Nokomis
Meaninggrandmother · Ojibwe
Nokomis is a Native American girl name meaning “grandmother”, with Ojibwe 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 simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with a short middle name.
Did you know?
- Scrabble scoreIf names were allowed in Scrabble, Nokomis would score 13 points, thanks largely to the K (worth 5).
- GenerationNokomis peaked in 1919, which makes it a Greatest Generation name, think great-grandparents.
- HistoryNokomis first shows up in US birth records in 1916, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 109 years since.
US births per million girls, 1916–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Nokomis
Nokomis is a girl name of Native American origin meaning “grandmother”. With 3 syllables it has a flowing, lyrical sound, so a short middle name balances it nicely. It was most fashionable in the 1910s, 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 girl names
- Girl name: Savannah · treeless plain
- Unisex name: Dakota · friend, ally
- Girl name: Winona · firstborn daughter
- Girl name: Nayla · achiever, winner
- Girl name: Savanna · treeless grassland
- Girl name: Kaydence · rhythm
- Unisex name: Mika · often beautiful fragrance
- Unisex name: Sora · sky
Questions about the name Nokomis
What does the name Nokomis mean?
Nokomis means “grandmother” and comes from Ojibwe.
What is the origin of the name Nokomis?
Nokomis is Native American in origin, and its meaning traces back to Ojibwe. Other Native American names to consider are Savannah (“treeless plain”), Dakota (“friend, ally”), Winona (“firstborn daughter”) and Nayla (“achiever, winner”).
Is Nokomis a boy or girl name?
Nokomis is a girl name.
How popular is the name Nokomis?
Nokomis is rare: fewer than 5 US girls got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 2022. It peaked at #3,219 in 1919, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What should I know before naming my baby Nokomis?
Nokomis is a Native American girl name meaning “grandmother”, with Ojibwe 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 simple to spell and say, 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.