I recently met a young boy who had this name (his full name was Wapiti [name_u]Hunter[/name_u] [name_u]Oak[/name_u]). Its another name for elk (it comes from the [name_f]Shawnee[/name_f]/Cree word waapiti meaning “white rump”). I think it could be an interesting nature name along the lines of [name_u]Cypress[/name_u], [name_u]Sequoyah[/name_u], [name_m]Leviathan[/name_m], [name_u]Denali[/name_u], Balan, and Mohegan. What do you think about this name? Is it usable?
I think it’s interesting! The sound isn’t my style, I’m too caught up on “pity” being in the name. With indigenous names, I would be wary just because, as someone who is white, I’m not in a position to judge whether using a name would be seen as cultural appropriation. I would definitely run it by someone who is [name_f]Shawnee[/name_f]/Cree before using it just to make sure. The meaning is super sweet though!
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As an indigenous person I would say that I wouldn’t use this name unless you are of [name_u]Cree[/name_u] decent. I am not cree but I am Chiricahua & Nahuatl and I would find it strange to see a Nahuatl name on a child of no indigenous decent.
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Unless you are from that tribe, it’s cultural appropriation.
Agree with others. Very nice name, but only usable if you’re a part of that culture.
I agree with others that it’s a lovely name but I wouldn’t use it outside of that culture, especially without asking!