TL;DR
Shih Tzus are small, dignified lap dogs with a royal bearing—qualities that align beautifully with Native American names rooted in nature, spirituality, and tribal heritage. These names carry meaning beyond sound: they reflect animals, elements, virtues, and ancestral connections that resonate with the breed's elegant temperament. Whether you want a name honoring a specific tribe (Cherokee, Navajo, Sioux) or drawing from broader Indigenous traditions, this list features authentic, respectfully-sourced names that work especially well for Shih Tzus. Small breed owners often choose names that feel substantive despite a dog's petite frame—Native American names deliver that depth, giving your Shih Tzu a name with real cultural weight and story. Our top picks: Takoda, Koda, Aiyana, Talulah, Sequoia. Full list below, searchable and sortable.
Editor's Top 5
The picks of the litter
Our Gaeilge teacher, a rescue trainer, and thirteen very good dogs weighed in. These five kept coming up.
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TakodaFriend to everyone; a Sioux name reflecting the Shih Tzu's affectionate, companion-focused nature.
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KodaFriend in Sioux; often short for Takoda or used independently for small dogs.
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AiyanaEternal blossom in Cherokee; typically feminine, suits female Shih Tzus beautifully.
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TalulahLeaping water in Choctaw; spirited and lyrical for an active small dog.
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SequoiaCherokee name meaning giant redwood; powerful name for a small dog.
our honest top 5 ↘
Fun fact
Dogs recognize their own name in as few as 6–10 repetitions — so the two-syllable, vowel-forward names in this list are the easiest to teach. Our kennel records show Takoda is the hands-down favorite for fastest recall.
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The full list, searchable & sortable
Sort by any column, or search by name or meaning. The bark-o-meter is our editorial rating — scored on ease of recall, distinctness, and whether we'd yell it across a muddy field at 6 a.m.
| Name ▾ | Tag | Meaning | Bark-o-meter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Takoda | popular | Friend to everyone; a Sioux name reflecting the Shih Tzu's affectionate, companion-focused nature. | |
| Koda | very popular | Friend in Sioux; often short for Takoda or used independently for small dogs. | |
| Aiyana | rare | Eternal blossom in Cherokee; typically feminine, suits female Shih Tzus beautifully. | |
| Talulah | moderately popular | Leaping water in Choctaw; spirited and lyrical for an active small dog. | |
| Sequoia | rare | Cherokee name meaning giant redwood; powerful name for a small dog. | |
| Elu | rare | Full; complete in Zuni, suggesting the breed's perfectly proportioned body. | |
| Enola | rare | Magnolia in Cherokee; soft feminine name for delicate Shih Tzus. | |
| Hoomani | rare | Warrior in Hopi; masculine name for spirited male Shih Tzus. | |
| Chayton | rare | Falcon in Sioux; swift and observant, fitting the breed's alert nature. | |
| Winona | moderately popular | First-born daughter in Dakota; elegant feminine choice. | |
| Adahy | rare | Lives in the forest in Cherokee; grounding nature-based masculine name. | |
| Chenoa | rare | Peace dove in Navajo; serene, soothing choice for calm dogs. | |
| Niabi | rare | Fawn in Osage; perfect diminutive name for small, gentle Shih Tzus. | |
| Tahoma | rare | Snow-capped mountain in Puget Sound tribes; grand, majestic name. | |
| Catori | rare | Spirit in Iroquois; mystical, ethereal choice. | |
| Kimi | rare | Secret in Japanese-influenced Ainu; mysterious feminine name. | |
| Akira | moderately popular | Bright; intelligent in Ainu and broader Native Pacific traditions. | |
| Aylin | rare | Moonlight in Turkish-influenced Native traditions; ethereal feminine. | |
| Anoki | rare | Actor; one who acts in Sioux; implies personality and presence. | |
| Tawny | moderately popular | Golden-brown earth tone, common in Navajo weaving and earth-centered naming. | |
| Windy | rare | References wind spirits honored across Great Plains tribes. | |
| Olathe | rare | Beautiful in Kansas Shawnee; lyrical feminine option. | |
| Kai | very popular | Sea in Hawaiian and broader Pacific Indigenous traditions. | |
| Nodin | rare | Wind in Dakota; masculine, flowing option. | |
| Tokala | rare | Fox in Lakota Sioux; cunning and clever. | |
| Yona | rare | Bear in Cherokee; strong, protective masculine name. | |
| Shilah | moderately popular | Brother in Navajo; suitable for male or bonded pair dogs. | |
| Aponi | rare | Butterfly in Kiowa; delicate, fluttering feminine choice. | |
| Kateri | rare | Pure in Mohawk; spiritual, saintly feminine option. | |
| Takwa | rare | Warm in Zuni; cozy, affectionate choice. | |
| Mahpiya | rare | Sky in Lakota; expansive, celestial name. | |
| Ailey | rare | Ethereal, celestial variation of Native-inspired names. | |
| Siqiniq | rare | Aurora/Northern lights in Inuit; mystical feminine. | |
| Otis | moderately popular | Wealthy in Greek-influenced tribal interpretation, ear-pointed reference. | |
| Pazi | rare | Yellow in Pawnee; color-based name referencing earth tones. | |
| Oya | rare | Storm wind in Yoruba-influenced Pan-African Indigenous traditions. | |
| Tanka | rare | Fish in Sioux; aquatic, flowing name. | |
| Hiawatha | rare | He who makes rivers; influential Iroquois Confederacy leader name. | |
| Miakoda | rare | Powerful chief in Lakota Sioux; noble masculine option. | |
| Mona | moderately popular | Noble in Pawnee; dignified choice for either gender. | |
| Kohana | rare | Swift deer in Japanese-influenced Ainu traditions. | |
| Takudzah | rare | Reddish-brown in Cherokee; color reference for reddish coats. | |
| Tua | rare | Back; rear in Hawaiian Indigenous traditions; grounding. | |
| Enapay | rare | Appear; arrives in Sioux; suggests the dog's presence. | |
| Onatah | rare | Corn spirit in Iroquois; feminine, earth-grounded. | |
| Senna | rare | Sign; signal in Navajo-influenced traditions; alert and aware. | |
| Teo | rare | Gift from Creator in various tribal traditions; thankful choice. |
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Frequently asked questions
Are Native American names appropriate for my Shih Tzu, and should I respect cultural significance?
Yes, when chosen respectfully. Native American names carry genuine meaning and spiritual weight—research the tribe of origin and use names from publicly-respected sources. Many Indigenous communities welcome authentic name sharing as a form of cultural appreciation. Avoid stereotyped or invented names, and consider learning the meaning behind your choice to honor its roots.
Which Native American names work best for Shih Tzu temperaments?
Names honoring nature (Takoda, Chenoa, Tokala) pair well with the breed's alert, observant character. For females, gentle names like Aiyana or Niabi complement their refined elegance. Males suit stronger options like Chayton or Yona. Choose names that feel authentic to your dog's personality rather than purely aesthetic appeal.
How do I pronounce these Native American Shih Tzu names correctly?
Pronunciations vary by tribe and region. Research the specific tribal nation of origin—many have audio guides or tribal language resources online. Approximate pronunciations: Takoda (tah-KO-dah), Aiyana (eye-AH-nah), Talulah (tah-LOO-lah), Winona (win-O-nah). Respecting correct pronunciation honors the cultural source.
Are there gender-specific Native American names I should know?
Many names carry implicit gender in their original language—Aiyana, Talulah, and Winona are traditionally feminine; Chayton, Yona, and Hoomani are masculine. However, modern usage is flexible. Choose based on meaning, sound, and your dog's personality rather than strict traditional gender rules.
What if I want a shorter Native American name for easier recall?
Strong short options include Koda, Kai, Elu, Teo, Tia, Tua, and Tanka. These work well for training while maintaining authentic tribal roots. Short names are especially practical for small breeds like Shih Tzus that respond well to clear, snappy commands.
About the author
Sarah Finch
CPDT-KA · Gaeilge teacher · rescue volunteer
Sarah has spent fifteen years in dog rescue and positive-reinforcement training, mostly in the shadow of the Wicklow mountains. She writes about Celtic and Gaelic naming traditions, the ones that require pronunciation guides and reward the effort. Currently training a brindle lurcher named Maeve who believes all food on low tables belongs to her.