Alaskan names
Hi !!!I found in a movie set in Alaska three names: Tantoo (f), Illanaq (f) and Cheeon (m).Tantoo is the actress and I read she is a Métis while I think that characters are Inuit or another First Nations people.Can anyone help me to find the origin and meanings of these names?Thank you in advancePersonal Name Lists https://www.behindthename.com/pnl/125456
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Tantoo isn’t an Alaskan name and neither is Cheeon. Illanaq, however, appears to be Yupiq.Tantoo is a variant of Tonto, from Spanish tonto (“fool”), from Western Apache kounʼnde (“wild rough people”).
The stage name of Rose Marie "Tantoo" Cardinal (1950-), a Canadian actress of Métis descent, who chose it because Tonto Cardinal was already being used in the Screen Actors Guild. So, technically it’s not a Native American name it’s a stage name chosen by a Native American. I’m currently researching Illanaq for you amongst my Yupiq and other Alaskan native friends.
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Hi LSM !!!Thank you!!
You were very helpful.
So ... Yupiq.
I will search more info about them! :)
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Illanaq is actually the Inuit word for “friend” and is not used as a name by Native Alaskans or First Nations. It’s only the name of a character in a film.
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Is not real name?
What a pity!
It has a nice meaning and a strong recognizable sound.
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Might I ask you about an Inuit name as well?About a year or two ago, I watched the Canadian film The Snow Walker (2003), which I liked quite a lot. The film has two main characters, one of which is an Inuit girl named Kanaalaq. I remember being intrigued by the name at the time, but never being able to find its meaning anywhere on the Internet. Is it even an existing Inuit name, and if so, might one of your friends have any ideas about its meaning? Thank you in advance for any information that you are willing to share! :)
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I’ve asked. Sometimes they have information and sometimes they don’t since so many Native Alaskan and First Nations names are lost to the ether. I’ll reply if I hear anything.
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Okay, I understand. :) Even if it doesn't work out, thank you anyway - I appreciate the effort! :)
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I haven't forgotten, but I also haven't had anyone who has information. Sorry!
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