Created by the Center for Digital Research in the Humanities
in partnership with the University of Nebraska Press
and funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
William Bright , University of Colorado
(This article first appeared in Names 52:3 [September 2004]:163–237.)
The published journals of the Lewis & Clark expedition, dating from the period 1804–1806, contain many Native American names of places and tribes, some of which entered English usage for the first time through these records. In later days, Native American names were also applied to some places to which Lewis & Clark had given English names. This article presents a glossary of all such terms, giving etymologies from the Native languages. For toponyms currently in use, information is also given regarding state, county, and present-day English pronunciation.
Current celebrations of the bicentennial of the Lewis & Clark Expedition have drawn renewed attention to the contact of those explorers with the Native American populations along their route. Not the least important aspect of this contact was linguistic, as Lewis & Clark wrote down, with the help of interpreters, words from such languages as Lakhota (Sioux), Mandan, Hidatsa, Salish, Nez Perce, and Chinookan. These words include names of plants and animals, personal names of Native American leaders, names of places, and names for ethnic groups. In the present paper, I am concerned with these last two categories. In the area of placenames, some of the terms recorded by Lewis & Clark (hereafter L & C) have entered general usage since their day, sometimes with altered spellings; examples are Cathlamet, Clackamas, Clatsop, Multnomah, and Wahkiakum (Oregon and Washington, from Chinookan). Included also are names of ethnic groups which lived outside the territory explored by L & C, but which are nevertheless mentioned by them, e.g. Biloxi , a tribe of the lower Mississippi Valley. In addition, there are cases where L & C gave English names to localities and tribes to which Indian names were later assigned; these are also included in the glossary. Omitted here are names of tribes in the eastern US which are mentioned by L & C, but are irrelevant to their journey. [1]
The reader should note the usage of the following words: Chinook refers to a people and language native to the mouth of the Columbia River, in Oregon and Washington. Chinookan refers to the larger family to which Chinook belongs, including varieties such as Cathlamet, Wasco, and Wishram, spoken farther up the Columbia River. Chinook Jargon refers to a trade language, used between Native Americans and speakers of European languages, based on elements from Chinookan, other northwestern Indian languages, French, and English. Terms recorded by L & C in the Columbia River area were sometimes from varieties of Chinookan, sometimes from Chinook Jargon, as indicated in the entries below.
Some notes are necessary regarding the orthographic systems and symbols used here. The following points should be noted:
(1) The writings used by L & C are highly variable, and often difficult to interpret. They are based on standard English spelling, with the understanding that the vowels a e i o u, when followed by a consonant, have their "short" values as in pat, pet, pit, pot, putt. When followed by a hyphen or space, they have "long" values as in bait, beet, bite, boat, butte; an example is L & C's "Sho-sho-ne", nowadays written Shoshone or Shoshoni . The symbol â, with circumflex accent, represents the vowel sound of law, dawn. A comma between syllables "denotes a small pause, the word being divided by it into two parts" (JL CE 3:389); this may sometimes correspond to a glottal stop. Capital letters are used variably by L & C; here they are regularized for use only at the beginning of a word. Transcriptions by L & C are here printed in bold face at the beginning of an entry; elsewhere, 〈angle brackets〉 are used to set off these as well as non-systematic spellings used by other writers.
(2) Where present-day English spellings are given, they are accompanied (whenever information is available) by "figured spellings" given in [ square brackets]. This is not a phonetic transcription such as linguists would use, but rather a system like that used in some placename dictionaries published for the general public. The "short" vowels are written, as in L & C's practice, as [a e i o u]; the corresponding "long" vowels are [ay ee ie oh yoo]; in a syllable with a final consonant, [ie] is written [i...e], as in bite. The vowel of father is transcribed [all]; that of boot is [oo]; the unstressed vowel in sofa is written [uh]. Accented syllables are capitalized, as in [SOH fuh].
(3) When a Native American language has a commonly used practical spelling, words from that language are written in italics. In this glossary, the principal language presented in that form is Lakhota (Sioux); the orthography used here is specifically that of Colorado 1976, in which p t k are unaspirated voiceless stops, ph th kh are aspirated voiceless stops, č is like English ch in church, ǧ is a voiced velar fricative (Arabic gh), h̆ is a voiceless velar fricative (German ch), š is like English sh in ship, and ž is like English z in azure. Vowels written with a hook underneath (ą ę į ǫ ų) are like the nasalized vowels of French.
(4) For Native American languages which do not have a commonly used practical spelling, but whose sound systems have been analyzed by linguists, a phonemic transcription is presented, placed within /slashes/. The special symbols are those commonly used in the Americanist version of the International Phonetic Alphabet. For typographic simplicity, a capital G is used for the lax uvular stop, a capital L for the voiceless lateral fricative, and a capital X for the voiceless uvular fricative. An asterisk precedes reconstructed prehistoric forms.
(5) For a phonetic transcription of words both from Native American languages and from French, a technical transcription is given within [square brackets]. The special symbols here are the same as for phonemic transcriptions.
The following is, then, an alphabetical mixture of place names and ethnic names, both in the spellings used by L & C and in currently used spellings (with cross-references), and also including names of Native origin which were not used by the explorers, but are in current usage. A few names are added which might be taken as having Native origin, but in fact are from other sources.
| A-hâh'-âr-ro'-pir-no-pah . Said by L & C to be a division of the Crow tribe (JL CE 3:428). Perhaps from Crow ahpannoopilu'upa' two earholes' (R. Graczyk, p.c.) |
| Ah-mah-tah,ru-shush-sher . Hidatsa /awáathi aruš aš a/, lit. '[Missouri] river forks', i.e. the Milk River (JL CE 3:365, 385). |
| Ahsahka (ID, Clearwater Co.) [uh SAH kuh] From Nez Perce /asáqa/; not named by L & C (JL CE 7:236). |
| Ah-wâh-hâ-way . Writing by L & C for the Awaxawi , a division of the Hidatsa, known by their native name /awaxá'wi/, also named by L & C as "Shoes Men" (HNAI 13:1.346; JL CE 3:403). L & C also write 〈Arwarharmay〉 and 〈Arwerhrmay〉, reflecting an alternation between [w] and [m] in Hidatsa (JL CE 6:169, Hartley 2004). |
| A-lan-sar . Used by L & C to refer to the "Fall Indians" or Atsina; a garbling of the native name /'ç c'çççniinénçh/, perh. meaning 'white clay people' (HNAI 13:692, JL CE 3:433). |
| Aliatan , also 〈L hiatars, Alitan〉. Applied by L & C to tribes speaking Shoshonean languages: the Snake (Shoshone), the Ute, and the Comanche (qq.v.; HNAI 13:903; JL CE 3:327, 328 n.4, 435–37). Origin not known. |
| Almota (WA, Whitman Co.) [al MOH tuh] From a Nez Perce placename /alamóta/ (NAPUS). This is the modern name of a Nez Perce site noted but not named by L & C (JLCE 5:264 n.9; 6:467). |
| Alpowa Creek (WA, Asotin Co.) [AL puh wah] From Nez Perce (Sahaptian) /alpaha/ 'Alpowa Creek' (NAPUS). This is the modern name of a Nez Perce site noted but not named by L & C (JL CE 5:263 n.2,;7:208 n.1) |
| Alsea . Modern name for L & C's 〈Ul-se-ah〉 (q.v.), a tribe of the Oregon coast (JL CE 6:491). |
| Amahte arz zha . Given by L & C as the Hidatsa Indians name for the Missouri River (JL CE 4:246); etymology not known. |
| Ameat Creek . L & C's writing for Omete (MO, Perry Co.; JL CE 2:117). No information on etymology. |
| Aoway [IE oh wuh, OW wuh] Equivalent to Iowa or Ioway , a Siouan tribe which gave its name to the state. The origin of the term "Iowa" may be in Santee Dakota (Siouan) ayúxba 'sleepy ones'; however, the name may also come from Algonquian forms such as Miami/Illinois /aayohoowia/ (HNAI 13:445; NAPUS). L & C do not use the spelling "Iowa", but rather 〈Aieway, Aoway, Ayauwais, Ayauwa〉 etc. (JL CE 2:292, 502 n.2; 3:405, 448). |
| Arapaho [uh RAP uh hoh] The name of a Plains Indian group, of the Algonquian linguistic family; at present one branch lives in Wyoming, the other in Oklahoma. This is not the name that the Arapaho people use for themselves; it may be borrowed from Pawnee /tiraapuhu/ 'he is bartering' or /iriiraraapuhu/ 'trader'. However, the Pawnee do not use this term to refer to the Arapaho, so it may have been misunderstood by Whites. Another possible source is Crow /aa-raxpé-ahu/, lit. 'tattoo'. —The term "Arapaho" was not used by L & C; instead, they used the terms 〈Ca-ne-na-vich〉 and 〈Cas-ta-ha-na〉 (see below; JL CE 3:448). However, L & C give 〈Ar-rah-pa-hoo〉 as an alternative name for the Republican Pawnee (JL CE 3:397). |
| Arikara [uh RIK uh rah] Modern name for L & C's 〈Ricare〉, a Caddoan tribe of the northern Plains (JL CE 5:485; 6:169, 172 n.1). Forms also used in English are Arickaree [uh RIK uh ree] and Ree. A Spanish record of 1794 lists Alicara as the name of one band within the group. It has been claimed that the name comes from Pawnee (Caddoan) paariiku' 'horn' or arikaraaru' 'buck deer', referring to a custom of wearing two bones in the hair, standing up like horns; however, this is not in fact the Pawnee name for the Arikara, and it is likely to be a folk etymology (NAPUS; D. Parks p.c.) |
| Ark-tar-ha. L & C's writing for Sarpy Creek, Treasure Co., MT (JL CE 3:365, 383); perhaps from Mandan. |
| Arp-sar-co-gah. L & C's writing for Absaroka [ab SAIR uh kuh], the native name of the Crow (Siouan) people, who call themselves apsa'alooka 'crow, raven' (JL CE 3:427; R. Graczyk p.c.) This also occurs as a placename in other spellings: Absaraca (WY) and Absaraka (ND). |
| Ar-rah-pa-hoo. Given by L & C as an alternative name for the Republican Pawnee (JL CE 3:397); this looks like the name of the Arapaho tribe, but L & C equate the term with 〈Ca-ne-navich〉 and 〈Cast-ta-ha-na〉 (see below.) |
| Ar-sar-ta . L & C's writing for the Bighorn River (MT, Yellowstone Co.; see below). From Mandan /ą́sexte/ 'bighorn' (JL CE 3:365, 383, 385 n.24). |
| Arwarharmay . Also 〈Arwerharmay〉. Applied to the Awaxawi Hidatsas (JL CE 6:169, 172 n.1); see Ah-wâ h-hâ -way, above. |
| Assiniboin River [uh SIN uh boin], in Manitoba and Saskatchewan; also written 〈Ossiniboin〉 (JL CE 2:219, 225; 3:196). The name is that of a Dakotan (Siouan) group living in northeastern Montana and adjacent Canada. It is from Canadian French assiniboine, from Ojibwa (Algonquian) /assini:pwa:n/ 'stone Sioux', equivalent to Proto-Algonquian */a'senyi/ 'stone' plus */pwa:Ta/ 'enemy tribesman' (HNAI 13:590–92). L & C refer to them, with the translation "Stone Sioux" (JL CE 3:429). The English name of the group is also spelled Assiniboine, as in the placename Assiniboine Creek (MT, Phillips Co.) |
| Atsina [at SEE null] is the name of a people, also called Gros Ventre ('big belly'), who live in Montana. They are linguistically related to the Arapaho, within the Algonquian family. This term is not used by L & C, who refer to the tribe as "Fall Indians, Big Bellies, Grossventres" and "Minnetares" (JL CE 3:433, 448). |
| Awaxawi . A division of the Hidatsa Indians, known by their native name /awaxá 'wi/, recorded by L & C as Ah-wâh-hâ-way and "Shoes Men" (HNAI 13:1.346; JL CE 3:403). |
| Ayauway . A writing by L & C for the Aoway tribe (see above), i.e. the Iowa. |
| Babruley . Variant of "Bois Brulé", i.e. Brule Sioux (JL CE 9:357 n.5). |
| Bad River (SD, Stanley Co.) So called since 1855, a translation of the Sioux name; earlier called "Teton River" by L & C (JL CE 3:109, 359). |
| Bannock . A division of the Northern Paiute people, living in southern Idaho; their language belongs to the Shoshonean branch of the Uto-Aztecan family. L & C refer to them by the Shoshone name 〈Pâ r-nâ zrsh-te〉, otherwise written 〈Ponashita〉 (JL CE 5:255, Hartley 2004). |
| Bar-har-cha . Alternative name given by L & C to the "Grand Osage" tribe (JL CE 3:390); from Osage /ppaxáci/ (HNAI 13:495). |
| Big Bellies . A designation for the Hidatsa Indians tribe, translation of Gros Ventres (q.v.; JL CE 9:91). |
| Bighorn River (MT, WY). Named by L & C as "Ar-sar-ta or big-horn", a translation of Crow 〈ah-sah-ta〉 'bighorn sheep' (NAPUS; JL CE 3:365). Or perhaps from Mandan /ą́sexte/ 'bighorn'(JL CE 3:385 n.24). |
| Blackfoot or Blackfeet . A name given to an Indian people who speak an Algonquian language, living in Montana and in Alberta, Canada. The term is a literal translation of the native name sik-siká, lit. 'black-foot'. The official name of the group is Blackfeet in the US and Blackfoot in Canada, but both forms are used in both countries, as both singulars and plurals, and the language is usually called Blackfoot (NAPUS). Referred to by L & C (JL CE 3:444, 4:223). |
| Black Hills (SD) is probably a loan-translation from Lakhota (Sioux) pahá -sapa, lit. 'hill(s) black', supposedly applied because the dense forest on their slopes makes the hills appear dark from a distance (NAPUS). L & C understood the term to include all eastern outliers of the Rockies, including the Laramie Range (JL CE3:25–26). |
| Blue Mud Indians . Applied by L & C to the Nez Perce tribe; refers to the color of face paint (HNAI 12:438; JL CE 3:435). |
| Bob Brulee tribe . For "Bois Brulé", i.e. the Brule Sioux (JL CE 9:48, 51 fn.2). |
| Bonhomme Creek (MO, St. Louis Co.) [BON urn, BOH num] The French term, meaning 'good man', may here be a translation of Omaha (Siouan) 〈nika-donhe〉, referring to a prominent man in the Indian community, from /níkka/ 'man' and /dąhé / 'good' (NAPUS; R. Rankin p.c.). Mentioned by L & C (JL CE 3:338). |
| Bonne Femme Creek (MO, Howard Co.) [bun FAHM] The French term, meaning 'good woman', may here be a translation of the Omaha (Siouan) word for the wife of a prominent man (NAPUS). Mentioned by L & C (JL CE 3:341). |
| Broken Moccasin Indians . Referred to by L & C; perhaps these are the Tukudika , a Northern Shoshone group; from /tukkutïka/ 'eaters of mountain sheep' (HNAI 11:306; JL CE 5:89, 94; 9:214 n.1). |
| Brule [brool] . A subdivision of the Teton Sioux. The name is from French brulé 'burnt', representing a loan-translation from Dakota (Sioux) sičhą́ ǧú, lit. 'thigh(s) burnt' (HNAI 13:756). But L & C refer to them as 〈Bous rouley〉 'burnt woods', i.e. French bois brulé (JL CE 3:415) - perhaps a misunderstanding. The tribe gives its name to Brule County in South Dakota. |
| Cahokia (IL, St. Clair Co.) [kuh HOH kee uh]. The name refers to a division of the Miami/Illinois (Algonquian) Indians, referred to in early records as 〈Caoukiaki〉 (HNAI 15:680); a modern reconstruction of the name is /kawakawa/ or /kawakia/ (NAPUS). Written 〈Kohokia, Cahokia〉 by L & C (JL CE 2:127, 128; 3:407). |
| Cah-wah-na-ki-ooks River . Applied by L & C to what is now called the Lewis River (WA, Cowlitz Co.; JL CE 6:457, 470). But cf. /náp'utLx/ 'Lewis River' (HNAI 12:544; JL CE 6:470). |
| Calapuya . Variant of Kalapuya (JL CE 6:487); see 〈Cal-lah-po-e-wah〉, below. |
| Cal-lah-po-e-wah . Applied by L & C to the Kalapuya , a group of peoples on the Willamette River; probably from Chinookan /itgalapúywiyukš/, designating these peoples (HNAI 7:552; JL CE 6:479, 487). |
| Cal-la-rnak . Applied by L & C to a Lower Chinookan group at the mouth of the Kalama River (WA, Cowlitz Co.; JL CE 6:25, 484, 490). This corresponds to the village site 〈Tlakalama〉, from /gaLa-k'alama/ 'those of the rock' (HNAI 7:534, 545). |
| Cal la mar-sha mosh . Given by L & C as the Nez Perce name for the Sun River; etymology not known (JL CE 7:342, 343 n.7). |
| Cal-lar-poo-e-wah . Variant of Kalapuya (JL CE 7:66, 70 n.12); see 〈Callah-po-e-wah〉, above. |
| Ca-last-ho-cle . A tribe on the Washington Coast, perhaps the Hoh subgroup of the Quileute (JL CE 6:486, 491). Etymology not known. |
| Calumet [KAL yoo met, KAL yuh met, kal yuh MET] The word refers to the 'peace pipe', the ceremonial pipe for smoking tobacco used by Indians of the central states. Although sometimes thought to be an Indian word, it is from a dialectal French word calumet 'pipe', derived from Latin calamus 'reed' (NAPUS). The word occurs as a placename IN several states. |
| Ca-ne-na-vich . A name given by L & C to the Arapaho; derived from Arikara /tUhkanIhná:wiš/ 'gray stone village' (HNAI 13:860; JL CE 3:423). |
| Cas car ba . Applied by L & C to a Sioux division, not otherwise identified (JL CE 3:33, 36 n.6). No etymology is known. |
| Cash-hooks . Also 〈Cushooks〉. A Lower Chinookan group; derived from Upper Chinookan /qáštxu-kš / 'the qástXu ones', referring to a linguistic difference among Chinookans (HNAI 7:545; JL CE 7:54, 60 n.3). |
| Ca-sta-ha-na . A term applied by L & C to an obscure group, perhaps Arapaho, also called 〈Castihania〉 or "Gens des Vache"; etymology unknown (HNAI 13:971; JL CE 3:421, 426, 487; 8:232, 235 n.14). See also 〈Ca-ne-na-vich〉. |
| Cataka , also 〈Katteka〉. A name given by L & C to the Plains Apache; from Pawnee /kátahka/ 'enemy' (HNAI 13:939; JL CE 3:423). |
| Cath-lah-com-mah-tup . Applied to a Lower Chinookan group, from /gaLá-q'maXtup/, without clear meaning (HNAI 7:535; JL CE 6:478, 484, 484, 490; 7:26, 31 n.6). |
| Cath-la-cum-up . A Lower Chinookan group, from /gaLá-q'map/ 'ones who have the mound' (HNAI 7:534; JL CE 6:484, 490) |
| Cathlahaw(s) Creek . From the Lower Chinookan ethnic name /gaLš xawš/ 'the ones who have cous roots' (HNAI 7:534; JLCJ 6:25 n.12).1 |
| Cathlamet [kath LAM ut] A Lower Chinookan group, also written 〈Calt-har-ma, Cath-lâh-ma〉; now often written Kathlamet. From /gaLamat/, the people of the village at Cathlamet Head (HNAI 7:544; JL CE 6:41 n.3, 471, 475, 477, 485, 490). |
| Cath-lah-nah-quiah . Applied by L & C to a Lower Chinookan group, from /gaLá-nak'waix/ 'those of Nak'waix' (HNAI 7:535, JL CE 6:478, 484, 490; 7:26, 31 n.6). |
| Cathlapotle . A variant spelling of L & C's 〈Quath-lah-poh-tle〉, name of a Lower Chinookan group; from /gáLap'utLX/ 'those of Lewis Island' (HNAI 7:534, 544; (JL CE 6:490). Cath-lah-poh-tle Island is probably Bachelor Island JL CE 7:28, 31 n.15, 32, 36 n.2). |
| Cat-tan a haws . L & C's writing of Kutenai , name of an Indian people of Idaho, Montana, and adjacent Canada; from the native name /ktunaxa/ (HNAI 12:236; JL CE 3:434). |
| Cayuse . An Indian tribe of the Plateau region, of uncertain linguistic affiliation. The term is not used by L & C, but the tribe is referred to by them as 〈Ye-let-po, Wil-le-let-po〉, from the Nez Perce name for this tribe, /weyí:letpu:/ (HNAI 12:417, 469; JL CE 6:489; 7:342 n.5). |
| Celilo Falls (OR, Wasco Co.; WA, Klicktitat Co.) [suh LIE loh] From Wishram (Chinookan) [silailo:], the name of a Wayam Sahaptin village (D. Kinkade p.c.). The term was not used by L & C, who refer simply to the "Great falls" (JL CE 5:326 n.11). |
| Chah-hal lah . A Cascades Chinookan group; same as 〈Sha-ha-la〉, below. |
| Chah-wah na hi ook . Name given by L & C to the Lewis River (WA, Cowlitz Co.); from Chinookan /iL-t'wanXa-yukš/ 'enemies' (JL CE 7:25, 26 n.10). |
| Char-cow-ah . Applied by L & C to a Lower Chinookan group; perhaps a misunderstanding of /čagwaix/ 'summertime' (JL CE 6:478, 487, 491; 7:66, 70 n.11). |
| Char-part or "Woman's Creek". Applied by L & C to a stream, possibly modern Battle Creek (ND, Sioux Co.); from Arikara /sápat/ 'woman' (JL CE 3:176, 178 n.5). |
| Chawi . A division of the Pawnee, also called "Grand"; the native term is /cawí:'i/ (HNAI 13:545). JL CE (2:200 n.4) suggests, perhaps erroneously that this might be L & C's 〈Chayon〉. |
| Chayon . Probably a variant form of Cheyenne (HNAI 13:880; JL CE 1:195, 200 n.4); see below. |
| Che cher ree yank ton . A division of the Yankton Sioux; perhaps from sichąǧu ihąkthų wąna 'burned-thigh little-end village' (HNAI 13:756; JL CE 3:32, 35 n.6). |
| Chehalis . Modern name for L & C's 〈Chilts〉(JL CE 6:491); see below. |
| Che-luc-it-te-quar . Equivalent to 〈Chil-luck-kit-e-quaw〉, below. |
| Ches-che-tar River . L & C's name for the Heart River (ND, Morton Co.); from Arikara /čisčĭ́ta/ 'fork (of a river)' (JL CE 3:190, 362, 381; 7:343 n.7). |
| Che wah Creek . Name given by L & C to a stream later called Long Lake Creek or Badger Creek (ND, Emmons Co.); from Arikara /čiwáhtš / 'fish' (JL CE 3:182, 184 n.3). |
| Cheyenne River (SD) [shie EN, shie AN] Named for an Algonquian people of the Great Plains. At present there are Cheyenne communities in Wyoming and in Oklahoma. The English name comes from French cheyenne, originally recorded in 1679 as 〈Chaiena〉, from Dakota (Siouan) shahíyena. This is the diminutive of shahíya, a Dakotan name for the Cree people (NAPUS). The name was spelled 〈Chyenne, Cheaun, Chion, Chien〉 by L & C (JL CE 2:401, 438, 485; 3:4420). The Cheyenne River of SD is not to be confused with the Sheyenne River in ND, although it has the same etymology and the same pronunciation). |
| Chien . Name used by L & C for the Cheyenne tribe, apparently through confusion with French chien 'dog' (JL CE 3:135, 137 n.9). |
| Chil-lâte . Applied by L & C to the Quileute tribe on the Washington coast; from the native /kwo'lí:yot'/, a village name (HNAI 7:437; JL CE 6:476, 486, 491). |
| Chil-luck-kit-e-quaw . Applied by L & C to a Wishram (Upper Chinookan) group, also written 〈Che-luc-it-te-quar〉; not a village name, but perhaps from /ch-i-lktí-gwa-x/ 'he is pointing at him' (HNAI 12:375, 469; JL CE 5:345, 346 n.3, 369; 6:475, 469, 483, 490; 7:98, 100 n.6). |
| Chilts . Also written 〈Chiltz〉; applied by L & C to the Chehalis, a southwestern Coast Salish tribe, from Lower Chehalis /c'Xíl' 's/ 'sand' (HNAI 7:516; JL CE 6:201, 475, 486, 491). |
| Chimnapam Indians . Also written 〈Chim'-nah-pum'〉; applied by L & C to the Yakima (Northwest Sahaptin) tribe; from Sahaptin /čamná pam/ 'people of the čamná, a village at the mouth of the Yakima River (HNAI 12:469; JL CE 5:287, 369; 6:474, 483, 490; 7:178, 181 n.1). |
| Chinook . L & C use this term for the Lower Chinook tribe, around the mouth of the Columbia River, belonging to the Chinookan family (HNAI 7:544; JL CE 6:202, 475, 485, 490). The name is derived from a Lower Chehalis (Salishan) village /činúk/ (NAPUS). |
| Chippewa [CHIP uh way, CHIP uh wah] Name of an Algonquian people of the Great Lakes area, also called Ojibwa, Ojibwe . A Native American explanation connects this term with a root meaning 'puckered up', referring to the form of Ojibwa moccasins (HNAI 15:768). Also written 〈Chipiway, Chipaway, Chipeway 〉by L & C (JL CE 2:223-24, 3:439). |
| Chishucks . Applied by L & C to a Tillamook (Salishan) town (JL CE 6:471). No etymology is known. |
| Chopunnish [CHOH puh nish]. L & C applied this term to the Nez Perces, an adaptation of the native self-designation /cú:pn'itpel'u: /, lit. 'people of piercing', from /cú:pn'it/ 'piercing (with a pointed object)' and /-pel'u:/ 'people' (HNAI 12:437; JL CE 5:222, 224 n.17; 6:482,;7:53 n.6). The term Camp Chopunnish , for L & C's camp near Kamiah, ID, was not used by them, but was suggested by Elliott Coues in 1893 (JL CE 7:259 n.1). |
| Chym nâ p'-po . Variant writing for 〈Chimnapam〉 (see above; JL CE 7:178, 181 n.1). |
| Chucktins . Applied by L & C to a town and stream on Tillamook Bay (JL CE 6:461, 471). No etymology is known. |
| Clackamas (OR) [KLAK uh mus] Modern form of L & C's 〈Clark-amus〉 (see below). |
| Clack-star . Applied by L & C to the Clatskanies (Athabaskan) tribe; perhaps from Chinookan /iLácl'ani/ 'those of the region of small oaks', or from /tLa'aqštaq/ 'round heads' (HNAI 7:532; JL CE 6:478, 484, 490; 7:26, 31 n.5). |
| Clahcellar , also 〈Clah-clel-lah〉. Applied by L & C to a Cascades (Upper Chinookan) group; from /LaLala/ 'those of /waLaLa/ "small lake" village'; the same as 〈Wah-clel-lah〉 (JL CE 6:483, 490, 7:57, 96, 100 n.2). |
| Clâh-in-na-ta . An Lower Chinookan group (JL CE 7:26, 31 n.6); perhaps the same as 〈Clak-in-nar-ta〉. No etymology known. |
| Cla-moc-to-mich , also Cla-moc-to-mick, Cla-moi-to-mich. Applied by L & C to a tribe on the Washington coast (HNAI nil; JL CE 6:475, 486, 491). No etymology known. |
| Clan-in-na-ta . Applied by L & C to a lower Chinookan group (JL CE 6:478, 484, 490). No etymology known. |
| Clan-nah-queh . Applied by L & C to a Lower Chinookan group (JL CE 6:478, 484, 490). Perhaps a shortened version of 〈Cath-lah-nahqui-ah〉 (JL CE 7:32, 36 n.3). |
| Clan-nah-min-na-mun . Also 〈Clan-nar-min-a-mun〉. Name of an Upper Chinookan group, the Katlaminimin ; from /gaLá-namnnamn/ 'ones who have whole(ness) of something' (HNAI 7:534; JL CE 7:26, 31 n.1). |
| Clark-a-mus . Applied by L & C to the Clackamas , a Lower Chinookan group; from /giLáq'imaš/ 'those of /niq'ímašix/ "Clackamas River"' (HNAI 7:544; JL CE 6:478, 486, 491; 7:62 n.25). |
| Clark Fork (MT, Missoula Co.; ID, Bonner Co.) Named after William Clark; the modern name for what L & C called 〈Co-kâh-lar coosh〉 (see below). |
| Clatskanie . See Clax-ter , below. |
| Clatsop (OR) [KLAT sop] A Lower Chinookan group, the Clatsop, /tlaác' 'p/ 'those who have pounded salmon' (NAPUS). L & C write this as 〈Clâ t-sop〉; they apply the term "Clatsop River" to what is now called the Necanicum River (JL CE 6:201, 471, 475, 485). |
| Clax-ter , also 〈Claxstar〉. L & C's name for a tribe perhaps to be identified with the Clatskanies , an Athabaskan group of Washington. Perhaps derived from Chinookan /tLa'aqštaq/'round heads' (JL CE 6:159). |
| Co-â litch ke River . Perhaps for 〈Cow e lis kee〉, i.e. Cowlitz (JL CE 7:70 n.15); see below. |
| Coeur d'Alene . Name of a Salishan group in Idaho. The name is French for 'heart of the awl', perhaps a translation from a native language, but the origin is obscure. L & C do not use this term, but refer to the group as 〈Skeet-so-mish〉 (HNAI 12:325, 469; JL CE 6:492). |
| Cohahlarishkit River (MT), also 〈Cokahlar,ishket〉. L & C's version of the Nez Perce name of the "River of the Road to the Buffalo," alias the north fork of the Blackfoot River; etymology not known (JL CE 8:401). |
| Co-kâ h-lar coosh River . Name given by L & C to the modern Clark Fork (MT, Missoula Co.; ID, Bonner Co.). From Nez Perce /qoq'á:lX 'iskit/ 'bison trail' (JL CE 8:82, 86 n.4). |
| Co-lâst-ho-cle . Applied by L & C to a tribe of the northwest coast (JL CE 6:476); the etymology is not known. |
| Comanche . A Shoshonean (Uto-Aztecan) tribe of the southern plains; from Ute /kïmánči/ 'enemy'. L & C do not use this word, but call the people 〈Aliatan〉 and 〈Padoucas〉. |
| Co-ma win-nim . L & C's rendering of the Nez Perce name for the Marias River; etymology not known (JL CE 7:342, 343 n.7). |
| Commearp Creek (ID, Lewis Co.) L & C's name for modern Lawyer Creek; from Nez Perce /qémyeXp/ (JL CE 7:237, 241 n.2). |
| Cook-koo-oose . Applied by L & C to the Coos tribe on the Oregon coast; from Alsea /qu:'úš, qu:qu'úš/ (JL CE 6:476, 485). |
| Coos-pel-lars . Applied by L & C to a tribe, perhaps the Kalispel ; from the native name /qlispél/ (HNAI 12:296, 470; JL CE 6:481, 488, 491). |
| Copalis . Modern name for L & C's 〈Pailsh〉, a Salishan group on the Washington coast (JL CE 6:491); see below. |
| Cop coppahark River . Applied by L & C to a stream in Shoshone territory (JL CE 6:479). No etymology is known. |
| Coquille . Modern name for a tribe on the Oregon coast, probably a French spelling of an Indian name. This may be L & C's 〈Shal-la-lah〉; see below. |
| Council Bluffs (IA, Pottawattamie Co.). Referring to a site where meetings were held between Indian groups, or between Indians and whites. The term Council Bluff(s) was used by L & C in 1894 for a NE site near the present Iowa town (JL CE 2:440, 3:353). |
| Coweliskee . L & C's writing for the Cowlitz River (WA, Cowlitz Co.); derived from the name of a Salishan subgroup, /káwlic/ (JL CE 6:202, 470, 484; 7:21 n. 3; NAPUS). |
| Cristanoes , also 〈Knis-ta-nau, Knistanoes〉. Applied by L & C to the Cree, an Algonquian tribe of Canada; from Old Ojibwa /kirištino:/, a name applied to a Cree band. French Cris, Eng. Cree are abbreviations (HNAI 6:227; JL CE 3:432). |
| Crow Indians . A Siouan tribe of the northern plains, French Corbeaux. Their name in Indian languages of the area is usually derived from the word for the bird, e.g. Lakhota khąǧ wičaša, lit. 'crow people'; but they call themselves Absaroka (see above). L & C mention them, but usually call them "Ravin" (JL CE 3:25, 427). |
| Cush-hooks . Applied by L & C to the Clackamas, a Lower Chinookan group; from Upper Chinookan /qáštχukš / 'those who say /qáštχu/ "thus" (instead of /qídau/)' (HNAI 7:545; JL CE 6:478, 486, 491). Also written as 〈Cash-hooks〉 (JL CE 7:54, 60 n.3). |
| Cuts-sah-nim . Applied by L & C to a Yakima (Sahaptin) group (HNAI 12:348; JL CE 6:474, 487, 491). |
| Dakota , This term has been used to refer to a group of peoples and language varieties also known as Sioux , forming a major branch of the Siouan language family, living in the northern plains. The term Lakota or Lakhota represents the pronunciation of the word Dakota in the Teton subgroup, while Nakota or Nakhota is the corresponding form in Yankton Sioux and in the related Assiniboine language. The source of the English term is a word often translated as 'allies' (NAPUS). The word is written by L & C as 〈Dar-co-tar〉, equivalent to "Soos or Sioux" (JL CE 3:410). |
| Delaware . An Algonquian people who occupied much of the Delaware River valley of Pennsylvania in colonial times. In subsequent migrations, some Delaware people moved to westward to Ohio, Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma. The tribal name is spelled 〈Delewar, Delaway, Deleeaway, Dillewar〉 by L & C (JL CE 2:89, 182; 3.391). |
| Deschutes River (OR, Deschutes Co.) [day SHOOT]. This is apparently not a Native word, but represents French Rivière des Chutes 'river of the (water)falls'. However, the term was not used by L & C, who referred to the stream as the 〈Towarnahiooks〉 or "Clark's River" (JL CE 5:325 n.1). There is also a Deschutes River in Washington (Thurston Co.) |
| Do-ta-ne . Also written 〈Do-ta-na, Dotame〉, applied by L & C to the Plains Apache; etymology unknown (HNAI 13:969; JL CE 3:425). |
| Ea-neah wau-de-pon . L & C's spelling of the Sioux name for the Little Sioux River (IA, Dickinson Co.). The etymology is unknown (JL CE 2:458; see Sioux, below). |
| Eagle Feather Creek (SD, Corson Co.) Named by L & C as "Piaheto (or Eagles feather)", after an Indian leader; later renamed "Bald Head Creek" (JL CE 3:172, 173 n.1). |
| E-chee-lute . Also 〈E-shel-lute〉. Applied by L & C to the Wishram-Wasco groups (Upper Chinookan); perhaps from Wishram /ičxluit/ 'I am a member of the /iLáxluit/ group' (HNAI 12:375; JL CE 5:336 n.2, 344; 6:475, 483, 490; 7:70). |
| E-cu-la Creek . L & C's writing for Ecola Creek (OR, Clatsop Co.) [ee KOH luh] The name suggests the Chinook Jargon word 〈eh'-ko-lie〉 'whale', from Chinookan 〈ék'uale〉. However, the placename was probably borrowed into English directly from Clatsop Chinook 〈ékole, ékoli〉 'whale' (JL CE 6:471; NAPUS). |
| E-hârt'-sâr . L & C's name for a branch of the Crow tribe (JL CE 3:428). Perhaps for Crow ia'xassee 'snake', or for iha'atche 'to make different' (R. Graczyk, p.c.) |
| Elk Shed Their Horns Creek (ND, Emmons Co.) Named by L & C as "War-re-con-ne or Elk Shed their horns", from Arikara /wah/ 'elk', /arika/ 'horn'; now called Beaver Creek (JL CE 3:176, 178 n.7). |
| Elallar Island . Also 〈E-lal-lar〉. Applied by L & C to Deer Island, Columbia Co., OR; from Chinookan /ilálX/ 'deer' (JL CE 6:470; 7:25 n.1). |
| Eleatan . Variant writing by L & C for 〈Aliatan〉 (see above); perhaps referring to the Comanche (JL CE 8:363, 364 n.4). |
| E-mâh-tark',ah'-zhah . L & C's writing for the Little Missouri River (ND, Dunn Co.); from Hidatsa /awáathi áaši/ 'river creek' (JL CE 3:363, 381, 385 n.24). |
| E-nee-shur . Also 〈E-ne-shuh, E-ne-chur, Eneesher〉. Applied by L & C to the Tenino , a Western Columbia River Sahaptin group; perhaps from Chinookan /i-mi-šúxw/ 'he (is) your relative' (HNAI 12:392, 469; JL CE 5:344; 6:474, 483, 490; 7:127, 130 n.6, 144, 145 n.5). |
| Eoote-lash-schute . Applied by L & C to the Flathead (Salish); also written 〈Oat la shoot〉. Perhaps from Flathead /uL-išu-t/'those down below' (HNAI 12:312, JL CE 5:189, 6:474). |
| E-pe,-âh-zhah . L & C's writing for Snake Creek (ND, McLean Co.); from Hidatsa /apée áaši/ 'coiling creek' (JL CE 3:362, 381, 385 n.24). |
| E-shel-lute , also 〈E-skel-lute〉. Equivalent to 〈E-chee-lute〉, above. |
| Es-litch . A group on the Oregon coast, said by L & C to be Tillamook, probably from /nšlǽtš / 'Siletz River' (JL CE 6:201, 202 n.2). |
| Fall Indians . Term used by L & C for the Atsina tribe (see above; JL CE 3:433, 448). |
| Femme Osage Creek (MO, St. Charles Co.) [fem ee oh SAGE] French for 'Osage woman'; the French pronunciation would be approximately [famozaž]. Called "Osage Woman river" and "Faim of the Hoozaw River" by L & C (JL CE :245, 248; 3.388; 9:7). |
| Flathead . Named for a Salishan people, called Têtes Plates in French; now usually called Salish in English. The term seems to refer to the practice of flattening the heads of children in cradleboards, which was practiced by some American Indian groups; however, the Flathead people did not have such a custom, and the name seems to have been given to them through a misunderstanding (NAPUS). The name is sometimes used by L & C, but more often they call the tribe 〈Oat la shoot〉 or 〈Tush-she-pah〉 (JL CE 3:368, 444, 5:187; 6:494–95; 9:215). |
| Fox . The name of an Algonquian people, closely linked to the Sac (or Sauk); a translation of French Renard, which in turn may be a translation of an Iroquoian term meaning 'red-fox people'. The name of the Fox people for themselves is /meškwahki:-haki/ 'red-earths', which has entered English as Mesquakie or Meskwaki (HNAI 15:646). Referred to by L & C as "Renarz" or "Foxes" (JL CE 3:407–8). |
| Girl Creek (ND, Sioux Co.) Named by L & C as 〈So-harch〉 (q.v.), Arikara for 'girl creek', from /suúnatš/ 'girl'; later perhaps Porcupine or Battle Creek (JL CE 3:175, 178 n.4). |
| Gros Ventres [GROH vahnt]. The French term, meaning 'big bellies', has been used to refer to two different peoples of the northern Plains: the Hidatsa (Siouan) and the Atsina (Algonquian). The latter are closely related to the Arapaho. L & C use the term, along with "Big Bellies" and 〈Minitares〉, to refer to the Hidatsa (JL CE 3:206, 404). |
| Han-na-kal-lal . Applied by L & C to a tribe on the Oregon coast, perhaps the Tututni (q.v.; JL CE 6:477, 486, 491). |
| Har na hap pap chah . Also called 〈Hane-pompy-hah 〉 or "Beaverhead Valley", in Montana. Clark's name for the valley of the Beaverhead and upper Jefferson rivers, Montana. Perhaps from Shoshone elements otherwise recorded as 〈hahnay-ham〉 'of the beaver' and 〈pahp〉 'head' (JL CE 8:175, 176 n.3; Hartley 2004, under "Beaverhead Rock"). |
| Hatwai Creek (ID, Nez Perce Co.) [HAT way] The name is from Nez Perce (Sahaptian) /héetwey/, perhaps containing /-wey/ 'creek' (NAPUS). This is the modern name of a stream mentioned but not named by L & C (JL CE 5:259 n.3; 7:214 fn.1). |
| Hidatsa [hie DAT suh, hi DAT suh] This word is derived from /hirâ:ca/, formerly the name of the largest social division of the Hidatsa (Siouan) tribe. In the 19th century it was reported as being an obsolete word referring to 'willows' (HNAI 13:1.345). The term is not now used as a placename; nor was it used by L & C, who referred to the Hidatsa as 〈Minitaree〉 (JL CE 3:206). |
| Hi-high-e-nim-mo . From the Yakima name of the Sanpoil , a Salishan tribe (HNAI 12:270; JL CE 6:480, 488, 491). |
| Hockhockin River (OH) L & C's spelling (JL CE 2:82) of Hockhocking , an earlier name for the stream now known as the Hocking River (OH, Hocking Co.) Perhaps abbreviated from a Delaware (Algonquian) term meaning 'bottle-gourd place' (NAPUS). |
| Hoh . A tribe on the Washington coast, name derived from the native ethnonym /hóX/; perhaps what L & C called 〈Ca-last-ho-cle〉(JL CE 6:491). |
| Ho-hil-po. Applied by L & C to the Pend d'Oreilles (Salishan) tribe (HNAI 12:470; JL CE 6:480, 488, 492). |
| Hoin de borto . Applied by L & C to a division of the Yankton Sioux; perhaps from /hųkpathina/ 'little campers at the opening of the circle' (JL CE 3:33, 35 n.6). |
| Hull-loo-et-tell . Applied by L & C to a Cascades (Upper Chinookan) group; from Chinookan /Xluit íl/ 'strange country' (HNAI 7:545; JL CE 6:485, 490; 7:18, 21 n. 6). |
| I'-â-kâr . Applied by L & C to the Snake (Shoshone) (JL CE 3:435). No etymology is known. |
| Ich-ke-pe ar-ja . Name given by N. Biddle to L & C's "Rose bud river", the present Stillwater River (MT, Stillwater Co.); perhaps from Hidatsa /mickapa aaši/ 'rosebud creek'. Not to be confused with "Mar-shas-kap River", L & C's term for the present Rosebud Creek, Rosebud Co., MT (JL CE 8:205, 208 n.2). |
| Idaho . The present name for the state was not used by L & C; it was transferred from an area of Colorado, where it derives from Plains Apache /ídaahę́/ 'enemy', referring to the Comanche (NAPUS). |
| Illinois . The name refers to an Algonquian people, a division of what is often called the Miami/Illinois. The group's name for themselves was recorded in 1725 as 〈Inoca〉. They were early referred to by Europeans as 〈Ilinoüek〉 and 〈Illiniwek〉, probably derived from the Ottawa name for the Illinois tribe. The modern form "Illinois" represents a 17th century French spelling, pronounced [ilinwe] at that time (HNAI 15:679; NAPUS). L & C refer to the Illinois River (JL CE 2:245) but not to the tribe. |
| Iowa . The name of the state is derived from that of a Siouan tribe, the Iowa or Ioway ; the name is perhaps from Santee Dakota /ayúxba/ 'sleepy ones'. L & C usually use the spellings 〈Aoway〉 etc. (see above). |
| Itchkepipearja . Variant of 〈Ich-ke-pe ar-ja〉, above. |
| Ka-hunk-le . Applied by L & C to a tribe on the Oregon coast, perhaps part of the Tillamook (JL CE 6:476, 485, 490). No etymology is known. |
| Kakawissassa Creek. So named by L & C after an Arikara leader; the stream is now called Cathead Creek (SD, Corson Co.; JL CE 3:15, 154). The name is /kaakaawisisa'/ "raven comes at an angle', as when a bird makes a turn in flight (D. Parks p.c.) |
| Kalama . Modern form of L & C's 〈Cal-la-mak〉; from Lower Chinookan /gaLa-k'alama/ 'those of the rock' (HNAI 7:545; JL CE 6:25, 470). |
| Kalapuya . Modern writing for L & C's 〈Cal-lah-po-e-wah〉, a group of peoples on the Willamette River; probably from Clackamas Chinook /kálapuyuway/ (JL CE 6:487; 7:66, 70 n.12). |
| Kalispel Indian Reservation (WA, Pend Oreille Co.l) [KAL i spel] Also written Kalispell , Calispell . The placename is derived from the ethnonym referring to a Salishan group which L & C called 〈Coos-pel-lars〉 (JL CE 6:491). |
| Kamiah (ID, Lewis Co.) [KAM ee ie] From the Nez Perce toponym /qémyeXp/; not named by L & C (JL CE 7:255 n.3). |
| Kanawha River (WV) [kuh NAW wuh]. The term is an Iroquoian name for an Algonquian group also known as the Conoy. The name is spelled 〈Kanaway〉 by L & C (JL CE 2:82). |
| Kanenavich . Term used by L & C for the Arapaho (JL CE 3:403, 423); also written 〈Kanenavish〉 etc. (JL CE 3:439, 448, 487). See 〈Cane-na-vich〉, above. |
| Kansa . The name of a Siouan tribe, also called the Kaw (q.v.) The term Kansas , applied to the river and the state, is a French or English plural of the earlier lineage name 〈Kansa〉. The spellings 〈Kansas, Kansias, Kanzas〉 etc. are used for the tribe by L & C (JL CE 2:277, 8:360). |
| Kaskaskia (IL, Randolph Co.) [kas KAS kee till] The name is that of a branch of the Miami-Illinois (Algonquian) people, first recorded in 1672 as 〈Kakachkiouek〉 (HNAI 15:680). The native name is /kaaskaaskiiwa, kaahkaahkia/ 'katydid' (NAPUS). Recorded by L & C as 〈Kaskaskies〉 etc. (JL CE 2:117). |
| Kathlamet . Modern version of L & C's 〈Cathlamet〉, name of a Chinookan group (JL CE 6:490); see above. |
| Katlaminimin . Modern name for a Lower Chinookan group called by L & C 〈Clan-nar-min-a-mon〉 (HNAI 7:534; JL CE 6:477, 484, 490); see above. |
| Katteka , also 〈Cataka〉. Applied by L & C to the Plains Apache; from Pawnee /kátahka/ 'enemy' (HNAI 13:939, JL CE 3:439). |
| Kaw . Another name for the Kansa tribe (see above), originating from French Kas, an abbreviation of the tribal name (HNAI 13:474). |
| Kee-hat-sa . Applied by L & C to the Crow, the "Paunch Indians"; cf. Hidatsa /kixa ihcá/ 'paunch pouters' (HNAI 13:716, JL CE 3:427). |
| Kee-tooch sar-kar-nar 'place of beaver', name given by L & C to Little Beaver Creek, Emmons Co., ND; from Arikara /chitUx sAhaánu'/ 'beaver creek' (JL CE 3:175, 178 n.6). |
| Ke ke mar que Creek . L & C's name for the present John Day River (OR, Clatsop Co).; not to be confused with the larger John Day River (OR, Sherman Co.). Perhaps from the Chinook toponym /kigimaXix/ (JL CE 6:91, 7:9 n.8). |
| Kickapoo . The name of an Algonquian people that once lived in central Illinois; the native name is /kiikaapoa/, sometimes interpreted as 'wanderers' (HNAI 15:667). Later on, groups of Kickapoo moved to Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and to northern Mexico. Recorded by L & C as 〈Kickpo, Kickapoo〉 etc. (JL CE 2:180, 185; 3:338). |
| Kil-her-hurst's Town . Name given by L & C, apparently for a Tillamook (Salishan) leader, to a village on Tillamook Bay, OR (JL CE 6:471). |
| Kil-her-ner's Town . Placename given by L & C, apparently for a Tillamook leader, to a village on Tillamook Bay (JL CE 6:471). |
| Kilhowanahkle , also 〈Kil-haw-â-nack-kle〉. L & C's name for the present Youngs River (OR, Clatsop Co.); from Lower Chinook /giLawanaXL/ (JL CE 6:98, 383, 384 n.15). |
| Killamook. L & C's writing for Tillamook , a Salishan tribe on the Oregon coast; also 〈Kil-á-mox, Kil-la-muck, Kil-a-muck〉 (JL CE 6:201, 202, 471, 475, 485, 490; 7:83, 89 n.9). |
| Kil-la-wats . Applied by L & C to the Lower Umpqua tribe (Siuslawan) on the Oregon coast; from Tillamook /qə́lwəc/ 'Siuslawan region' (HNAI 7:578; JL CE 6:476, 485, 490). |
| Kil-laxt-ho-kle . Applied by L & C to an ethnic group north along the coast from the Chinook, perhaps the Kwalhiokwa (Athabaskan) tribe (JL CE 6:475, 486, 491); see below. |
| Ki-moo-e-nim . Applied by L & C to the Nez Perce of the Upper Snake River; perhaps from an ethnic name /qemúynem/ (HNAI 12:469; JL CE 5:284 n.7, 489; 7:202, 204 n.1). L & C's 〈Ki-moo-ê-nim〉 Creek is the present Tucannon River (q.v.), from Nez Perce /tuké:nen/ 'digging' (JL CE 6:467, 482; 9:232, 240 n.1). |
| Kiowa [KIE oh wah, KIE oh wuh] The term refers to an Indian people of the southern Plains, of the Kiowa-Tanoan language family. Their native name appears in early records as Spanish Caigua , English 〈Kae-gua〉. L & C give the name as 〈Cay-au-wa, Cayau-wah, Ki'âwâ〉 (JL CE 3:421. |
| Kitkahatki . A native name for the Pawnee group which L & C called "Republican" (see below); from /kitkahahki/ 'little earth-lodge village' (HNAI 13:545; JL CE 2:200 n.4). |
| Kittitas . Modern name for a Sahaptin group, from the native placename /ktí̷taas/; perhaps the people called 〈Shan-wap-pom〉 by L & C (HNAI 12:327; JL CE 6:491). |
| Klaskanine River (OR, Clatsop Co.) Modern name, from Lower Chinook /iLáck'ani/ 'those of the region of small oaks', for the eastern fork of what L & C called the 〈Kil-haw-â-nack-kle〉 River (JL CE 6:383); see above. |
| Klickitat [KLIK i tat] A Northwest Sahaptin tribe and town (WA, Klickitat Co.), not named by L & C as such; they apply the name "Cataract River" to what is now called the Klickitat River. Probably from the Upper Chinookan placename /iLGádatukš/, etymology not known (HNAI 12:349, 469; JL CE 5:353 n.3). |
| Knistanoes , also 〈Knis-ta-nau, Cristanoes〉, applied by L & C to the Cree; from modern Ojibwa /kiništino:/, a name applied to a Cree band; French Cris , Eng. Cree are abbreviations (HNAI 6:227, JL CE 3:432). Cf. "Cristanoes" (above), from Old Ojibwa /kirištino:/. |
| Koos-koos-an-nim-a . Given by L & C as Nez Perce name for the Little Missouri River; etymology unknown (JL CE 7:342, 343 n.7). Perhaps Nez Perce /qu:squ:snime/'clear creek' (H. Aoki p.c.). |
| Kooskooskee River . Applied by L & C to the Clearwater River; also written 〈Kos kos kee, Koskoskia〉. Perhaps from Nez Perce 〈koos keich keich〉 'clear water', or from /qu:sqú:s/ 'blue-gray' (HNAI 12:469; JL CE 5:248, 6:493, 7:209, 9:234). |
| Kun-na-nar-wesh . Equivalent to 〈Ca-ne-na-vich〉 or 〈Kanenavich〉 (see above), i.e. the Arapaho. |
| Kutenai [KOO tuh nee, KOO tuh nay] The name of an Indian people of Idaho, Montana, and adjacent Canada; from the native name /ktunaxa/ (HNAI 12:236). Written by L & C as 〈Cat-tan a haws〉 (JL CE 3:434). |
| Kwalhiokwa . Modern name for L & C's 〈Kil-laxt-ho-kle〉, an Athabaskan tribe of Washington (JL CE 6:491). From Chinookan /tkwlxiugwáikš/ (HNAI 7:5332). |
| La-hân-na . Applied by L & C to the Okanagan (Salishan) tribe (HNAI 12:470; JL CE 3:480, 487, 491). No etymology is known. |
| La hoo catt . An Arikara village, now inundated by Oahe Reservoir (SD, Stanley Co.); from the name of an Arikara band, /NahuukaátA/ (JL CE 3:143, 144 n.5; 8:398). |
| Lakjalama , also 〈Klakalama, Thlakalama〉, a Lower Chinookan group, perhaps the same as the Ca-la-mak (see above). No etymology known. |
| La Plays . Applied by L & C to the Comanche, equated with 〈Aliatan〉. Not an Indian word, but derived from French têtes pelées 'bald heads' (HNAI 13:903; JL CE 3:437). |
| Lapwai Creek (ID, Nez Perce Co.) [LAP way] From Nez Perce /lé:pwey/, perhaps meaning 'butterfly creek' (NAPUS). Modern name for what L & C called "Cottonwood Creek" (JL CE 5:260). |
| Lar-ti-e-lo , also 〈Lar-ti-e-to, Lastaro, Lastaw〉. Applied by L & C to the Middle Spokane (Salishan) tribe (HNAI 12:469; JL CE 6:480, 488, 492). No etymology is known. |
| La-ze-ka . Variant of 〈Le-ze-ka〉 (see below). |
| Lastaro, also 〈Lastaw〉. Same as 〈Lar-ti-e-lo〉, above (JL CE 6:480, 488). |
| Lewis River (WA, Cowlitz Co.) Named after Meriwether Lewis; the modern name for what L & C called 〈Cah-wah-na-ki-ooks〉 (see above). |
| Lewis and Clark River (OR, Clatsop Co.) The modern name corresponding to L & C's 〈Netul〉 (see below). |
| Le-ze-ka , also 〈Lazeka〉. L & C's writing for the name of the Tongue River (MT, Custer Co.); from Mandan /résik/ 'tongue' (JL CE 3:365, 382, 385 n.24; 8:248, 250 n.6). |
| Lemhi River . Not an Indian word, but a Mormon name; referred to by L & C as "East Fork Lewis's River" (JL CE 5:76). |
| Lhiatar . Variant of Aliatan (see above), referring to Shoshonean tribes. |
| Lick-â-wis . Applied by L & C to the Yakwina tribe on the Oregon coast (JL CE 6:476, 485, 490). No etymology is known. |
| Lochsa Creek (ID, Idaho Co.) [LOK saw, LOK suh] Perhaps from a Flathead (Salish) word meaning 'rough water' (NAPUS). This is the modern name for what L & C called Glade Creek (JL CE 5:205 n.7; 8:34 n.1). No etymology is verifiable. |
| Lolo Pass (MT) The toponym has been said to represent an Indian pronunciation of the French male name Laurent or Laurence; however, Lolo may also be a perfectly good French nickname. This is the modern name for what L & C called "Traveler's Rest Creek" (JL CE 5:192, 196 n.8, 199 n.4). The Flathead (Salish) name is /tamsmLi/ 'no salmon' (NAPUS). |
| Loup . A tribal name used by L & C to refer to the Skiri division of the Pawnee (JL CE 2:195, 200 n.4, 3:396). This is the French translation of the native name,/ckí:ri/, from /ckirir-/'wolf, coyote' (HNAI 13:545). |
| Luck-kar-so. Applied by L & C to the Tututni (q.v.), a tribe on the Oregon coast (JL CE 6:477, 486, 491); no etymology is known. |
| Luck-ton . Applied by L & C to a tribe on the Oregon coast; perhaps of the Nestucca subgroup of the Tillamook (Salishan) tribe; no etymology is known (JL CE 6:476, 485, 490). |
| Mahar . L & C's writing of Omaha (JL CE 2:195, 3:398); see below. |
| Mahawaha , From Mandan /wąxá:xa/ 'spread out place', referring to the Awaxawi branch of the Hidatsa. It was recorded by L & C as 〈Mahaha, Mahawha, Mar-har-ha, Mah-har-ha〉(HNAI 13:1.347; JL CE 3:203, 211–12; 8:298). |
| Mah-pah-pah,-ah-zhah , also 〈Mah-pat-puh,-ah-zhah〉 and "Medicine River". L & C's writing for Sun River, Cascade Co., MT; from Hidatsa (JL CE 3:367, 382), containing /áaši/ 'creek'. |
| Mah-tush,-ah-zhah . Applied by L & C to the Musselshell River (MT, Petroleum Co.); from Hidatsa, containing /áaši/ 'creek' (JL CE 3:367, 374). |
| Makah . Modern name of the tribe which L & C called Quin-ne-chart (JL CE 6:491); see below. |
| Mandan [MAN clan] A Siouan tribe; the name is a borrowing based on the common Lakhota designation for the tribe, e.g. Teton /miwátąni/ (HNAI 13:1.362). The term now occurs as the placename Mandan, ND (Morton Co.). It was written by L & C as 〈Mandol, Mandan〉 etc. (JL CE 2:144, 195; 3:362, 401). |
| Ma-ne-to-par . Used by L & C to refer to a branch of the Assiniboine, synonymous with 〈Band lar gru〉 (French, Bande de la Grue), also as "Crane" or "Canoe" Indians (qq.v.); from /watóphana/ 'paddlers' (HNAI 13:593; JL CE 3:429). |
| Manitou Creek . Currently spelled Moniteau Creek (MO, Boone Co.); from the widespread Algonquian word which has come into English as manitou 'spirit, deity' (JL CE 8:395) |
| Ma-ro-pa River . L & C's writing for the present Rampart or Oak Creek (SD, Corson Co.); perhaps from Hidatsa /mirapa/ 'beaver' (JL CE 3:150, 153 n.5, 360, 380). |
| Mar-shas-kap River . L & C's writing for Rosebud Creek (MT, Rosebud Co.); perhaps from Mandan (JL CE 3:365, 382). |
| Matoontonha . Also written 〈Mitutahank, Mitutanka, Ma-too-tonka〉. The "first village" of the Mandan; from Mandan /wí̜̜;˞ti ̨́tahąkt/ 'east village' (HNAI 13:1.364; JL CE 3:401). |
| Maumee [maw MEE] A variant of Miami (see below), referring to an Algonquian tribe; the name is from Ottawa (Algonquian) /maamii/, referring to the Miami/Illinois (Algonquian) people (NAPUS). Lewis & Clark use the spelling 〈Maumies〉 (JL CE 2:174). |
| Mdewakanton . A branch of the Santee Sioux, written by L & C as 〈Ne was tar ton, Min-da-war-car-ton〉; derived from mde-wakhąthųwą 'lake-holy village' (HNAI 13:752; JL CE 3:33, 36 n.6, 410). |
| Medicine River . Now called Sun River (MT, Cascade Co.) The term medicine in Indian English refers to anything supernatural or mysterious, and is used in placenames throughout the US. |
| Meé,-ah'-zah . A name given by L & C's to the Yellowstone River (ND, McKenzie Co.); from Hidatsa /mí'i áaši/ 'stone creek' (JL CE 3:363, 382, 385 n.24). |
| Me ma car jo . L & C's writing for a division of the Minneconjou Sioux (JL CE 3:33, 35 n.6); see below. |
| Memaloose Island (OR, Wasco Co.) [MEM uh loos] From Chinook Jargon 〈mem'-a-loost, mim'-a-loos〉 [mímalus] 'die, dead', probably from Lower Chinook [tLmémlost] 'dead one, corpse' (NAPUS). This is the modern name for what L & C called "Sepulchar Island" (JL CE 5:349, 353 n.5). |
| Menetarra . A variant of 〈Minnetarree〉 (JL CE 3:249); see below. |
| Meramec River (MO, Jefferson Co.) [MARE uh mak] Probably from an Algonquian word meaning 'catfish'; cf. Ojibwa maanameg 'catfish', Meskwaki myanamekwa (NAPUS). Now often confused with Merrimac , a New England placename. Written by L & C as 〈Meremeck, Merrenek〉 (JL CE 2:126; 3:338). |
| Metaharta . Name given by L & C to the middle Hidatsa village; from Mandan /mį'tixata/ 'village spread out" (JL CE 3:206, 211-12). |
| Met-cow-wes Indians . Term used by L & C, perhaps for the Methow tribe (Middle Columbia River Salishan); from the native term /mitXaw/ 'Methow Valley' (HNAI 12:269, JL CE 5:319 n.3). In April 1806, L & C use the term for a group in Sahaptin territory (JL CE 7:163, 164 n.1). |
| Mewas-ton-nen-gar Creek . A name given by L & C to a tributary of the Kansas River, probably from a Siouan language, meaning 'wildcat'; but the etymology is not verifiable. Now called Wildcat Creek (JL CE 3:344, 384). |
| Miami . An Algonquian tribe of Ohio and Indiana; also called Maumee (see above). The resemblance to Miami, Florida, is accidental. |
| Mi ca cu op si ba . Applied by L & C to a Santee Sioux group (Mouton 3:33, 36 n.6). Said to mean 'cut bank', but the etymology is not verifiable. |
| Mick-suck-seal-tom . Also 〈Misk-suck-seal-tom〉. Applied by L & C to a Flathead (Salish) subgroup (HNAI 12:470; JL CE 6:480, 488, 492). The etymology is not known. |
| Miluk . Modern name for an Oregon coastal tribe, perhaps that called 〈Shal-la-lah〉 by L & C (JL CE 6:491); see below. |
| Minetaree . Also written 〈Me-ne-tar-e, Minitari〉 etc.; also "Big Bellies, Gross Ventre". The term is used by L & C to refer to the "first village" of the Hidatsa. However, this represents the name that the Mandan used to refer to the Hidatsa, namely /wrį́tari/ [minį́tari]; this in turn is a borrowing of Hidatsa /miríta:ri/ 'crosses the water' (HNAI 13:1.345; JL CE 3:404). The word is not currently a placename. L & C also use the term "Minetaries of Fort de Prarie" to refer to the Gros Ventre of Montana, now usually called Atsina (JL CE 4:211). |
| Minneconjou . A division of the Teton Sioux, written by L & C as 〈Me ma car jo, Min-na-kine-az-zo〉. Derived from mnikhówožu, perhaps 'planters by the water' (HNAI 13:757; JL CE 3:33, 35 n.6, 416). |
| Mississippi River . The term was first applied to the river by French missionaries when they met Algonquian peoples in the upper Mississippi drainage in the 17th century; it is derived from forms comparable to Ojibwa mishi- 'big' and ziibi 'river' (NAPUS). Mentioned by L & C (JL CE 2:86,;3:337). |
| Missoula . The term is not used by L & C; it is perhaps from a Flathead (Salish) term meaning 'awesome river' (NAPUS). |
| Missouri . Also Missouria . A Siouan Indian group who gave their names to the Missouri River and of the state of Missouri, is from a Miami/Illinois (Algonquian) word, recorded in 1700 as 〈missouri〉 'canoe'. A modern analysis is /mihsoori/ 'big boat', from /mihs-/ 'big', /-oor-/ 'boat, and /-i/ 'inanimate' (NAPUS). Written by L & C as 〈Missouries, Missouri〉 (JL CE 2:295, 3:337, 394). |
| Mitutanka . Modern name for a Mandan village, L & C's 〈Matootonha〉 (see above). |
| Moltnomah . Equivalent to 〈Mult-no-mah〉 (below). |
| Monitou Creek . Current spelling for L & C's "Manito Creek"; from a widespread Algonquian word for 'spirit, deity' (JL CE 8:395). |
| Monongahela River (WV, Monongalia Co.) The source is Unami Delaware (Algonquian) /mehəna:ɔnkéhəla:k/ 'high banks, breaking off and falling down at places' (NAPUS). Mentioned by L & C (JL CE 2:82). |
| Mult-no-mah [mult NOH muh] Applied by L & C to a Lower Chinookan group around the mouth of the Willamette River (HNAI 7:534, JL CE 6:470, 478, 484, 490; 7:32, 36 n.3); now the name of Multnomah Co., Oregon. L & C applied the name 〈Moltnomah River〉 to what is now called the Willamette. From Chinookan /máLnumaX/ 'those towards the water' (NAPUS). |
| Muskingum River (OH, Muskingum Co.) [mus KING gum] Perhaps originally from Shawnee (Algonquian) /məškeekwaaməčki/ 'where the land is swampy' (NAPUS). Referred to by L & C (JL CE 2:80). |
| Nackatosh Country . L & C's writing for the region around Natchitoches, Louisiana, and Nacogdoches, Texas; both names refer to branches of the Caddo tribe (JL CE 8:346, 348 n.6). |
| Na-co-ta o-ee-gah . Applied by L & C to a branch of the Assiniboine, also called "Girls" or "Gens de fees" (filles); a garbling of /nakhóta wichį́cana/, where /nakhóta/ is the self-designation (= Dakota) and /wichį́ capina/ 'girls' (HNAI 13:593, JL CE 3:430). |
| Na-co-ta mah-ta-pa-nar-to . Applied by L & C to a branch of the Assiniboine, also called "Big Devils" or Gens des grand Diable. "Big Devil" was the name of a chief; the native name of the band was /watóphaxnathųwą/, perhaps 'those who propel boats' (HNAI 13:593; JL CE 3:431). |
| Nadawa . A writing by L & C for 〈Nodaway〉 (see below). |
| Nasoma . Alternative name for the Miluk , an Oregon coastal tribe; called 〈Shal-la-lah〉 by L & C (JL CE 6:491). |
| Natti . A group said by L & C to be Tillamook (JL CE 6:201, 202 n.2); the term 〈Nat-chies〉 may be equivalent. Cf. Tillamook /n':dzí:sni:/ 'Salmon River', in Tillamook territory (HNAI 7:567). |
| Neacoxie Creek (OR, Clatsop Co.) [NEE kok see] Modern name for L & C's 〈Neerawanaca〉, below. From Clatsop (Chinookan) /niak'ákwsi/ 'where the little pines are' (NAPUS). |
| Neash-na-batto-na . Variant of Nishnabotna (JL CE 9:25); see below. |
| Nebraska . The name of the state represents the Omaha or Otoe (Siouan) term for the Platte River; the Omaha form is /nįbráska/, lit. 'water flat', while the Otoe form is /nį bráðge/. The English name of the Platte River is from French Rivière Platte, also meaning 'flat river'. The name Nebraska does not occur in JL CE. |
| Necanicum River (OR, Clatsop Co.) [nee KAN i kum] From the Clatsop (Lower Chinookan) village name /nikánikm/ (NAPUS). Called "Clatsop River" by L & C (JL CE 6:471). |
| Ne-cha-co-kee Village . Also 〈Ne-cha-lo-kee〉. Applied by L & C to a Multnomah (Lower Chinookan) site; from Chinookan /ni-čágwli/ 'stand of pines' (HNAI 7:61, 534; JL CE 6:470, 478, 484, 490; 7:57, 61 n.17). |
| Neck-ê-to. Applied by L & C to the Alsea tribe on the Oregon coast (HNAI nil; JL CE 6:476, 485, 490). |
| Necost . A group said by L & C to belong to the Tillamook tribe (Salishan), on the Oregon coast (JL CE 6:201, 202 n.2). Etymology not known. |
| Neerawanaca Creek . L & C's writing for Neacoxie Creek (JL CE 6:471); see above. |
| Ne-er-cho-ki-oo . Applied by L & C to a Cascades (Upper Chinookan) group, perhaps from a placename /niLXkLayu/ (HNAI 12:376; JL CE 6:478, 483, 490; 7:57, 61 n.18). |
| Neesh-nah-ba-to-no . A variant writing by L & C for Nishnabotna (see below). |
| Nehalem River (OR, Tillamook Co.) [nee HAY lum] Modern name of L & C's 〈Ni-e-lee〉 Creek; from Lower Chinook /ni'ilim/, name of a Tillamook village (HNAI 7:566' JL CE 6:471). |
| Nemaha River [NEE muh hah]. Written 〈Ne Ma haw, Ne-ma-har, Ne-me-hur〉 by L & C (JL CE 2:367, 3:346, 394). Nowadays distinguished as the Big Nemaha and Little Nemaha Rivers (KS, Nemaha Co.). Probably from Ioway-Otoe (Siouan) /nį maha/ 'muddy river', from /nį/ 'water, river' plus /maha/ 'dirt, mud' (NAPUS). |
| Ne-mal-quin-ner . Applied by L & C to a Multnomah (Lower Chinookan) group; from the ethnic name /nimáLXwinix/ (HNAI 7:534; JL CE 6:478, 484, 490; 7:83, 89 n.8). |
| Ne-me-hur . A variant writing by L & C for Nemaha (see above). |
| Nemo River . Applied by L & C to a stream in Shoshone territory (HNAI 6:479). Etymology not known. |
| Nemousin . A name given by L & C to the Nawathinehena, a branch of the Arapaho; the name is derived from 'south' (HNAI 13:861; JL CE 3:424). Elsewhere (JL CE 3:448) the group is identified, perhaps erroneously, as Comanche. |
| Nestucca .[nes TUK uh] Alternate name for L & C's 〈Luck-ton〉, a tribal name. From Tillamook (Salishan) [ksta'gwə́hwəš] 'Nestucca (River) people' (JL CE 6:490; NAPUS). |
| Ne was tar ton . A writing used by L & C for the Mdewakanton Sioux (JL CE 3:33, 36 n.6); see above. |
| Netul River . L & C's name for what is now called the Lewis and Clark River (OR, Clatsop Co.); from Clatsop Chinook /nít'ul/ (JL CE 90 n.6, 98, 242, 243). |
| New-dar-cha . Name applied by L & C to the Missouria tribe (JL CE 3:394); from the native term /nyút'ači/, of obscure etymology (HNAI 13:461). |
| Nez Perce (ID) [nez PURS] A people and language, belonging to the Sahaptian linguistic family. The term is derived from French nez percé 'pierced nose', perhaps referring to an early custom of piercing the nasal septum in order to wear shell ornaments (HNAI 12:437). L & C did not use this term; they called the tribe "Pierced Noses" or Cho pun-nish (JL CE 224 n.17); see above. |
| Niangua River (MO, Webster Co.) [nie ANG gwuh] The name, also recorded as 〈Neongwah, Niangura〉, may be from Otoe (Siouan) /ni ágwe/, lit. 'water to-bring'; cf. /agúre/ 'to bring' (NAPUS). L & C wrote 〈Ne Angua, Ne unguh〉 (JL CE 2:181, 3:390). |
| Ni-e-lee Creek . L & C's term for the Nehalem River (OR, Tillamook Co.) [nee HAY lum] From Lower Chinook /ni'ilim/, name of a Tillamook village (HNAI 7:566; JL CE 6:471). |
| Ni-hi-sir-te . Given by L & C as the Nez Perce name for the Heart River, or perhaps the Cannonball River, in Montana (JL CE 7:342, 343 n.7). The etymology is not known. |
| Niobrara River (WY, NE, SD) [nie oh BRAIR uh] Perhaps from Omaha (Siouan) /nį obrara/, lit. 'water spreading' (NAPUS). L & C refer to this as the 〈River Ka cure, Quecure, Quicurre〉 etc., i.e. French L'Eau qui Court 'running water' (JL CE 3:16, 18 n.l ). |
| Nishnabotna River (IA, Fremont Co.) [nish nuh BOT nuh] This is perhaps from Osage (Siouan) /nišni/ 'wellspring' plus /pošta/ 'spouting' (NAPUS). Written by L & C as 〈Neesh-nah-ba-to-na, Nish-nah-ba-to-na〉 (JL CE 2:376,;3:346, 8:396). |
| Nodaway River (MO, Andrew Co.) [NOD uh way] From an Algonquian term referring to neighboring Iroquoian and Siouan peoples, reconstructible as proto-Algonquian */na:towe:wa/ (HNAI 15:289). Written by L & C as Nadawa, Nodawa (JL CE 2:357, 8:396). |
| Noo'-ta . A branch of the Crow tribe, according to L & C (JL CE 3:428). Perhaps for Crow noo'sa 'this side' (R. Graczyk, p.c.) |
| Nuptadi . Equivalent to 〈Rooptahu〉; see below. |
| Oacoma (SD, Lyman Co.) This modern name, from Lakhota okó ogná 'in between', is mentioned in JL CE 9:60 n.1. |
| Oak-tar-pon-er River . Applied by Clark to Cabin Creek (MT, Prairie Co.); said to mean 'coal river' (JL CE 8:259, 261 n.11). The language of origin is not known. |
| Oat la shoot , Also 〈Eoote-lash-Schute, Oate-lash-schute〉. Applied by L & C to the Flathead (Salish), q.v. The term may be from Flathead /uL-iš-út/ 'those down below' (HNAI 12:312, JL CE 5:189, 6:474, 482, 488, 489). |
| Oo-chi-pa-wau . Given by L & C as equivalent to "Chippeways" or Ojibwa (JL CE 3:439). |
| Ooed-za-tar . Also [Oo'-zâ-tâu] Applied by L & C to the "Little Osage" tribe; from the Native term /ücétta/ 'at the base of a hill' (HNAI 13:495; JL CE 3:392). |
| Oglala (SD, Shannon Co.) [oh GLAH luh, oh guh LAH luh] A branch of the Teton Lakhota (Siouan) people, from oglála 'he scatters his own' (HNAI 13:756-57). L & C use the form 〈O-kan-dandas〉 (JL CE 3:415). |
| Ohio River . From Seneca (Iroquoian) ohi:yo', a proper name derived from ohi:yo:h 'good river' (JL CE 2:84). |
| O-kan-dan-das . L & C's writing for Oglala , a branch of the Teton Sioux (JL CE 3:415); see above. |
| Oke-tar-pas-ah-ha . L & C's writing for the present O'Fallon Creek (MT, Prairie Co.); from Mandan, containing /pasą́h/ 'creek' (JL CE 3:365, 382, 385 n.24). |
| Ok-hah-âh-zhah . L & C's writing for the White Earth River (ND, Mountrail Co.); from Hidatsa /oxáati áaši/ 'white creek' (JL CE 3:363, 382, 385). |
| Okobojo Creek (SD, Sully Co.) Probably from Dakota (Siouan) okówožu 'to plant in spaces' (NAPUS). This is a modern name for a place left unnamed by L & C (JL CE 3:127). |
| Omaha . The name of a Siouan people and language; the native term is umą́hą, perhaps meaning 'upstream, against the flow' (HNAI 13:413). Written by L & C as 〈Mahar, Maha, Oh Mar-ha〉 etc. (JL CE 2:195; 3:355, 398). |
| Omete Creek (MO, Perry Co.) A modern stream name of unknown etymology; written by L & C as 〈Ameat〉 (JL CE 2:117). |
| Oote-las-schute . Also 〈Ootlashoot〉. Equivalent of 〈Oat la shoot〉, applied by L & C to the Flathead (Salish); see above. |
| Osage . A Siouan people of the lower Missouri River valley. The term is adapted, through French Osage [ozaž] from the native term /wažaže/ (HNAI 13:493). Written by L & C as 〈Ozous, Osarge〉 (JL CE 2:141, 180; 3:390). The Osage River (MO) is referred to by L & C as 〈Osarges, Osages〉 (JL CE 2:267). |
| Otoe [OH toh]. Also spelled Oto . The name of a Siouan people and language. The term was earlier recorded as 〈Wah-toh-ta-na〉, which may be from /watúhtaną/ 'to copulate', or this may be a folk-etymology within the native language (HNAI 13:460). Written by L & C as 〈Otoes, Ottos, Ottoes〉 (JL CE 2:195, 440; 3:393). |
| Owyhee River (ID) [oh WIE hee, uh WIE hee] From Chinook Jargon [owáihi] 'Sandwich Islands, Hawaii', borrowed either from English or from the Hawaiian form Hawai'i, at a time in the early 19th century when a number of Hawaiians had settled in the Pacific Northwest (NAPUS). This is the modern name for a stream left unnamed by L & C (JL CE 89, 95 n.11). |
| Paducah [puh DOO kuh, puh DYOO kuh] Derived from French Padouca, a term referring to a number of Native peoples in the southern plains — first the Plains Apache, and later the Comanches. The name may come from a Siouan word referring in general to enemy groups, e.g. Quapaw /ppattookka/, Osage /ppátǫkka/, and Otoe /phadų́kha/ (HNAI 13:903; NAPUS). L & C use 〈Padoucas, Padouces〉 to refer to Plains Apache (JL CE 3:425, 438). A tributary of the Platte River is also called Paducas Fork by them (JL CE 3:351). |
| Pah-kee . Applied by L & C to the Atsina (JL CE 5:91); but the term 〈Pah kee〉 etc. was used in other literature to refer to the Piegan Blackfeet (HNAI 13:627). The term may be from Shoshone /pakihï'ï/ 'rawhide armor', referring to the Blackfeet, Atsina, Arapahoe, and Assiniboine (JL CE 6:86 n.11; 8:90 n.9). |
| Pah-map . A Nez Perce village; etymology unknown (JL CE 9:305, 306). |
| Pailsh . Applied by L & C to the Copalis, a Salishan group on the Washington coast; from Quinault or Lower Chehalis /k'wupíls/ (JL CE 6:476, 486, 491). |
| Paiute [PIE yoot]. The term is applied to a number of Shoshonean (Uto-Aztecan) peoples living in the Great Basin. The Northern Paiute, also called Paviotso, live in northwestern Nevada and adjacent areas, and are closely related to the Bannock of Idaho. The word "Paiute" is not derived from "Ute", but was borrowed into English from Spanish payuchis, which in turn may be from Southern Paiute /paiyuttsingwi/ 'those who go and return', from /paiyu/ 'to go and return' (NAPUS/). L & C lump the Northern Paiutes together with other Shoshonean peoples as "Snakes" (JL CE 5:320 n.12). They also refer to one Northern Paiute group as 〈Sho-bar-boo-be-er〉 (JL CE 6:479, 487, 491); see below. |
| Palouse River (WA, Whitman Co.) [puh LOOS]. From Sahaptin /palús/ 'what is standing up in the water', apparently referring to a large rock in the middle of the Snake River, near the mouth of the Palouse River (NAPUS). This is the modern name for what L & C call "Drewyer's River". The term Palouse also refers to a Sahaptian tribe of the area, but the term is not used by L & C, who call them 〈So-yen-now〉 (JL CE 5:269 n.3, 281); see below. |
| Pania . A writing used by L & C for Pawnee (see below). The term Pania Pickey is applied by L & C to the Wichita tribe; from French Panis Piqués 'tattooed Pawnees' (HNAI 13:564; JL CE 3:445). |
| Pa-rees-car . L & C's name for a branch of the Crow tribe (JL CE 3:428). Probably from Crow (Siouan) peelatche' 'raven, crow' (R. Graczyk, p.c.) |
| Pâr-nârsh-te . Applied by L & C to the Bannock (Numic, Uto-Aztecan), from Shoshone 〈ponashita〉 (JL CE 5:255, Hartley 2004). |
| Pa-sha-pa-to-rah . Applied by L & C to the 〈Kee-hât-sâ〉 or "Paunch Indians", i.e. the Crow (q.v.; JL CE 3:428). |
| Passage de Soux . A crossing-place on the Missouri River in St. Charles Co., MO; French passage des sioux 'crossing of the Sioux' (JL CE 2.230, 232 n. 9). The modern name is Portage des Sioux . |
| Pas-qute-pu tribe. A variant of 〈Pish-quit-pah〉, referring to a Sahaptin group (JL CE 9:297 n.1); see below. |
| Pataha Creek (WA, Garfield Co.) [puh TAH hah] From the Nez Perce placename /patáha/; a modern name, not applied by L & C (JL CE 7:204 n.4). |
| Paunch Indians . Applied to the Crow (Siouan) tribe by L & C . The name arose because a branch of the Crow were referred to by the Hidatsa as /kixa ihcá/ 'paunch pouters', referring to a legendary quarrel over a buffalo paunch (HNAI 13:716; JL CE 3:428, 448; 8:232, 235 n.13). "Paunch" also occurs as a translation of the tribal name Gros Ventre (HNAI 13:693); see above. |
| Paviotso . Modern name for a Shoshonean language, also called Northern Paiute. L & C applied the term 〈Sho-bar-boo-be-er〉 (JL CE 6:479, 487, 491); see above. |
| Pawnee . The name of a Caddoan people, once living in the central plains, and now in Oklahoma. They call themselves /paári/ in their own language; both this and the English term apparently originate in neighboring Siouan languages, e.g. Omaha /ppáði/, Oto /pányi/ (HNAI 13:543). Written by L & C as Parnee, Panies, Ponie, Pania, Pawnie (JL CE 2:195, 429, 438; 3:395; 9:13). |
| Pel-lote-pal-ah . Also 〈Pel-loat-pal-lah, Pel-oll-pellow〉. A band of Nez Perce (JL CE 6:482, 489) or Palouse (HNAI 12:469). Named by L & C in June 1806 as 〈Pel-late-pal-ler〉, perhaps from Nez Perce village names /ipelú:tpu/ 'something sticking into the water' or /paló:tpu/ 'light green color' (JL CE 7:346, 348 n.1; 9:324, 325 n.1). |
| Pembina River (ND) [PEM bi nuh] From Ojibwa (Algonquian) aniibiiminan 'cranberry', lit. 'summer berry' (NAPUS). Written by L & C as 〈Pembenar〉 (JL CE 2:220, 3:419). |
| Penawawa Creek (WA, Whitman Co.) The name is probably Sahaptin, of unclear derivation. This is the modern name of a stream noticed but left unnamed by L & C (JL CE 5:266 n.1). |
| Pend Oreille [PON duh ray, pon duh RAY] A Salishan tribe of Washington and Idaho, and the lake and river named after them. The English term is adapted from French pend d'oreilles, lit. 'hangs from the ears', referring to ear pendants (HNAI 12:296). The term is not used by L & C, who call the tribe 〈La-hân-na〉 (JL CE 5:198 n.2; 6:480, 487, 491). |
| Peoria . The name of a subdivision of the Miami/Illinois (Algonquian) people, recorded in 1673 as 〈Peoualen〉; the native name is /peewaareewa, peewaalia/ (HNAI 15:680; NAPUS). Mentioned by L & C as 〈Piorias, Piories〉 (JL CE 3:407, 446). |
| Pisquow . Variant name for a Middle Columbia River Salishan group, from /snp"sgwá'ws'xw/ 'people of the Wenatchee River' (HNAI 12:269); L & C apparently applied this term in error to Sahaptin groups (JL CE 6:491). |
| Pish-quit-pah . Applied by L & C to a Sahaptin group, perhaps the Yakima . The term is perhaps /pšXúwitpa/ 'at the sagebrush area' (HNAI 12:378; JL CE 6:468, 474, 483, 490; 7:165, 168 n.1). |
| Platte River (CO, NE) The stream was named Rivière Plate 'flat river' by French explorers in 1739, because of its shallowness. This corresponds to its Omaha (Siouan) name /nį bráska/ 'water-flat', whence the word Nebraska . Spelled by L & C as 〈Platt, Plate, Platte〉 (JL CE 2:399, 404 n.6; 3:347). |
| Pocasse Creek . Named after an Arikara leader by L & C, perhaps from a chief's name, /pákUs/ 'straw'. It is now called Hunkpapa Creek (SD, Corson Co.), named for a Teton Sioux division (JL CE 3:155, 156 n. 4, 168, 171 n.3). However, the name Lake Pocasse survives in SD (Campbell Co.). |
| Ponca . This name applies to a Siouan people and language; in historic times, they have lived in Nebraska and in Oklahoma. The native name used by the people was /ppą́kka/ (NAPUS). Written by L & C as 〈Poncaras, Poncar, Poncare〉 (JL CE 2:195, 3:358, 399). The modern "Ponca Creek" (NE, Knox Co.) was written by L & C as 〈Poncar, Poncerres〉 (JL CE 3:380, 400). The term 〈Ponceras Island〉 is another variant, referring to the modern Pawnee Island (JL CE 8:337, 343 n.1). |
| Ponderay Creek . Modern name for a stream noticed but left unnamed by L & C. Derived from the name of the Pend Oreille tribe (JL CE 8:118 n.10); see above. |
| Ponie . A spelling of Pawnee used by L & C (JL CE 2:429). |
| Portage des Sioux (MO, St. Charles Co.) [POR tij duh SOO] means 'portage of the Sioux' (NAPUS). Written by L & C as 〈Parare De Soue〉 (JL CE 2:166). |
| Potawatomi [pot uh WAH tuh 'nee]. The name of an Algonquian people living around Lake Michigan, and during more recent times in Kansas and Oklahoma; their self-designation is /potewatmi/. There is a tradition that this means 'people of the place of the fire' (HNAI 15:725). Written by L & C as 〈Potowautomi〉 (JL CE 2:131). |
| Potoash . Applied by L & C to a Salishan group on the Washington coast (JL CE 6:475, 486, 491). Etymology not known. |
| Quath-la-poh-tle . Applied by L & C to the Taitnapam (Northwest Sahaptin) group (q.v.; HNAI 12:469; JL CE 6:23). But more likely this is the 〈Cathlapotle〉 (q.v.), an Upper Chinookan group; derived from /gáLa-p'utLx/ 'those of Lewis River', from /náp'utLx/ 'Lewis River' (HNAI 12:544; JL CE 6:470, 477, 484). |
| Queets . Modern name for L & C's 〈Qui-eet-so〉; see below. |
| Que-nett Creek . L & C's term for the modern Mill Creek (OR, Wasco Co.); probably from Upper Chinookan /-gwánat/ 'Chinook salmon' (JL CE 5:340 n.1). |
| Qui-eet-so . Applied by L & C to the Queets (Salishan), a tribe on the northwest coast; from Quinault /q'wícXw/ (HNAI 7:516; JL CE 6:476, 486). |
| Quiequur . L & C's name for the Niobrara River (q.v.); not an Indian name, but from French Rivière qui Court 'river that runs' (JL CE 8:337, 343 n.2). |
| Quileute . A tribe of the Chemakuan language family, on the Washington coast; referred to by L & C as 〈Chil-lâ te〉 (JL CE 6:491). Derived from the native name /kwo'li:yot'/ (HNAI 7:437). |
| Quinault . Modern name for the tribe referred to by L & C as 〈Quin-niilt〉 (below). |
| Quin-ne-chart . Applied by L & C to the Makah , a Nootkan tribe on the Washington coast; from the native name /qwidiččaatχ/ (HNAI 7:429; JL CE 6:476). |
| Quin-ni-ilt . Also 〈Qui-ni-ite〉. Applied by L & C to the Quinault , a Salishan tribe on the Washington coast; from the native term /kwínayL/ (JL CE 6:476, 486, 491). |
| Ravin . L & C's spelling of "Raven", a term applied to the Crow tribe (HNAI 13:714; JL CE 3:427). |
| Recrerie . Equivalent to 〈Ricaras〉; see below. |
| Renar . L & C write "Renars, Renarz" for the Fox tribe (q.v.), from French renard. |
| Republican Pawnee . A band of the Pawnee (Caddoan) people called 〈kitkahahki〉, whom the French called les Pahni Républicaines because they had declared a "republic" independent of other Pawnee groups (HNAI 13:545). Only the name "Republican" is used by L & C (JL CE 2:195, 200 n.4, 3:397). The Republican River (Kansas) is also called this by L & C (JL CE 3:344, 384 n.10). |
| Rhtarahe . Modern name for an Arikara village site in Corson Co., SD; not named by L & C (JL CE 3:156 n.2). From the name of an Arikara band, /AxtaRAhi/ 'concave foot', perhaps referring to characteristic footwear (D. Parks p.c.) |
| Ricaras . Also 〈Rickerie, Recrerie, Richerie, Rick Ree〉. Writings used by L & C for the Arikara (JL CE 2.195, 438, 485; 3:400, 448; 9:72); see above. |
| Rochejhone River . Also written 〈Rojhone, Rockejhone, Roshjone〉. Used by L & C to refer to the Yellowstone River. Not a Native name, but derived from French Roche Jaune (JL CE 6:462, 7:342, 343 n.7; 9:137). |
| Roloje Creek (SD). Perhaps not a Native name. On 22 Aug. 1804, Clark wrote: "... this Creek I Call Roloje a name I learned last night in m[y] S[leep]" (JL CE 2:501). |
| Rooptahu . Mandan /rúpta:re/, the east bank division of the tribe (HNAI 13:364); or their village in McLean Co., ND. Also written 〈Rooptaha, Roop-tar-hee, Nuptadi〉 etc. (JL CE 3:201 n.5, 205 n.2, 209). |
| Sa-a-shah River . Also 〈Shah〉. Said to mean 'little wolf'; from Hidatsa /ceeša/ 'wolf' (JL CE 8:259, 261 n.9). |
| Sahaptin [suh HAP tin] This term, of Salishan origin, is not used by L & C, but refers to a group of non-Salishan language varieties in eastern Washington and Oregon, and adjacent Idaho; it includes Umatilla , Walla Walla , Yakima and others. The derived term Sahaptian refers to the language family which includes both Sahaptin and Nez Perce. |
| Sakakawea site. Modern name for the Hidatsa village 〈Metaharta〉, because Sacagawea lived there at the time of L & C's arrival (JL CE 9:98 n.1). Her Hidatsa name was /tsaka'aka wi'a/ 'bird woman', perhaps a folk-etymology for an original Shoshone name Sacajawea 'boat launcher'. Today's Sacagawea River (MT, Petroleum Co.) is also named for her. |
| Salish [SAY lish] The self-designation of the Flathead (Salishan) people of Montana; the native term is [séliš], containing [-iš] 'people' (HNAI 12:31). The English derivative Salishan [SAY li shun] has been formed to refer to the language family to which Flathead belongs. L & C use the term "Flathead" or "Shales" (JL CE 5:187 n.1; 8:86, 90 n.8), or refer to groups such as the 〈Oote-lash-shute〉 (JL CE 6:494–5). |
| Sanpoil . Modern name for a division of the Yakima (Sahaptian) tribe; from Okanagan (Salishan) /snpʕʷílx/ 'Sanpoil Valley' (HNAI 12:269). Referred to by L & C as 〈Hi-high-e-nim-mo〉 (JL CE 6:491); see above. |
| Saone . A branch of the Teton Sioux, written by L & C as 〈Sou on, Saho-ne〉; the etymology is unclear (HNAI 13:757; JL CE 3:33, 36 n.6, 417). The name may have also been used for a branch of the Yankton Sioux (JL CE 3:36 n. 6). |
| Sar-kar-nah Creek . L & C's name for Beaver Creek (ND, Emmons Co.); etymology unknown (JL CE 3:361, 381). |
| Sar-war-car-na River . Also 〈Sar-war-kar-na-har, Sur-war-kar-na, Sur war-kar-ne〉. Arikara name given by L & C to the present Moreau River (SD, Dewey Co.) Etymology not known (JL CE 3:360, 380; 8:320). |
| Sauk . Also 〈Sac〉. The term refers to a Central Algonquian people of the Midwest; from the French abbreviation Saki , probably from Ojibwa (Algonquian) /osa:ki:/ 'person of the outlet', with /o-/ marking ethnic groups (HNAI 15:654). The 'outlet' referred to is probably that of the Saginaw River in Michigan. The name of the Sauk for themselves is /asa:ki:waki/ (HNAI 15:648), with /a-/ marking ethnic groups. Written by L & C as 〈Sauckee, Saukee, O Sau-kee〉 (JL CE 2:181, 3:406). The town of Sauk Prairie (MO, Ray Co.) is referred to by L & C as 〈Saukee Prairie〉 (JL CE 2:181). |
| Sawa-haini . An Arikara village on Ashley Island; not named by L & C (JL CE 3:1453 n.6). Derived from a band name, / WIsooWIhini' / 'in the stomach' (D. Parks p.c.) |
| Scad-dal . A Klickitat (Sahaptin) group (JL CE 7:146, 151 n.6). Etymology unknown. |
| Shâ-ha-la . Also 〈Shah-ha-la〉. Applied by L & C to a Cascades (Upper Chinookan) group; from Upper Chinookan /-šaXlat-/upward, upriver' (HNAI 12:469; JL CE 6:469, 475, 483; 7:38, 41 n.l). |
| Shale . Also 〈Shalee〉. Used by L & C to refer to the Salish or Flathead tribe (qq.v.; JL CE 8:85, 88, 90 n.8); from the native term [séliš] (HNAI 12:31). |
| Shal-la-lah . Applied by L & C to a tribe on the Oregon coast, perhaps the Miluk (HNAI 7:579; JL CE 6:476, 486, 491). |
| Shal-lat-to . Also 〈Shallatta〉. Applied by L & C to a Yakima (Northwest Sahaptin) group (HNAI 12:469; JL CE 6:479, 487, 491; 7:146, 151 n.6). The etymology is unknown. |
| Shallett River . Applied by L & C to a stream in Shoshone territory (JL CE 6:479); etymology unknown. |
| Shaha River . Variant of 〈Sa-a-shah〉; see above. |
| Shan-wap-pom . Applied by L & C to the Kittitas (Northwest Sahaptin) tribe; from /pšwánwapam/ 'river rock people' (HNAI 12:469; JL CE 6:479, 487, 491; 7:146, 151 n.6). |
| Shar-ha . A name for the Cheyenne tribe; from Arikara /sha:hé'/ (HNAI 13:881; JL CE 3:175, 420). L & C's 〈Shar-ha〉 Creek may be modern Porcupine Creek (ND, Sioux Co.) |
| Shawnee . The name of an Algonquian people, originally from southern Ohio, but later much dispersed. They were referred to by the French in 1648 as Ouchaouanag, corresponding to their self-designation /ša:wanwa/, lit. 'person of the south' (HNAI 15:622, 634). Referred to by L & C on Nov. 16, 1803 (JL CE 2:89). |
| She-a-stuck-kle . Applied to the Siuslaw tribe on the Oregon coast; from native /šá'yú:štLa:/ 'Siuslaw River region' (HNAI 7:578; JL CE 6:485). |
| She-com-shink River . Applied by L & C to a stream in Shoshone territory (JL CE 6:479). Etymology unknown. |
| Shew . Variant of Sioux (JL CE 9:13). |
| Sheyenne River (ND, Cass Co.) [shie EN, shie AN] Named for the Cheyenne (Algonquian) people. The term is from Dakota (Siouan) shahíyena, a diminutive of shahíya, referring to the Cree (Algonquian) people (HNAI 13:880). Referred to by L & C as 〈Shayen, Shaha〉 (JL CE 2:219). This stream is not to be confused with the Cheyenne River (same pronunciation) in South Dakota. |
| Shi-â-stuck-kle . Applied by L & C to a tribe on the Oregon coast; from /shá'yú:tL'a:/, the name of the Siuslaw River region (HNAI 7:578; JL CE 6:476). |
| Shishequaw Mountain . A name given by L & C to Haystack Butte (Lewis & Clark Co., MT); cf. 〈Shishequaw River〉, a name given to Elk Creek. The etymology is unknown (JL CE 8:97, 98 n.4). From Canadian French chichiquoi, Ojibwa zheesheegwun 'a rattle' (Hartley 2004). |
| Sho-bar-boo-be-er . Applied by L & C to a Northern Paiute (Shoshonean) group; etymology unknown (JL CE 6:479, 487, 491). |
| Shoes Men . Also referred to in French as Soulier. A name given by L & C to the Awaxawi , a division of the Hidatsa whose native name was /awaxá'wi/. Recorded by L & C as Ah-wâh-hâ-way (HNAI 13:1.346; JL CE 3:403, 8:298). |
| Sho-sho-ne [shoh SHOH nee] A tribe of the Great Basin, of the Shoshonean (Uto-Aztecan) family. The term, now written Shoshone or Shoshoni , is of obscure origin. L & C also write 〈Soso-na, So-so-bâ〉, but they often use the term "Snake" (JL CE 3:435; 5:85 n.7; 6:479, 482, 487, 489). |
| Shoto . Applied by L & C to a Lower Chinookan group (JL CE 6:478, 484, 490; 7:33, 36 n.4); etymology not known. |
| Shust pellanimmo River . Applied by L & C to a stream in Shoshone territory (JL CE 6:479); etymology not known. |
| Sin-sho-cal . L & C's rendering of the Nez Perce name for the Dearborn River (JL CE 7:342, 343 n.7); etymology not known. |
| Sioux . The name of the tribe is an abbreviation of French 〈Nadouessioux〉, from the early Ottawa (Algonquian) plural /na:towe:ssiwak/ 'Sioux'. The term is apparently related to words in other Algonquian languages that mean 'Northern Iroquoian', derived from a verb meaning 'to speak a foreign language' (HNAI 13:749). It is commonly applied to a group of related peoples, mostly located in the upper Midwest; this includes dialect groups sometimes called Dakota (mostly east of the Missouri River), Lakhota (mostly west of the Missouri River), and Nakota or Assiniboine (mostly in Canada). The tribe is mentioned by L & C as 〈Sioux, Sous, Soos, Seauex〉 etc. (JL CE 2:191, 195; 3:135, 410). The Big Sioux River (SD, Union Co.) is referred to by L & C simply as "The Sioux River" (JL CE 3:7, 11 etc.) The Little Sioux River (IA, Dickinson Co.) is referred to by L & C as 〈River de Cueoux〉 (JL CE 2:457), also "Eá-Neah Wau-de-Pon, i.e. Stone River", from Sioux /įyą yąke watpa/ 'rock river' (JL CE 2:457-58, 463 n.4, 3:354). |
| Sisseton [SIS uh tun] From Dakota (Siouan) sisíthųwą, the name of a tribal division, containing thųwą́ 'village' (HNAI 13:753). Written by L & C as 〈Sis-sa-tone, Se si toon〉 etc. (JL CE 3:33, 36 n.6, 356, 412). |
| Siuslaw . Modern name for an Oregon coast tribe referred to by L & C as 〈She-a-stuck-kle〉 (see above). |
| Skâd-dâts . Applied by L & C to a Klickitat (Northwest Sahaptin) group (HNAI 12:469; JL CE 6:479, 487, 491; 7:137, 142 n.4). The etymology is unknown. |
| Skalkaho Creek (MT, Ravalli Co.) Modern name for a stream left unnamed by L & C (JL CE 5:191 n.1). The derivation is problematic, perhaps from Salishan. |
| Skamania (WA) [skuh MAY nee uh] From Cascades (Upper Chinookan) /sk'mániak/ 'obstructed' (HNAI 12:362). This is the modern name for a site left unnamed by L & C (JL CE 5:363 n.2). |
| Skee-e-ree . Name applied by L & C to the "Loup" or Skiri Pawnee (JL CE 3:396); see Skiri , below. |
| Sket-so-mish , also 〈Skeet-so-mish〉. Applied by L & C to the Coeur d'Alene (Salishan) tribe; from native /sčícu'umš/, perhaps 'the discovered people' (HNAI 12:325, 469; JL CE 6:480, 488; 7:216, 219 n.1). |
| Skilloot . Also 〈Skil-lute〉. Used by L & C for a Lower Chinookan division, perhaps a rendering of /sqúlups/, a place called "Cape Horn" in English. These people are also called Watlala Chinookans. There is detailed discussion of possible etymologies in HNAI 7:545 (cf. JL CE 6:201, 475, 484, 490; 7:14 n.2, 21 n. 3). In April 1806, L & C use 〈Skillute〉 to refer to an Upper Chinookan group, which they otherwise call 〈Echelute〉 (JL CE 7:126, 130 n.5). |
| Skipanon River (OR, Clatsop Co.) From the Clatsop (Chinookan) village name /sqipanáwunx/; also written by L & C as 〈Skip â nor win〉 (JL CE 6:98). |
| Skiri . Also 〈Skidi〉. A division of the Pawnee, from /ckí:ri/, from /ckirir-/ 'wolf, coyote' (HNAI 13:545). Called Loups by the French, and by L & C (JL CE 2:195, 200 n. 4). |
| Smack-shop . Also 〈Smock-shop〉. Applied by L & C to the Hood River (Upper Chinookan) group (HNAI 12:469; JL CE 6:469, 481, 483, 490); etymology not known. |
| Snake Indians . The tribal name corresponds to French Les Serpents; the term was applied by Whites to the Shoshone and other Shoshonean peoples. A number of Plains peoples referred to the Shoshone by terms meaning 'snake people', e.g. Lakhota (Siouan) zuzéča wičáša (HNAI 11:334). L & C use the term as equivalent to 〈Alitan, So-so-na〉, including the Shoshone, Comanche, and Northern Paiute (JL CE 3: 328 n.4, 435; 5:85 n.7). What is now called the Snake River (WY, ID, OR, WA) was called "Lewis's River" by L & C (JL CE 5:260 n.7). |
| So-harch . Also called "Girl Creek." Applied by L & C to Porcupine or Battle Creek (ND, Sioux Co.); from Arikara /suúnatš/ 'girl' (JL CE 3:176, 178 n.4). |
| So-kulk . Applied by L & C to a Wanapam (Northeast Sahaptin) group (HNAI 12:349, 469; JL CE 6:474, 482, 489); etymology not known. |
| So-see . Applied by L & C to an Oregon coast group, said to be Tillamook (Salishan), but perhaps from the Alsea ethnic name /wuší̜˞/ (HNAI 7:570, JL CE 6:201, 202 n.2). |
| Souttoe . A variant of 〈Zoutoe〉, i.e. the Oto tribe (JL CE 9:389); see above. |
| So-yen-now . Applied by L & C to an Indian group, perhaps the Sooyennom band of the Palouse (HNAI 12:469; JL CE 6:482, 489). The etymology is unknown. |
| Spokane [spoh KAN] Name of an Interior Salishan group; the native name is [spoqín] (NAPUS); called 〈Lar-ti-e-lo〉 by L & C (HNAI 12:469; JL CE 6:492). |
| Squân-nar-oo . Also 〈Squan-nan-o〉. Applied by L & C to a Klickitat (Northwest Sahaptin) group (HNAI 12:469; JL CE 6:479, 487, 491; 7:146, 151 n.6). The etymology is not known. |
| Sta-e-tan . A name given by L & C to the Arapaho, translated as "Kites"; the origin is unclear (HNAI 13:860; JL CE 3:423). Also written 〈Stactan〉 (JL CE 3:403). |
| Star rah he . A name given by L & C to the Arikara (JL CE 3:153, 400); cf. Pawnee /astárahi/, referring to the Arikara (HNAI 13:389). |
| Sur-war-kar-ne River . Variant of 〈Sar-war-car-na〉 (JL CE 3:148–9, 8:320); see above. |
| Taitnapam . Modern name for a Northwestern Sahaptin group, derived from the native term /táytnapam/. The group was called 〈Quath-la-poh-tle〉 (q.v.) by L & C, who also use the term for an Upper Chinookan group (HNAI 12:329, 469). |
| Ta-ki-á-ki-á . Given by L & C as the Nez Perce name for the Musselshell River (MT, Garfield Co.); the etymology is not known (JL CE 7:342, 343 n.7). |
| Tapanash Indians. Also 〈Toppenish〉. The modern term has been applied to a Western Columbia River Sahaptin group; it is of unknown etymology. Perhaps the group is the same as L & C's 〈Eneeshur〉 (HNAI 12:393, JL CE 5:326 n.5); see above. |
| Tape-tett . Also 〈Tapteete, Tapteet〉. Applied by L & C to the Yakima River (q.v.); from a village name /táptat/ (HNAI 12:348-9; JL CE 5:290; 6:474; 7:129). |
| Tarcouche tesse River . Also 〈Tacoutche-Tesse〉. Applied by L & C to the Fraser River in British Columbia (JL CE 5:196, 286). Language of origin not known. |
| Tarkio River (MO, Atchison Co.) [TAR kee oh] Also written by L & C as 〈Tar-ci-o〉. This may be from an unidentified Indian language (JL CE 2:374, 376 n.3; 9:23). |
| Tarl-che . A group said by L & C to be Tillamook (JL CE 6:201, 202 n.2); etymology not known. |
| Techumtas Island (OR, Umatilla Co.) [tee KUM tus] Modern name for a site described but not named by L & C (JL CE 5:307 n.8); now inundated by Lake Wallula. This may be a name given by the Cayuse Indians to J. B. Switzler, the owner of the island (NAPUS). |
| Tenasillahee . Modern name for an island described but left unnamed by L & C (JL CE 6:34 n.7, 58); from Chinook Jargon 〈tenas illahe〉 'little land' (NAPUS). |
| Tendoy Mountains (MT, Bitterroot Co.) Modern name for a range noticed but not named by L & C (JL CE 5:52 n.2). Perhaps derived from the name of a Lemhi Shoshone leader, meaning 'he likes broth' (NAPUS). |
| Tenino [tee NIE noh, tuh NIE noh] Modern name of a Columbia River Sahaptin group. Derived from the placename /tináynu/; cf. Chinook Jargon 〈ta-ni'-no〉 [tənáino] 'canyon, crevasse, vulva' (NAPUS). Called 〈E-ne-chur〉, q.v., by L & C (JL CE 5:344, 6:490). |
| Te tar ton . A branch of the Mdewakanton Santee Sioux; from thį́tathųwą 'prairie village' (JL CE 3:33, 36 n.6). |
| Teton [TEE ton] This term refers collectively to western subgroups of the Dakotan (Siouan) peoples, who use the Lakhota language. The native word is thíthųwą, perhaps from thįta 'plains' (HNAI 13:755); there is no connection with the placename Grand Teton (WY), which is French for 'big breast'. L & C refer to several Teton groups: the 〈Teton Bous rouley〉 (= Bois Brulé), the 〈Teton O-kan-dan-das〉 (= Oglala), the 〈Teton Min-na-kineaz-zo〉 (= Minneconjou), and the 〈Teton Sah-o-ne〉 (= Saone) (JL CE 3:410—17; 9:67). L & C also use the term "Teton River" to refer to what is now called the Bad River (SD, Stanley Co.; JL CE 3:359). |
| Tillamook [TIL uh mook] The name refers to a Salishan people living on the Oregon coast; written 〈Killamook〉 by L & C (JL CE 6:202 n.2). The name is derived from Lower Chinook /t?ilimuks/ 'those of /ni?ilim/' (NAPUS). |
| Timm Mountain . Applied by L & C to Mount Hood in Oregon; from Chinookan /tmm/, onomatopoetic, '(river) falls' (JL CE 5:318, 319 n.4). Cf. the Chinook Jargon word 〈tumwater〉 'waterfall', now used as a placename at several locations in OR and WA. |
| Timmooenumlarwas River . Applied by L & C to a stream in Shoshone territory (JL CE 6:479); etymology not known. |
| Tommawamah River . L & C's term for the Salmon River (ID, Nez Perce Co.), from Nez Perce /tama:nma/ (JL CE 7:329, 330 n.3). |
| Tongue River (Custer Co., MT) Entered by Clark as "Lazeka or Tongue"; probably a loan translation of Mandan /résik/ 'tongue'. The name of the unrelated Tongue River in Wyoming is a translation of Cheyenne /vetanov-o'he/, lit. 'tongue river'. |
| Tonwontonga (NE, Dakota Co.) Modern name of an Omaha village site, "Big Village", from /ttą́wą/ 'village' plus /ttą́gą/ 'big' (R. Rankin p.c.) But the name is not used by L & C (JL CE 2:478 n.2). |
| Toomonamah . Also 〈Thommonama〉. Variant of 〈Tommawamah〉, the Salmon River in Idaho (JL CE 9:317, 318 n.1); see above. |
| To-war-ne-hi-ooks . Also 〈Towahnahiook, To-war-nâh-hi-ook〉. Used by L & C to refer to Snake Indians and to the Deschutes River, from Chinookan /iL-it'wánXa-yukš/ 'enemies', referring to the Paiutes (q.v.; JL CE 5:321, 325 n.1, 326 n.10; 6:469, 479; 7:119, 122 n.8). |
| Tow-er-quottons Creek . Applied by L & C to a creek on Tillamook Bay (JL CE 6:461, 471). |
| Tucannon River (WA, Columbia Co.) [too KAN un] A modern name, from the Nez Perce (Sahaptian) toponym /tuké:nen/, lit. 'digging' (NAPUS). But L & C call this 〈Ki-moo-ê-nim Creek〉 (JL CE 6:467); see above. |
| Tukudika . A modern name for a Northern Shoshone group; from /tukkutïka/ 'eaters of mountain sheep'. The term is not used by L & C, who call them Broken Moccasin Indians (HNAI 11:306; JL CE 5:94 n.8). |
| Tushepaw . Also 〈Tut-see-was, Tush-she-pah, Tushepau, Tus kip âh〉. Applied by L & C to the Flathead (Salish) tribe (q.v.); from Shoshone 〈tatasiba〉 'people with shaved heads' (HNAI 12:312; JL CE 3:444; 5:188 n.2; 6:480, 488, 489, 492). |
| Tututni . Modern name for an Athabaskan group of southeastern Oregon, from their own name /doto-d'ni/ 'people of /doto/ village' (HNAI 7:586). Referred to by L & C as 〈Han-na-kal-lal〉 and 〈Luck-kar-so〉 (JL CE 6:491); see above. |
| Tywappity (MO, Mississippi Co.) [tie WAH pi tee, ti WAH pi tee] Perhaps from Shawnee (Algonquian), meaning 'place of no return' (NAPUS). Written by L & C as 〈Tywappety〉 (JL CE 2:101, 104 n.1). |
| Ul-se-âh . Applied by L & C to the Alsea , a tribe on the Oregon coast; from the tribal name /alsí:ya/ (HNAI 7:570; JL CE 6:476, 485, 491). |
| Umatilla [yoo muh TIL uh] Modern term for a tribal group, from Sahaptin /ímatilam/ 'lots of rocks, rocky bottom', the name of a village (NAPUS). L & C did not use this term (JL CE 5:307 n.5), but they call the Umatilla River〈Youmatolam〉 (q.v.), from Nez Perce /yó:matalam/ (JL CE 6:480; 7:173, 177 n.1). |
| Umpqua . The modern term applies both to a river and to the Upper Umpqua and Lower Umpqua tribes; it is from Tututni (Athabaskan) /ąkwa/ 'Upper Umpqua River' (NAPUS). The term is not used by L & C (JL CE 6:237). |
| Up-shar-look-kar . L & C's rendering of the purported Nez Perce name for the Crow tribe, from Crow /apsáaloke/; but the present Nez Perce name for the Crow is /'isú:Xe/ (JL CE 7:342, 343 n.7). |
| Ute . This is the modern name for a Shoshonean (Uto-Aztecan) people, living in Colorado and Utah. The term is from Spanish yuta, perhaps a borrowing from Western Apache /yudah/ 'high', i.e. 'in the mountains' (HNAI 11:364). L & C do not use the term Ute , but apply the word 〈Aliatan〉 (q.v.) to Shoshones, Utes, and Comanches (JL CE 3:328). |
| Wabash River (IN) From French Ouabache, from Miami/Illinois (Algonquian) /waapaahšiiki/ 'it shines white', referring to the limestone bed of the stream's middle course (NAPUS). The toponym is mentioned by L & C (JL CE 2:112). |
| Wack-ki-a-cum . Equivalent to 〈War-ki-a-cum〉; see below. |
| Wa ha sah River . Variant of 〈War-rah-sash〉; see below. |
| Wah-clel-lah . A Cascades (Upper Chinookan) group, equivalent to 〈Wahlala〉 (HNAI 12:376; JL CE 6:490, 7:57); see below. |
| Wah-har-sop . Said by L & C to mean 'redstone river' in an unidentified language; applied to the Powder River, (MT, Prairie Co.) |
| Wah-how pum . Applied by L & C to the Wayampam , a Tenino (Western Columbia River Sahaptin) group (HNAI 12:394; JL CE 5:319 n.9; 6:468, 474, 483, 490; 7.159, 162 n.1); see below. |
| Wahkiakum . Modern spelling for L & C's 〈War-ki-â-cum〉, a Lower Chinookan group. From Cathlamet (Chinookan) /wáqayqam/; cf. /qáyqamix/ 'region downriver' (HNAI 7:545; JL CE 6:490). |
| Wah-na-achee River . Written by L & C for the Wenatchee River (WA, Chelan Co.) From Sahaptin /wi:náča/ (JL CE 6:487). |
| Waho-erha . Name now applied to an Arikara village (SD, Corson Co.), of unknown etymology. Noted but left unnamed by L & C (JL CE 3:156 n.2). |
| Wahlala . Modern name for a Cascades (Upper Chinookan) site; from Upper Chinookan /waLála/ 'small lake' (HNAI 5:375). L & C were there, but did not record the name (JL CE 5:357). |
| Wahpekute . A branch of the Santee Sioux, written by L & C as 〈Waup pa coo do, Wah-pa-coo-tar〉; from waxpé-khute 'leaf-shoot' (HNAI 13:753; JL CE 3:33, 36 n.6, 411). |
| Wahpeton . A branch of the Santee Sioux; written by L & C as 〈Wau-pa-to, Wah-pa-tone〉. Derived from waxpé-thųwą 'leaf village' (HNAI 13:753; JL CE 3:33, 36 n.6, 408). |
| Wah-wo-ko-ye-o-cose . Given by L & C as a Nez Perce name, perhaps for the Yellowstone River; perhaps for /wewúkiye kú:s/ 'elk water' (JL CE 7:342, 343 n.7; H. Aoki p.c.) |
| Wakarusa River (KS, Shawnee Co.) [wah kuh ROO suh] Probably a transfer from Elkart Co., IN; from Shawnee (Algonquian), but of unclear derivation. Noted by L & C as 〈Wor-rah-ru za〉 (JL CE (3:383 n.10). |
| Wakenda Creek (MO, Carroll Co.) [wah KEN duh] Perhaps from a Siouan term related to Dakota (Siouan) wakhą́da 'to worship'. This is the modern name for what L & C called "Snake Creek" (JL CE 2:301, 3:377). |
| Walch-nim-mah . Given by L & C as the Nez Perce name for the Knife River; perhaps from /walcníma/, from /wálc/ 'knife' (JL CE 7:342, 343 n.7; H. Aoki p.c.) |
| Wallacut River . Modern name for a stream in Pacific Co., WA; from the Lower Chinookan village name /wálxat/. Not used by L & C (JL CE 6:67 n.3; 9:255). |
| Walla Walla . The name of the river and tribe is from Sahaptin /walawála/ 'little rivers or streams', diminutive of /wána/ 'river' (NAPUS). Written by L & C as 〈Waller Waller, Wallow Wallow〉 (JL CE 6:454, 468, 474, 483, 490; 7:166, 169 n.10). |
| Wallowa [wah LOH wuh] Modern name for a Nez Perce (Sahaptian) group; from /wal'áwa/ 'Wallowa River' (NAPUS). The group was called 〈Wil-le-wah〉 by L & C (HNAI 12:469, JL CE 6:479, 482, 489). |
| Walula Indians . A variant of Walla Walla (JL CE 6:148 n.1; 7:169 n.12); see above. |
| Wanapum [WAH nuh pum] Modern name for a Sahaptin group; from Sahaptin [wánapam] 'river people', containing [wána] 'river' and [-pain] 'people' (NAPUS). The name 〈Sokulk〉 was applied by L & C (JL CE 5:284 n.8; 6:489). |
| Wappato Island . Applied by L & C to the present Sauvie Island, Multnomah Co., OR. The word wapato [WAH puh toh], from Chinook Jargon 〈wap'-pa-too, wap'-a-to〉 [wápato] 'arrowroot', refers to an edible plant also locally called 'wild potato', first recorded in 1795 (NAPUS); it is also used as a placename in the Pacific Northwest. L & C also refer to "Wap-pa-to Indians", the Upper Chinookans of Sauvie Island (JL CE 6:484, 490; 7:26). |
| Wardepon River . Perhaps a variant of 〈War-re-con nee〉 (JL CE 8:310, 311 n.2); see below. |
| War-doke-tar-tar . Name applied by L & C to the Oto tribe, q.v. (JL CE 3:393). From the ethnic name /watótta/ (HNAI 13:460). |
| War-ho-ba Creek . Name given by L & C to a tributary of the Kansas River; from Siouan /waxóbe/ 'sacred' (JL CE 3:344, 384). |
| War-ki-â-cum . Also 〈Wack-ki-a-cum〉. L & C's writings for Wahkiakum [wuh KIE uh kum], referring to a Lower Chinookan group; the term is also the name of a county in Washington state. From Cathlamet (Chinookan) /wáqayqam/; cf. /qáyqamix/ 'region downriver' (HNAI 7:545; JL CE 6:202, 470, 475, 485, 490). |
| War-rah-sash . L & C's writing for the Mandan name of Powder River (MT, Prairie Co.); from Mandan /wárashųte/ 'powder' (JL CE 3:365, 382, 385 n.24; 8:253, 256 n.11). |
| War-re-con-ne River . L & C's name for Beaver Creek (ND, Emmons Co.); translated 'elk shed their horns'. Cf. Arikara /wah/ 'elk', /arika/ 'horn' (JL CE 3:176, 178 n.7, 361, 381; 8:310, 311 n.2). |
| War-war-wa . Written by L & C for Walla Walla (JL CE 7:167, 169 n.12). |
| Wasco [WAH skoh] The modern name refers to an Upper Chinookan subgroup, and is derived from /washq'ú/ 'small dipper', used as the name of a village (NAPUS). The name is not used by L & C, who use 〈Chil-luck-kit-te-quaw〉 etc. for this group (JL CE 5:346 n.2; 6:490). |
| Washougal River (WA, Clark Co.) [waw SHOO gul] Modern name for the stream called Seal River by L & C; from the Cascades Chinook placename /wašúxal/ (JL CE 6:469; 7:70 n.70). |
| Wa-ter-hoo . Variant of 〈We-tar-hoo〉; see below. |
| Watersoon . Also 〈Wattasoon, Weta Souax, Water Souix〉. Applied by L & C to the Hidatsa (JL CE 3:205; 9:91, 91 n.1, 121). Derived from the Arikara name for the Hidatsa, i.e. /wi:tatšá:nu'/ (HNAI 13:347). |
| Watlala . A modern name for L & C's 〈Hull-loo-et-tell〉, an Upper Chinookan group (JL CE 6:490); see above. From /waLála/ 'small lake' (HNAI 12:362). |
| Watshlem River . Applied by L & C to a stream in Shoshone territory (JL CE 6:479); etymology not known. |
| Waubonsie (IA, Fremont Co.) Equivalent to Wabaunsee [wah BUN see], name of a Potawatomi (Algonquian) leader, said to mean 'dawn of day' (NAPUS). Waubonsie Creek is the modern name for what L & C called "Pigeon Creek", but JL CE (2:400) spells it "Wabonsie". |
| Wau-can-da . L & C's writing for Waconda , a historical site in MO (Lewis Co.) [wah KON duh] Perhaps from a Siouan term related to Dakota (Siouan) wakhą́da 'to worship', from wakhą́ 'sacred, spirit' (NAPUS). Translated by L & C as "Bad Spirit Creek" (JL CE 3:371). L & C also gave the name "Wau-can-da or Bad Spirit Creek" to what is now called Blackbird Cr. (NE, Thurston Co.) (JL CE 3:379, 384 n.16). |
| Wayampam . Modern name for a Western Columbia River Sahaptin tribe; perhaps from 〈waiya('mpu(m〉 'those of waiya('m, Celilo Falls'. Written 〈Wah-how-pum〉 by L & C (HNAI 12:394; JL CE 5:319 n.9; 7:159, 162 n.1). |
| Waytom Lake . Name applied by L & C to Lake Pend Oreille; etymology not known (JL CE 6:480, 488). |
| Weippe (ID, Clearwater Co.) [WEE ipe] A modern placename, from the Nez Perce toponym /oyáyp/ (NAPUS). L & C were near here, but did not use this name (JL CE 5:224 n.16; 6:467). |
| We-ock-sock . An Upper Chinook group; perhaps from the village name /iLk'i'lak/ 'dried pulverized salmon' (JL CE 7:188, 122 n.6). |
| Welsh Indians , also 〈Welch〉. An idea that some American Indians represented immigrants from Wales is reflected in L & C's usage (JL CE 9:218, 219 n.5; 11:439). |
| Wenatchee River (WA, Chelan Co.) [wuh NACH ee] Modern form of L & C's 〈Wah-na-achee〉 (see above). |
| We to pa ha to . Used by L & C as a synonym for the Kiowa tribe (see above). Probably from the Sioux and Cheyenne name for the Kiowa (HNAI 13:970; JL CE 3:421). |
| We-tar-hoo River . Also 〈We-ter-hoo, Wa-ter-hoo, We-tor-hoo〉. L & C's name for the present Grand River (SD, Corson Co.); perhaps from Mandan /witahu/ 'place characterized by oaks' (JL CE 3:150, 153 n.2, 360, 380; 9:80, 81, 82 n.8). |
| Weta Souax . Variant of 〈Watersoon〉 (see above), i.e. the Hidatsa. |
| Whe-el-po . Applied by L & C to the Colville (Salishan) tribe; from the native name /sXw'yí'Lp/ (HNAI 12:251; JL CE 6:480, 488). |
| Wil-la-cum . Given by L & C as the name of an Upper Chinookan group; this probably represents /wílxam/ 'village' (JL CE 7:118, 122 n.6). |
| Willamette River [wi LAM it] A modern name, from the Clackamas (Lower Chinookan) village name /wálamt/ (NAPUS). The term is not used by L & C, who call this river the 〈Moltnomah〉. |
| Wil-le-let-po . Applied by L & C to the Cayuse tribe (JL CE 6:479, 489); equivalent to 〈Y-e-let-po〉. |
| Wil-le-wah . Applied by L & C to the Wallowa , a Nez Perce group; see above (HNAI 12:4679; JL CE 6:479, 482, 489). |
| Wishram [WISH rum] Modern name for an Upper Chinookan group; from Sahaptin /wíshxam/, a name applied to a village which was called [nixlúidix] in Chinookan (NAPUS). The name is not used by L & C, who use 〈Chil-luck-kit-te-quaw〉 etc. for this group (JL CE 5:346 n.2, 6:490). |
| Wolomped River . Also 〈Wo lump ked〉. From Lower Chinookan /walámt/; used by L & C, perhaps for Youngs River or the Lewis and Clark River (OR, Clatsop Co.) (JL CE 6:112, 115). |
| Woman Creek (ND, Sioux Co.) Named "Woman Creek or Char-part" by L & C, from Arikara /sápat/; perhaps the same as later Battle Creek (JL CE 3:175, 178 n.5). |
| Yahache . Variant name for the Alsea tribe, called 〈You-ilt〉 by L & C (JL CE 6:476, 491). Etymology not known. |
| Yakima [YAK i muh] Also Yakama . Modern name for a Northwestern Sahaptin tribe; perhaps from Sahaptin /íyakima/ 'pregnant women'. The term is not used by L & C, who call these people 〈Shal-lat-to〉 or 〈Chim-nah-pum〉 (see 〈Chimnapam〉, above; HNAI 12:348, 469; JL CE 5:284 n. 8; 7:181 n.1). The Yakima River is called 〈Tape-tett〉 by L & C, from a village name /táptat/ (HNAI 12:348-9; JL CE 5:290). |
| Yankton [YANK tuhn] A Dakota (Siouan) subgroup, from ihą́kthųwą 'village on the end', from ihą́ ke 'on the end' plus thuwą́ 'village' (HNAI 13:754). Mentioned by L & C (JL CE 3:413). |
| Yanktonais . The name of a Dakota (Siouan) subgroup, from ihą́kthųwąna 'little village on the end'; this is the same as the word Yankton, but with -na 'diminutive' added (HNAI 13:753). Referred to by L & C as 〈Yanktons Ahnah〉 (JL CE 3:353, 384 n.15, 414). |
| Yaquina . Modern name for the Oregon tribe which L & C called 〈You-cone〉 etc. (see below; JL CE 6:491). |
| Y-e-huh . Applied to a Cascades (Upper Chinookan) village; from /wáyaxix/ 'his face place' (HNAI 12:376, JL CE 5:357 n.4, 490). |
| Y-e-let-po . Applied to the Cayuse; from the Nez Perce name for this tribe, /weyí:letpu:/ (HNAI 12:417, 469; JL CE 6:482, 489). The same as Wil-le-let-po. |
| Yel-le-pet's Village . So named by L & C for the chief of a Walla Walla village; also written 〈Yelleppit〉. From Nez Perce /yelépt/ 'friend' or Sahaptin /yalɨ́˞pt/ 'trading partner' (JL CE 6:148 n.1, 454, 468; 7:173, 175 n.3). |
| Yellowstone. Modeled on French Roche jaune, said to be a translation of Hidatsa 〈Meé-ah'-zah〉 (Gasque 2003:8). Mentioned by L & C (JL CE 3:349). |
| You-cone . Also 〈Youck-cone, Yorick-cone〉. L & C's name for the Yaquina tribe (Alsean linguistic family), from the native name /yaqú:na/ (HNAI 7:570; JL CE 6:201, 202 n.2, 476, 485). |
| You-ilt Indians . Applied by L & C to the Alsea tribe on the Oregon coast (JL CE 6:476, 491). |
| Youmatolam River . Applied by L & C to the Umatilla River (JL CE 6:480, 487; 7:173, 177 n.1); see above. |
| Zottoa . Also 〈Zottoe, Zottou, Zottau〉. Used to refer to the Oto (q.v.); from French les Ottoes [lezoto] (HNAI 13:460; JL CE 9:29, 31, 33) |
The primary reference for all such work is the thirteen-volume Journals of the Lewis & Clark Expedition, abbreviated here as JL CE , edited by Gary E. Moulton and published by the University of Nebraska Press. The first volume of this set is an atlas, consisting of the sketches made by expedition members; the remaining volumes contain the prose journals, with ample annotation. A useful general book on Lewis & Clark's contact with Native Americans is Ronda 1984; equally valuable essays on onomastics are Jackson 1987, Gasque 1995, and Gasque 2003; and a fine new volume on L & C's vocabulary is Hartley 2004.
Etymological information is drawn from three sources. One of these is the volumes edited by JL CE which contain some etymologies provided by specialists in Native American languages. One is the multi-volume Handbook of North American Indians, abbreviated here as HNAI published by the Smithsonian Institution. Finally, I have drawn on the many sources, both published works and personal communications, which were used in my Native American Placenames of the United States, abbreviated as NAPUS, published by the University of Oklahoma Press. Among the colleagues who contributed information to that book, several have provided additional data for this glossary. My special thanks go to Haruo Aoki, Andrew Cowell, Randolph Graczyk, Alan Hartley, Dale Kinkade, John McLaughlin, Lise Menn, Douglas Parks, and Robert Rankin.
(back)Elementary bilingual dictionary: English-Lakhóta, Lakhóta-English. Boulder: Dept. of Linguistics, University of Colorado, 1976.
Gasque, Thomas J. "Lewis and Clark's onomastic assumptions." Midwest Folklore 21:1/2.30–38. (1995).
Gasque, Thomas J. "Naming with Lewis and Clark. "Names 51:3–11 (2003).
Hartley, Alan H. Lewis and Clark: Lexicon of discovery. Corvallis: Oregon State University Press, 2004.
HNAI = Handbook of North American Indians. Ed. by William C. Sturtevant. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution, 1978.
Jackson, Donald. "Lewis and Clark placenames in Montana." In his Among the sleeping giants: Occasional pieces on Lewis and Clark . Urbana: University of Illinois Press: 1987, 75–123.
JL CE = The Journals of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. Vols. 1–13. Ed. by Gary E. Moulton. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1983–2001.
NAPUS = Native American placenames of the United States . By William Bright. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 2004.
Ronda, James P. Lewis and Clark among the Indians. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1984.
Contributor to Volume 52, Number 3 William Bright is Professor Adjoint of Linguistics, Dept. of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80302, USA. His interests include anthropological linguistics, Native American languages, and toponomastics. His latest book is Native American Placenames of the United States (Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 2004).
This article appears with compliments of The American Name Society. Names: A Journal of Onomastics .
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