Indian languages
Native American culture information
Find Native American ancestors in your family tree
What does Cherokee mean?
Q: Can you tell me what the English translation for the
word Cherokee is? What
does it actually mean? Thank you so much.
Sponsored Links
A: It's pronounced "CHAIR-uh-kee," and it comes from a
Muskogee word meaning 'speakers of another language.'
The Cherokee originally called themselves Aniyunwiya,
"the principal people," but they have generally
accepted the name Cherokee, which is spelled and
pronounced Tsalagi in their own language.
Hope that helps!
Native Languages of the Americas
Related Links
English-Indian translations
Cherokee
Written Cherokee langauge
The Cherokees
Give us feedback (or ask a question of your own!)
Back to our Native American mailbag
Would you like to help support our organization's work with endangered American Indian languages?
Native Languages of the Americas website © 1998-2015 
Contacts and FAQ page