Hiawatha
Meaninghe who combs · Onondaga
Hiawatha is a Native American boy name meaning “he who combs”, with Onondaga roots. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's a longer name that leaves plenty of room for nicknames, and it pairs well with a short middle name.
Did you know?
- Scrabble scoreIf names were allowed in Scrabble, Hiawatha would score 17 points, thanks largely to the H (worth 4).
- GenerationHiawatha peaked in 1934, which makes it a Silent Generation name, think grandparents and great-grandparents.
- HistoryHiawatha first shows up in US birth records in 1911, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 114 years since.
US births per million boys, 1911–2025
Save adds it to your list. Vote moves it up the top voted names.
Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Hiawatha
Hiawatha is a boy name of Native American origin meaning “he who combs”. With 3 syllables it has a flowing, lyrical sound, and plenty of room for a nickname, so a short middle name balances it nicely. It was most fashionable in the 1930s, which gives it a vintage, grandparent-chic charm. It's rarely heard today, so it stands out while still being a real, established name.
Origin:Native American names
More Native American boy names
- Unisex name: Kai · sea
- Unisex name: Dakota · friend, ally
- Boy name: Mikah · who is like God
- Boy name: Shayan · worthy
- Unisex name: Sora · sky
- Unisex name: Takoda · friend to everyone
- Unisex name: Mika · often beautiful fragrance
- Unisex name: Lakota · allies, friends
Questions about the name Hiawatha
What does the name Hiawatha mean?
Hiawatha means “he who combs” and comes from Onondaga.
What is the origin of the name Hiawatha?
Hiawatha is Native American in origin, and its meaning traces back to Onondaga. Other Native American names to consider are Kai (“sea”), Dakota (“friend, ally”), Mikah (“who is like God”) and Shayan (“worthy”).
Is Hiawatha a boy or girl name?
Hiawatha is a boy name.
How popular is the name Hiawatha?
Hiawatha is rare: fewer than 5 US boys got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 2004. It peaked at #1,323 in 1934, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What should I know before naming my baby Hiawatha?
Hiawatha is a Native American boy name meaning “he who combs”, with Onondaga roots. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's a longer name that leaves plenty of room for nicknames, and it pairs well with a short middle name. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.