The Construction and Usage of Kiowa Personal Names1

Abstract

This article provides the first detailed study of Kiowa personal names. It analyzes the grammar of Kiowa names built from words, phrases, and sentences, as well as how Kiowas abbreviated them. This paper also discusses the meaning behind personal names. Unlike many communities, Kiowa names tend to commemorate significant events, rather than just describing people. The meaning of Kiowa names is typically rooted in a story. Kiowa names also hold particular value in both Indigenous and assimilated aspects of life. Names are uniquely held at any one time and passed down within families. Many names and abbreviations became last names for BIA record-keeping, however poorly transcribed. We aim to help researchers draw comparative conclusions about Native naming practices, to exemplify the value of tying grammatical and cultural studies of onomastics, and to help community members find out about names in their own families.

Department(s)

Sociology, Anthropology and Gerontology

Document Type

Article

DOI

10.1086/738181

Keywords

Kiowa, morphology, onomastics, oral history, personal names

Publication Date

1-1-2026

Journal Title

International Journal of American Linguistics

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