenting Native American Families in 19th and 20th Century Records
• Native American Research: Things You May Not Know
• Finding Indian Ancestors in African American Families

There are a number of other external resources which will assist you in researching Choctaw surnames:

Bureau of Indian Affairs Osage Agency, Oklahoma

• The U.S. Department of Internal Affairs has a handy online guide which will help you understand the enrolment process for Native American tribes and tribal services. It also lists sources that can assist with tracing American Indian or Alaska Native ancestry and conducting genealogical research.
• Census records are vital for genealogical research, particularly for Indigenous ancestry. A good place to start are specific Choctaw records created through the the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA).
• Indian Census Rolls were conducted annually between 1885-1940. They include individuals affiliated with federally recognised tribes. The Rolls may provide names, ages, marital status and tribal affiliation. Access to the Rolls is available through the National Archives.
• U.S. Federal Population Censuses (1850-1930) may also include information about individuals of Indigenous descent, particularly in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries.
• Local historical societies and Choctaw community organisations are good sources for specific genealogical information. For example the Newton County, Mississippi Historical and Genealogical Society provides an excellent introductory guide on researching Choctaw ancestry.
• Native American studies centres, like Dominican University, provide research guides that outline methods for tracing Indigenous ancestry, including specific resources related to the Choctaw.

References

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