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HelpRe: Native American names (U.S. only)
in reply to a message by Theodora'sMommy
I understand some of this, but I do not think that most people who name their children Dakota or Cheyenne are doing it because they think they are "Native American" names. I think the motive for using those names is the same as the motive for naming kids Montana or Denver -- because they are cool "Western" place names which sound like cowboy nicknames.
I also wonder why those who object to these as baby names never seem to be bothered by the place names. Do you think that Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec should change their names because they are appropriations of Native American words by the majority culture?
I also wonder why those who object to these as baby names never seem to be bothered by the place names. Do you think that Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec should change their names because they are appropriations of Native American words by the majority culture?
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Quebec?
A teacher told us in high school that Quebec is derived from French, something like "quelle bec" or "what a beak/nose" referring to part of the land as seen from the river?
A teacher told us in high school that Quebec is derived from French, something like "quelle bec" or "what a beak/nose" referring to part of the land as seen from the river?
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It's a cute pun, but ultimately inaccurate. I think your teacher was pulling your leg.
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That was wrong. Quebec comes from an Algonquin word.
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If the United States and Canada started to replace Native American place names, it would be tantamount to erasure. It would be like trying to wipe out the fact that they were there and had an impact on those places. There has been enough whitewashing without anglicizing place names too.
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Agree -
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