Find out how popular the first name Nataanii has been for the last 4 years (from 2019 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.
A Native American Navajo name meaning "born for/to …" or "wanderer".
Based on the last 4 years of data, Nataanii is exclusively a male name.
For the most recent data in 2022, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Nataanii.
Year | Male Count | Female Count |
---|---|---|
2022 | 6 | 0 |
2019 | 5 | 0 |
The name Nataanii has its origins in the Navajo language, spoken by the Navajo people of the southwestern United States. It is derived from the Navajo word "nataa'í," which means "wanderer" or "traveler." The name likely emerged among the Navajo people sometime in the 16th or 17th century, when they migrated to their present-day homeland in the Four Corners region.
One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Nataanii can be found in the oral traditions and stories of the Navajo people. These tales often featured characters with names that reflected their roles or personalities, and Nataanii would have been a fitting name for a wandering protagonist or a character known for their travels.
In the 19th century, a notable figure named Nataanii emerged in Navajo history. Nataanii was a prominent Navajo leader and warrior who played a significant role in the Navajo Wars against the United States government in the mid-1800s. He was born around 1815 and was influential in resisting the forced relocation of the Navajo people during the Long Walk of 1864.
Another historical figure with the name Nataanii was a Navajo code talker during World War II. The Navajo code talkers used their native language to transmit coded messages that were virtually unbreakable by enemy forces. This particular Nataanii served in the United States Marine Corps and played a crucial role in the Pacific Theater during the war.
In more recent times, a prominent Navajo artist named Nataanii Yazzie gained recognition for his paintings and sculptures depicting traditional Navajo life and culture. Yazzie was born in 1944 and has had his works displayed in numerous museums and galleries throughout the United States.
Another notable individual named Nataanii is Nataanii Means, a Navajo/Omaha activist, and actor. Born in 1970, Means has been involved in various Indigenous rights movements and has appeared in several films and television shows, often portraying Native American characters.
While the name Nataanii is deeply rooted in Navajo culture, it has also gained popularity among other Native American communities and beyond. The name's meaning and connection to wandering and travel have resonated with many, making it a unique and meaningful choice for parents seeking a name with a rich cultural heritage.
The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.
The history and meaning of the name Nataanii was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.
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"Nataanii first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on June 14, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/nataanii-meaning-and-history/.
"Nataanii first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/nataanii-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 14 June, 2025
Nataanii first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/nataanii-meaning-and-history/.
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