745+ Tribe Names You've Never Heard But Should Use in Your Next Story

Are you hunting for the perfect tribe name to breathe life into your next creative masterpiece? Whether you're a writer, filmmaker, or storyteller, the quest for unique and meaningful elements to enhance your narrative is endless. Tribe names, steeped in the rich tapestry of native cultures, offer a goldmine of inspiration. 

From the federally recognized tribes to the lesser-known clans, each name carries a story, a slice of history, and a depth of culture that can transform your storytelling. 

This blog dives deep into the world of 745+ tribe names you've likely never encountered but should consider for your projects. We'll explore the naming traditions of Native American tribes, from the Nez Perce in Idaho to the Sioux in South Dakota and beyond to other tribes across the United States and Canada. 

With respect for their origins, meanings, and the cultures they represent, this quick list is more than just names—it's a bridge to the past, a nod to the power of language, and a testament to the diversity of the Native American peoples. 

Get inspired by names as unique and varied as the stories they can help you tell. 

A long list of Tribe names

Tribe names starting with an A

1. Aetherclan

2. Asgardians

3. Atlanteans

4. Ambrosials

5. Argonauts

6. Aeonians

7. Astraeans

8. Aurorans

9. Alcyoneans

10. Aphrodites

11. Aresians

12. Artemisians

13. Asclepians

14. Athenaics

15. Atlasborn

16. Azurites

17. Anubians

18. Aetherials

19. Apollonians

20. Acheronites

21. Asphodels

22. Avernals

23. Aiolians

24. Aeolusians

25. Asterions

26. Achelois

27. Antaeans

28. Arcadians

29. Aegirites

30. Alfheimrs

Tribe name ideas starting with a B

31. Borealis

32. Brontides

33. Bythos

34. Bellerophons

35. Bacchantes

36. Bifrostians

37. Balderites

38. Bragi

39. Berserkers

40. Brokkr

41. Bifrosts

42. Blazefuries

43. Briareos

44. Belenos

45. Banbha

46. Boreads

47. Brontes

48. Borvo

49. Branwen

50. Belisama

51. Badb

52. Boudica

53. Belatu-Cadros

54. Brigantia

55. Balor

56. Bandos

57. Belenus

58. Biton

59. Bolinas

60. Busiris

Tribe names starting with a C

61. Caelumites

62. Cyclonians

63. Cryoarchs

64. Calypsonians

65. Cerberans

66. Chimerans

67. Chronosians

68. Cthonics

69. Celestrials

70. Cygnians

71. Cupidians

72. Callistans

73. Cyprians

74. Cassiopeans

75. Centaurians

76. Charonites

77. Circeans

78. Clioans

79. Coribantes

80. Cosmics

81. Criusians

82. Cronians

83. Cybeleans

84. Cyclades

85. Cytherians

86. Cadmians

87. Calydonians

88. Camenae

89. Canens

90. Carmentis

Tribe name ideas starting with a D

91. Dioneans

92. Dryadians

93. Dionysians

94. Daedalians

95. Delphians

96. Dactyls

97. Demetrians

98. Draconians

99. Dolionians

100. Daimons

101. Dysnomians

102. Diomedians

103. Dodonaeans

104. Danaans

105. Dardanians

106. Deucalionites

107. Dorians

108. Dithyrambs

109. Dryopes

110. Danaides

111. Diapsids

112. Dymasians

113. Dyspontians

114. Dyrads

115. Dyskolos

116. Diaskouri

117. Damasen

118. Danavas

119. Deianira

120. Delians

Tribe names starting with an E

121. Echidnans

122. Erebusians

123. Elysians

124. Empyreans

125. Eurynomians

126. Endymions

127. Epimetheans

128. Electryons

129. Eumenides

130. Enyoians

131. Erinyans

132. Eosians

133. Ethereals

134. Evadnians

135. Echions

136. Eurybians

137. Echelons

138. Echoians

139. Eirenes

140. Elpisians

141. Erechtheans

142. Eurytionians

143. Echonians

144. Euphronians

145. Euphorians

146. Euthenians

147. Evanderians

148. Eurypylans

149. Echidnaeans

150. Excaliburs

Tribe name ideas starting with an F

151. Frigianites

152. Fenrirsung

153. Fjorgynfolk

154. Freyjadwell

155. Fenixar

156. Fafnirkin

157. Frostgiants

158. Fenburrow

159. Freyrborne

160. Fjalarclan

161. Fensalir

162. Forsetisaga

163. Friggascion

164. Folkvangr

165. Fimbulthul

166. Fyrkat

167. Fensaga

168. Fenodyree

169. Fjolnir

170. Fossegrim

171. Frekastein

172. Fylgjurfolk

173. Fenwalker

174. Forgingiron

175. Fjordsong

176. Fafnirtread

177. Frostfell

178. Fulgurkin

179. Freyrfolk

180. Fenmyth

Tribe names starting with a G

181. Gjallarborn

182. Ginnungagap

183. Gefjun's Gait

184. Gungnirgift

185. Grimnismal

186. Galdralag

187. Galdrakin

188. Grottintale

189. Gimlefolk

190. Glitnirgaze

191. Gjallarhorn

192. Gandvikshore

193. Gullinbursti

194. Grímnirguard

195. Gjukar's Heir

196. Galdroth

197. Geirskogul

198. Ginnregin

199. Gleipnirbind

200. Gudrun's Kin

201. Gjollriver

202. Ginnungtroth

203. Gladsheim

204. Gulltoppride

205. Gjenganger

206. Grimfrost

207. Geiravor

208. Garmrhowl

209. Glasirleaf

210. Gullveigarheit

Tribe name ideas starting with a H

211. Huginnflight

212. Helvegr

213. Hofundhold

214. Hrimthursar

215. Hvergelmir

216. Heimdallsguard

217. Hlidskjalf

218. Hyrmendir

219. Hraesvelgrwing

220. Hoddmimir

221. Hjartaheim

222. Hringhorni

223. Huldrafolk

224. Himinbjorg

225. Hreidmar

226. Hrungnirheart

227. Helbindi

228. Hofvarpnir

229. Hjortr

230. Hnossi

231. Hrimfaxi

232. Hlervi

233. Hyndluljod

234. Hervarar

235. Heorot

236. Hræsvelgr

237. Hrimgrimnir

238. Hildisvini

239. Haustlong

240. Hrímþursar

Tribe names starting with an I

241. Idunnseeds

242. Ivaldispring

243. Ironwoodkin

244. Isaflow

245. Igdrasiltread

246. Illskar

247. Irminsul

248. Icefjord

249. Idavoll

250. Ingwazsons

251. Ithunnbloom

252. Isarnhoard

253. Ilmarinen

254. Ivingriver

255. Iciclefang

256. Imir's Brood

257. Infyrnus

258. Ithavoll

259. Invictar

260. Icegleam

261. Ichorline

262. Imbriumheart

263. Idisi

264. Ironbarkclan

265. Ishavsfarer

266. Idogrim

267. Iceveil

268. Icicledrifter

269. Ignipede

270. Ilkleybarge

Tribe name ideas starting with a J

271. Jormungand's Wake

272. Jotunheimen

273. Jorddwellers

274. Jarnvidjur

275. Jaggedfrost

276. Jarnsaxa's Kin

277. Jotnarforge

278. JoyousGard

279. Jukulmyst

280. Jarnfist

281. Justicar's Grit

282. JorvikShades

283. Jolgeir

284. JuniperHearth

285. Jarnbjorn

286. Jotunbirth

287. Jadefire Summit

288. Journey's Crest

289. Jewelwing

290. JadeMaw

291. Jotunbrud

292. Jarngrim

293. Jolnir's Heirs

294. Jotungrip

295. Jarnkrake

296. Jormunrek

297. Jotunveil

298. Jarnheart

299. JoltingThunder

300. Jarnraven

Tribe names starting with a K

301. Krakenwake

302. Kvasirblood

303. Kynazari

304. Kodama's Kin

305. Kjarrwood

306. Kailashkeepers

307. Karnwen

308. Kyklopsfjord

309. Kerothun

310. Kurnousclaw

311. Khaosbloom

312. Kinnarikind

313. Kerberosfang

314. Kytharion

315. Kronostide

316. Khimerix

317. Kolossusshade

318. Khairetikos

319. Kryptoswander

320. Krystallon

321. Kylixvale

322. Kromlekhar

323. Keravnos

324. Khaibitshadow

325. Kereswisp

326. Kintharian

327. Kalypsomoon

328. Kthonicrealm

329. Kerameikos

330. Kypriothpath

Tribe name ideas starting with a L

331. Luminatae

332. Lohikai

333. Lakoture

334. Luwanee

335. Liripah

336. Lonowai

337. Lekanee

338. Lopintah

339. Luhukai

340. Lanapah

341. Liwanu

342. Lokotah

343. Lupinai

344. Lekwena

345. Luminasha

346. Lenapiha

347. Lumitawa

348. Lakowa

349. Lopawin

350. Lanohaka

351. Lumaya

352. Lokiyu

353. Latahnee

354. Lekaiyu

355. Lonapee

356. Luhawa

357. Likwena

358. Lutaki

359. Luwassi

360. Loponi

Tribe names starting with a M

361. Mitakuye

362. Mahota

363. Mekoda

364. Mowanee

365. Monakai

366. Muscogai

367. Makota

368. Manapee

369. Mowacha

370. Mehala

371. Monowa

372. Mipata

373. Muhanee

374. Mekanu

375. Moyaka

376. Mahowa

377. Masika

378. Makawi

379. Munali

380. Mohenu

381. Mayalu

382. Makanee

383. Miwokai

384. Matowa

385. Melanee

386. Mohota

387. Munalu

388. Mekwai

389. Musawa

390. Mimosa

Tribe name ideas starting with a N

391. Nanukai

392. Nawahota

393. Nomata

394. Nekowa

395. Niyolai

396. Nanapai

397. Navota

398. Nisquai

399. Nawatoy

400. Nomoki

401. Nanoka

402. Nequami

403. Nalani

404. Notawa

405. Nawakee

406. Nipai

407. Nuvakai

408. Nocoma

409. Nimoki

410. Nekane

411. Naweni

412. Natoka

413. Nilakai

414. Novaya

415. Nukawi

416. Nayeli

417. Nanuqai

418. Nosakai

419. Nipahai

420. Numeta

Tribe names starting with an O

421. Okanaya

422. Ohowa

423. Onatah

424. Owanka

425. Oyate

426. Osceola

427. Owaci

428. Ogalala

429. Omakai

430. Onida

431. Owinyah

432. Opechee

433. Okwaho

434. Onayeka

435. Osawana

436. Otaktay

437. Owashawa

438. Onalaska

439. Orenda

440. Ocotillo

441. Ohanko

442. Oyasa

443. Onawa

444. Okemos

445. Osaliki

446. Otahyoni

447. Owela

448. Ojistoh

449. Owanux

450. Ohitekah

Tribe name ideas starting with a P

451. Pawnee

452. Pehota

453. Pocota

454. Panoka

455. Peyote

456. Palowa

457. Pakota

458. Pimiteoui

459. Powhatan

460. Pahkinta

461. Puyallup

462. Pequot

463. Potawatomi

464. Piscataway

465. Ponca

466. Passamaquoddy

467. Penobscot

468. Pawtuxet

469. Peoria

470. Picuris

471. Pomo

472. Paiute

473. Papago

474. Pueblo

475. Piute

476. Potlatch

477. Powamu

478. Pinaleno

479. Pojoaque

480. Pahsimeroi

Tribe names starting with a Q

481. Quapaw

482. Quechan

483. Quinault

484. Quileute

485. Quapaw

486. Quahog

487. Quassarte

488. Queets

489. Quinipissa

490. Quiripi

491. Quapaw

492. Quinaielt

493. Quillayute

494. Quapaw

495. Quassia

496. Quapaw

497. Quonochontaug

498. Quapaw

499. Quahatika

500. Quapaw

501. Quivira

502. Quapaw

503. Quinapoxet

504. Quapaw

505. Quequacommiss

506. Quapaw

507. Quakertown

508. Quapaw

509. Quassapaug

510. Quapaw

Tribe name ideas starting with an R

511. Ranota

512. Rohaya

513. Rukaiya

514. Renawa

515. Rahota

516. Roweni

517. Rokaya

518. Rimaya

519. Rekota

520. Royaneh

521. Runako

522. Rowena

523. Rahawi

524. Rakota

525. Rimawi

526. Ruyani

527. Ronake

528. Rehota

529. Riwana

530. Ruyaka

531. Ranuwi

532. Rohani

533. Renaki

534. Ryotah

535. Rikana

536. Rotami

537. Rowaki

538. Rihawa

539. Rayota

540. Runaya

Tribe names starting with a S

541. Shawanee

542. Saponi

543. Seneca

544. Sioux

545. Salish

546. Seminole

547. Shoshone

548. Sacagawea

549. Sequoyah

550. Shawnee

551. Suquamish

552. Snoqualmie

553. Skokomish

554. Siletz

555. Siksika

556. Salinan

557. Seneca

558. Shinnecock

559. Santee

560. Seminole

561. Spokane

562. Sioux

563. Shawanee

564. Sacagawea

565. Sequoyah

566. Shawnee

567. Suquamish

568. Snoqualmie

569. Skokomish

570. Siletz

Tribe name ideas starting with a T

571. Takota

572. Tumani

573. Tehani

574. Tulowa

575. Tsenawa

576. Tuketa

577. Tomiwa

578. Tanoka

579. Tawasha

580. Tolowa

581. Tesuque

582. Taos

583. Tewa

584. Tiwa

585. Towa

586. Tukufu

587. Tanaya

588. Takala

589. Tahoma

590. Tolani

591. Tushka

592. Tsalagi

593. Tsimsyan

594. Tlingit

595. Tsimshian

596. Tonkawa

597. Tewakoni

598. Tipai

599. Tamiami

600. Tohono O'odham

Tribe names starting with a U

601. Ute

602. Unami

603. Utina

604. Unalachtigo

605. Uktena

606. Umatilla

607. Umpqua

608. Uintah

609. Uncompahgre

610. Uzita

611. Ulch

612. Umkumiute

613. Upolu

614. Utset

615. Unega

616. Uskali

617. Uwchlan

618. Uwharrie

619. Uxpanapa

620. Ute-Siouan

621. Unadilla

622. Unkqua

623. Ucita

624. Ufer

625. Uleyali

626. Umonhon

627. Utugi

628. Unami

629. Unquachog

630. Usox

Tribe name ideas starting with a V

631. Vianok

632. Venai

633. Votan

634. Vehano

635. Vunai

636. Vohase

637. Voskeha

638. Vinalo

639. Voweta

640. Vurani

641. Vohoki

642. Vanope

643. Votanka

644. Vekomi

645. Virano

646. Vonami

647. Vuseta

648. Vayali

649. Vosaya

650. Vayoma

651. Voquai

652. Vunola

653. Vakai

654. Venola

655. Voskai

656. Vahali

657. Votami

658. Vuraki

659. Vemai

660. Voyaka

Tribe names starting with a W

661. Wakaya

662. Winona

663. Wazhazhe

664. Wapiti

665. Wiconi

666. Waya

667. Wintu

668. Wabanaki

669. Wea

670. Wenrohronon

671. Wyandot

672. Wailaki

673. Washoe

674. Wichita

675. Wiyot

676. Winnebago

677. Wampanoag

678. Wenatchi

679. Wishram

680. Wyomink

681. Wanapum

682. Wasco

683. Waccamaw

684. Walla Walla

685. Walapai

686. Wappinger

687. Wateree

688. Waxhaw

689. Wekiva

690. Wenatchee

Tribe name ideas starting with an X

691. Xanai

692. Xolotl

693. Xumai

694. Xocoyotl

695. Xipil

696. Xanil

697. Xochipilli

698. Xelhua

699. Xitalli

700. Xololl

701. Xayacatl

702. Xiuhtecuhtli

703. XipeTotec

704. Xanantec

705. Xochiquetzal

706. Xaloc

707. Xicalcoliuhqui

708. Xiuhtonal

709. Xolalpan

710. Xalixco

711. Xochitonal

712. Xiuhtlatl

713. Xanayuca

714. Xollotl

715. Xitotencatl

716. Xipehuz

717. Xalapa

718. Xochiaca

719. Xiltla

720. Xiuhtototl

Tribe names starting with a Y

721. Yacana

722. Yotanka

723. Yehaw

724. Yoskeha

725. Yenali

726. Yumeka

727. Yalani

728. Yowela

729. Yavapi

730. Yuchee

731. Yalui

732. Yanequai

733. Yotoco

734. Yanktonai

735. Yoscolo

736. Yalukit

737. Yamparika

738. Yanawana

739. Yavpe

740. Yurok

741. Yalaha

742. Yapudjan

743. Yankui

744. Yotanka

745. Yessai

746. Yocut

747. Yanasu

748. Yehasu

749. Yolox

750. Yupa

Tribe name ideas starting with a Z

751. Zanawi

752. Zintkala

753. Zunaka

754. Zihala

755. Zolotl

756. Zunali

757. Zatoka

758. Zeholai

759. Ziyaha

760. Zokoma

761. Zaneli

762. Zopali

763. Zawaka

764. Zecata

765. Zulawi

766. Zetomi

767. Zihuatanejo

768. Zolani

769. Zayani

770. Zorali

771. Zunigo

772. Zatol

773. Zekana

774. Ziruma

775. Zalika

776. Zomali

777. Zunawa

778. Zicara

779. Zuvai

780. Zalawi

Conclusion

These names, drawn from the vast diversity of tribes across North America, from the federally recognized Nez Perce Tribe in Idaho to the Sioux warriors of South Dakota, are more than just creative labels. 

They are a testament to the power of language, the depth of indigenous cultures, and the enduring legacy of Native Americans. By incorporating these unique and meaningful tribe names into your storytelling, you pay respect to their origins and the people behind them and enrich your narrative with a layer of authenticity and depth that can only come from the real world. 

Whether you're writing a novel, crafting a screenplay, or developing a new game, remember that each tribe name carries its people's spirit, battles and victories, language and art, and connection to the land. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Tribe Names (FAQs)

What are tribe names?

Tribe names are unique identifiers for groups or communities whose origin is often rooted in geographic, cultural, or familial ties.

They carry rich family histories and meanings, encapsulating the essence of the people they represent.

How can I create creative tribe names?

You can start by blending sounds and meanings from various languages, including Native American, Greek, or even fictional languages.

Mix elements that reflect the group or tribe's culture, values, or environment. Creativity and a sense of connection to the created name are essential.

What should I consider about naming traditions?

Research existing naming traditions, especially those of Native Americans, to understand the significance of names in conveying stories, virtues, or natural elements. Respect and authenticity are crucial in this process.

Are there federally recognized tribes?

Yes, in the United States, the federal government recognizes certain tribes through the Bureau of Indian Affairs. This recognition is a formal acknowledgment of their sovereignty and rights.

How do I refer to an Indian tribe respectfully?

Use the tribe's preferred name and ensure you understand its context and meaning. Always approach with respect for the tribe's culture, history, and autonomy.

Can I use the name of an existing Native American tribe?

It's essential to approach this with sensitivity. Using real tribe names like the Nez Perce, Sioux, or Iroquois can be disrespectful unless it's for educational or documentary purposes.

Consider inventing a name that respects the essence without appropriating specific identities.

How can I represent tribes from other cultures?

Explore the diversity of tribal cultures present worldwide, from the Maori of New Zealand to the Zulu of South Africa.

Consider their unique languages, traditions, and histories to inspire fictional city and tribe names that respect real-world diversity.

What role do clans play in tribe names?

Clans often represent sub-groups within other tribes, each with their own identity and name. These can add layers to your story, showing internal social structures and relationships.

How can I find common names among Native Americans?

Research historical documents, cultural anthologies, and academic publications. Many universities and cultural institutions have published resources on Native American names and meanings.

What is the significance of warriors and language in tribe names?

Warrior names often embody bravery, skill, and honor, reflecting the tribe's values. Language is critical to crafting authentic-sounding war name names, imbuing them with meaning related to the tribe's culture or natural world.

How do I ensure my tribe name respects Native American culture?

Educate yourself on the cultures you're inspired by, engage with representatives if possible, and always approach with humility and the intent to honor, which is inappropriate.

What is an example of a fictional tribe name and its backstory?

The Skyeagle Clan - A tribe renowned for their bond with majestic eagles residing in towering mountain ranges.

Their name combines elements of nature (sky and eagle) with the strength and freedom these birds represent.

Legends say they were founded by a warrior who saved an eagle and was granted the power of flight in battle. This symbolized unity and respect between humans and nature.