Apache surnames, as with the surnames of other Native American nations, represent a mix of traditional practices and the impact of European contact which led to the (often imposed) adoption of Western naming conventions. Both of these factors have also been shaped by historical events.
Today's Apache surnames reflect a duality springing from these various influences.
History of the Apache
The Apache people are thought to have migrated to the American Southwest around 3,000 years ago from present-day Alaska and the Yukon Territory of Canada. They inhabited regions in today's Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Mexico. The Apache comprised multiple distinct groups, including the Chiricahua, Jicarilla, Lipan, Mescalero, Mimbreño, Salinero and Plains and Western Plains Apache, last two comprising several subgroups. Each of these groups within the Apache nation had their own customs, beliefs and language variations[1]. Apache social structure was matrilineal, which means a male generally joined his wife’s band at the time of their marriage[2].
_p055_The_Apache_State.jpg)
Initially, the Apache engaged in trade with Spanish settlers after their arrival in the 1540s but this contact soon turned to conflict as white settlers encroached on Apache lands. A series of confrontations, culminating in the Apache Wars (1849-1886), were the result. The surrender of a small band led by chief Geronimo to the U.S. Army in 1886 marked the final defeat for the Apache. They were forced onto reservations, primarily in Arizona, where they endured appalling conditions. Treaties were forced upon the Apache at part of attempts to assimilate them into the majority American culture, with many children sent to government and missionary schools[3]. But Apache culture and identity has survived and after an earlier significant drop in numbers the Apache population has recovered over the last 100 years to reach around 150,000 today[1].
Traditional Apache names
Traditionally the Apache did not have family names in the same way as Western cultures. They relied on personal names that were unique to individuals. Traditional naming conventions of the Apache included several different elements, which are broadly similar to those of other Native American tribes. Names were meaningful and reflective of the values and experiences important to the Apache[4].
- Apache names were fluid, changing over time from birth names through puberty and initiation. New names would be added over a lifetime reflecting personal achievements, experiences or events.
- Many Apache names were inspired by the natural world and celestial bodies. Examples include Willow (Tsa'li in an Apache language), Dzil (mountain), Tsé (rock), Chí'í (cactus), Yé'ii (spirit, sacred being) and Morning Star (Sons-ee-ah-ray).
- Some names were linked to animals that held special significance or represented qualities the Apache admired[5]. Examples include Safe Hawk, Grey Wolf and Yellow Horse.
- Names could also be chose to describe a person's characteristics or societal role. Big Mouth and Firemaker are examples.
- As leaders usually had to earned rather than inherit their position the names of a headman or chief would reflect their demonstrated abilities, such as bravery, wisdom or their skill in battle or in negotiations.
- Naming conventions also reflected gender and gender roles. Apache names for girls often symbolised beauty, nature, and nurturing qualities such as Maa-ya-ha (youth, vitality), Ih-tedda (singer) and Cumpah (unity, togetherness). By contrast names for boys would emphasise strength, bravery and fighting traits such as Tłʼiish (warrior), Kaga (chronicler, storyteller), Bidziil (strong human) and Makya (eagle hunter)[6].
Modern Apache family names
_Student_card,_Rice,_Arizona.jpg)
Especially from the 19th century onwards the intrusion of European settlers into their traditional lands resulted in many Apache adopting Western-style surnames (family names), either voluntarily or because these names were forced on them[7]. These might be an adaptation of a traditional Apache name or an entirely new name influenced by Spanish. Contemporary governmental policies that required formal surnames for record-keeping and legal purposes such as the allotment of land, placements in reservations or inclusion in census rolls was another important driver.
New names also came about from contact with European traders, settlers or missionaries especially in cases where this contact led to intermarriage. Adopting a family name allowed for better identification of an individual and assisted them to operate better in a European-dominated society. Family names also provided a means of maintaining some form of ancestral connection to Apache cultural identity while dealing at a practical level with the new reality.
Some common Apache family names and their generally accepted origin/meaning include[8][9][10]:
| Surname | Origin/Meaning |
|---|---|
| Altaha | associated with Apache living in mountainous regions; someone with a higher status or leadership role (Spanish origin) |
| Bahe | man |
| Bitsuie | "his grandchild" (of Navajo origin but also popular with the Apache) |
| Chavez | keys (Spanish origin) |
| Cly | strength, resilience |
| Cosay | associated with the White Mountain Apache reservation |
| Dosela | a commoner, reflecting this status within an Apache band or possibly "willow" symbolising flexibility |
| Ethelbath | rocky spring, natural water source |
| Goseyun | warrior, strength |
| Haskie | "first one to fight," warrior’s spirit, readiness for battle |
| Kaywaykla | "following the footpath", someone who lives a nomadic lifestyle |
| Loco | crazy (Spanish origin) |
| Mescal | linked to the Mescalero Apache, a tribute to their traditional gathering of the Mescal plant |
| Magoosh | a popular name but its origin and meaning is unclear |
| Naiche | mischievous, playful |
| Sanchez | saintly (Spanish origin) |
Notable Apache figures
Here are some people who have been especially prominent in story of the Apache nation:
Historical Figures
,_a_Chiricahua_Apache,_full-length,_kneeling_with_rifle,_1887_-_NARA_-_530880.jpg)
- Geronimo (Goyathlay): leader of the Chiricahua Apache known for his fierce resistance against U.S. military forces during the Apache Wars. His leadership during breakouts from reservations made him a symbol of Native American resistance until his final surrender in 1886.
- Cochise: another prominent chief of the Chiricahua Apache who led his people during the Apache Wars. He signed a peace treaty in 1872 but continued to resist U.S. encroachment on Apache lands.
- Mangas Coloradas (La-choy Ko-kun-noste, alias "Red Sleeves"): a prominent chief before Geronimo, known for his strategic leadership during the early Apache resistance against American expansion.
- Chief Chihuahua and Chief Loco: influential leaders during the tumultuous period following Geronimo's campaigns. Recognised for their efforts in promoting peace following the Apache Wars.
More Contemporary Figures
- Jim Thorpe: Olympic gold medalist and footballer; regarded as the greatest Native American athlete of the early 20th century. Linked most closely to the Sac & Fox tribe Thorpe also had Apache heritage.
- John Redhouse: activist, focussed on promoting Apache heritage and rights within modern society.
- Samantha Crain: singer-songwriter from Shawnee, Oklahoma.
- Margo Tamez: prominent Apache author.
- Darcie Little Badger, novelist, short story writer, and oceanographer.
See also
Explore more about Apache surnames
Separate Wiki articles, listed under "See also", provide details of data records and other resources offered by MyHeritage. They are a great starting point for researching possible Apache connections. MyHeritage also offers DNA testing. This can provide evidence of Apache ancestry and help connect with others who share a common Apache name or heritage. Note that if your Native American ethnicity does not appear in an "Ethnicity Estimate", you might also consider testing one of your parents or grandparents. It is more likely that evidence of Native American DNA will appear in generations closer to a Native American ancestor.
A researcher should also consider variations of names when conducting searches. As with with other Native American tribes some Apache names were transliterated into English (either directly or via Spanish), leading to spelling and pronunciation variations over time. Knowing where your Apache ancestors lived, or the specific band or clan within the Apache nation to which an ancestor belonged can also provide valuable context. This will help you to locate Apache ancestors in specific databases, census rolls or in any physical records. A MyHeritage-affiliated free website, AccessGenealogy, provides a detailed guide to the different Apache tribes and bands by location.
The following LegacyTree webinars, while general in nature, can also provide insights on how to research your Apache ancestry more effectively:
- Documenting Native American Families in 19th and 20th Century Records
- Native American Research: Things You May Not Know
- Finding Indian Ancestors in African American Families
There are a number of other external resources which will assist you in researching Apache surnames:
- The U.S. Department of Internal Affairs has a handy online guide which will help you understand the enrolment process for Native American tribes and tribal services. It also lists sources that can assist with tracing American Indian or Alaska Native ancestry and conducting genealogical research.
- Census records are vital for genealogical research, particularly for Indigenous ancestry. A good place to start are specific Apache records created or available through the the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA).
- Indian Census Rolls were conducted annually between 1885-1940. They include individuals affiliated with federally recognised tribes. The Rolls may provide names, ages, marital status and tribal affiliation. Access to the Rolls is available through the National Archives.
- Historical U.S. Federal Population Censuses may also include information about individuals of Indigenous descent, particularly those conducted during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Local historical societies may be good sources for specific genealogical information. For example the Apache County Arizona group relies on volunteers to help researchers track Apache ancestors transcribing genealogical and historical data and making it available online at no cost.
- Beyond the nine federally recognised Apache tribes today there are many other groups which self-identify as Native American tribes, including some who assert an affiliation to the Apache nation. Depending on where ancestors were born or lived these resources managed by these groups may offer clues to Apache heritage.
- Native American studies centres, like Dominican University, provide research guides that outline methods for tracing Indigenous ancestry, including specific resources related to the Apache.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Wikimedia Foundation. (2024, September 4). Apache. Wikipedia.
- ↑ Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (n.d.). Apache. Encyclopædia Britannica.
- ↑ Native Hope. (2023, March 7). What happened to the apache tribe?: The history of the apache nation. Native Hope Blog.
- ↑ Forry, L. E. (2018, June 8). Native American last names and meanings. FamilyEducation.
- ↑ Our culture. Official Website of the Mescalero Apache Tribe. (2023, March 1).
- ↑ Alchin, L. (2018, January 16). Native American Indian names.
- ↑ Are indigenous surnames/last names common among North American natives? (n.d.).
- ↑ Forry, L. E. (2020, October 20). 75 Native American names for your little one. FamilyEducation.
- ↑ Meleen, M. (2023, May 3). 119 meaningful Native American names for boys and girls. LoveToKnow.
- ↑ Stets, R. (2024, March 2). 100+ native American last names and their meanings. Legit.ng - Nigeria news.