This list includes 21 Native American girl names that start with P, ranging from “Pa-Hin-O-Wa-Ste-Win” to “Pules”. These names often reflect nature, family, or virtues, and suit parents, writers, and cultural research. Respect tribal context when using these names, since many carry cultural meaning.

Native American girl names that start with P are given names used by Indigenous peoples beginning with the letter P. Many carry meanings tied to nature, kinship, or spiritual qualities and reflect distinct tribal languages.

Below you’ll find the table with Name, Pronunciation, Meaning, Origin, and Citation.

Name: The given name as commonly recorded; you can scan here for spelling variants and stylistic choices.

Pronunciation: A simple phonetic guide so you can say the name confidently and check fits for speech or writing.

Meaning: A concise translation or description of the name’s sense, helping you weigh symbolic fit and context.

Origin: The tribal or linguistic source attribution gives cultural context and helps you understand regional usage.

Citation: A brief reference to the source lets you follow up on provenance and learn more about the name.

Native American girl names that start with P

NameTribe/LanguagePronunciationMeaning
PakunaMiwokpah-KOO-nahDeer jumping downhill.
PocahontasPowhatan (Algonquian)poh-kuh-HON-tussPlayful one; mischievous one.
PipalukGreenlandic (Kalaallisut)PEE-pah-lookSweet little thing.
PapinaMiwokpah-PEE-nahVine growing on an oak tree.
PetaBlackfoot (Siksiká)PEE-tahGolden eagle.
PakwaHopiPAH-kwahFrog.
PatilMiwokPAH-teelOne who pounds acorns into flour.
Pahan-manaHopipah-HAHN-mah-nahButterfly maiden.
PolimanaHopipoh-lee-MAH-nahButterfly maiden.
PosalaMiwokpoh-SAH-lahFarewell to the spring flowers.
PulesLenape (Delaware)POO-laysPigeon.
PtesanwiDakota/Lakotap-TAY-sahn-weeWhite Buffalo Calf Woman.
Pim-osaPotawatomipim-OH-sahShe who walks along.
Pa-Hin-O-Wa-Ste-WinLakotapah-HEEN-oh-wah-SHTAY-weenGood-Hair-Woman.
Pipal-kalawaTübatulabalPEE-pal kah-LAH-wahDaughter of Pipal (milkweed plant).
PatilawaTübatulabalPAH-tee-LAH-wahAcorn-flower woman.
PishlapishlaSahaptian (Yakama/Umatilla)pish-LAH-pish-lahOnomatopoeic name for a bird.
PelipaTohono O’odhampeh-LEE-pahLover of horses (from Greek Philippa).
PulallametKalapuyapoo-LAHL-lah-metMeaning not recorded.
PetronellaBrothertown (Algonquian)peh-troh-NEL-lahRock (from Latin Peter).
PhoebeStockbridge-Munsee (Mohican)FEE-beeBright, radiant (from Greek).

Descriptions

Pakuna
A traditional name from the Miwok people of California, documented in early anthropological records, though it is not in common use today. (Kroeber, 1925)
Pocahontas
A famous historical nickname, not a birth name. Her given names were Amonute and Matoaka. It is culturally significant but not a typical given name. (Strachey, 1612)
Pipaluk
A traditional Greenlandic Inuit name used for girls, expressing affection. It remains a popular name in modern Greenland. (Fortescue et al., 2010)
Papina
A Miwok name connected to the natural world. Its usage is noted in historical linguistic records of the Sierra Miwok people of California. (Kroeber, 1925)
Peta
Historically a male name or part of a male name (e.g., Man-Eagle). Some modern usage for girls has been noted, but its traditional use is masculine. (Grinnell, 1892)
Pakwa
A Hopi name from the word for frog, an animal associated with water and fertility. It is considered a unisex name. (Hopi Dictionary Project)
Patil
A Miwok name describing a traditional activity central to their culture, as acorns were a staple food for many California peoples. (Gifford, 1917)
Pahan-mana
A common Hopi girl’s name combining ‘pahana’ (butterfly) with ‘mana’ (maiden). Butterflies are important symbols representing beauty, transformation, and fertility. (Hopi Dictionary Project)
Polimana
The name of a Butterfly Kachina Maiden in Hopi ceremonies. It is used as a personal name for girls, connecting them to this spiritual figure. (Wright, 1977)
Posala
A poetic name from the Miwok language that evokes a specific time of year, connecting the individual to the cycles of nature. (Merriam, 1910)
Pules
A traditional Lenape name recorded in historical documents. Animal names were common, connecting a person to the characteristics of the creature. (Goddard, 1978)
Ptesanwi
The name of a central spiritual figure who brought the sacred pipe. It is sometimes given as an honorific personal name for girls. (Powers, 1977)
Pim-osa
A traditional Potawatomi name derived from the verb ‘to walk.’ The name reflects the importance of movement and life’s journey. (Clifton, 1977)
Pa-Hin-O-Wa-Ste-Win
A descriptive Lakota name, with the suffix ‘-win’ indicating it is female. Such names often described a personal characteristic or a significant vision. (Buechel & Manhart, 2002)
Pipal-kalawa
A traditional woman’s name from the Tübatulabal people of California, showing a connection to both kinship and the local environment. (Voegelin, 1938)
Patilawa
A Tübatulabal name combining elements from the natural world important to their culture: the staple acorn and flowers. (Voegelin, 1938)
Pishlapishla
A Sahaptian name, likely imitative of a bird’s sound or call. Such names reflect a close observation of and connection to the natural world. (Jacobs, 1931)
Pelipa
A Tohono O’odham adaptation of the Spanish name Felipa. It reflects the integration and modification of Spanish names into the community’s naming traditions. (Mathiot, 1973)
Pulallamet
A historical name of a Kalapuya woman from the Willamette Valley, Oregon, recorded in the 19th century. Unfortunately, the original meaning has been lost. (Zenk, 1990)
Petronella
An example of a European name adopted by Christianized Native communities, in this case among the Brothertown people in the 18th century. (Mandell, 2008)
Phoebe
A Greek name adopted into use by some Christianized Native communities, such as the Stockbridge-Munsee, from the 18th century onward. (Frazier, 1992)
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