Wakan
Gender-neutral name · Native American
Meaningsacred, holy · Lakota
Wakan is a Native American gender-neutral name meaning “sacred, holy”, with Lakota 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 crisp and confident, it's easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length. It suits a boy or a girl equally well.
Did you know?
- Scrabble scoreIf names were allowed in Scrabble, Wakan would score 12 points, thanks largely to the K (worth 5).
Fewer than 5 US babies a year get this name, so SSA doesn't list it. That makes it truly rare.
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 Wakan
Wakan is a gender-neutral name of Native American origin meaning “sacred, holy”. Its two syllables give it an easy rhythm, and the consonant at the end gives it a confident finish. It's a rare choice in the US, so your child is unlikely to meet another Wakan at school. It works for a boy or a girl, which suits parents who'd like a name that doesn't signal gender.
Origin:Native American names
More Native American names
- Unisex name: Kai · sea
- 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
- Boy name: Mikah · who is like God
Questions about the name Wakan
What does the name Wakan mean?
Wakan means “sacred, holy” and comes from Lakota. Other gender-neutral names with a similar meaning include Jerome (“sacred name”), Jeronimo (“sacred name”), Om (“the sacred syllable”) and Pranav (“sacred syllable Om”).
What is the origin of the name Wakan?
Wakan is Native American in origin, and its meaning traces back to Lakota. Other Native American names to consider are Kai (“sea”), Savannah (“treeless plain”), Dakota (“friend, ally”) and Winona (“firstborn daughter”).
Is Wakan a boy or girl name?
Both. Wakan is a true gender-neutral name used for boys and girls. That balance makes it a good pick if you'd like a name that doesn't signal gender.
What names are similar to Wakan?
If you like Wakan, you might also like Jerome, Jeronimo, Om and Pranav.
What should I know before naming my baby Wakan?
Wakan is a Native American gender-neutral name meaning “sacred, holy”, with Lakota 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 crisp and confident, it's easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length. It suits a boy or a girl equally well. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.