Names are inspired by various Aboriginal languages and dialects.
Aboriginals are the native people of Australia and their rhythmic language inspired European settlers in the 18th century. This inspiration led to Europeans using Aboriginal Australian names for babies, many of which have positive meanings. Each Aboriginal dialect and language offers a wide range of options for naming a child due to their compelling sounds. When Europeans first settled in Australia in 1788, there were about 250 Indigenous Australian languages spoken, with 800 dialectal varieties. Today, there are over 100 Aboriginal dialects in Australia, making it difficult to define the meaning of Aboriginal names. Despite some Aboriginal languages becoming extinct, many are still used today. Naming your child with an Aboriginal Australian name can help preserve these languages. So, consider looking at names inspired by these languages if you want something unique.
Aboriginal Australian Names For Girls With Meanings
1. Alinta
Alinta is a girl’s name that means ‘flame’ in a language from South Australia. This name is in line with the popular trend of feminine names that start and end with vowels, such as Aria, Ava, and Amelie. Alinta was also used for a main character in the 1981 mini-series called ‘Women of the Sun’.
2. Bindi
We think that many of our Australian members would recognize this nickname because of two well-known examples: Bindi Irwin, the daughter of the late Steve Irwin, and the sharp plants that can be found in the grass. In a language that is not widely known, this name means ‘little girl,’ and in the Nyungar language spoken in Western Australia, it means ‘butterfly.’
3. Jedda
The name ‘Jedda,’ which means ‘little wild goose’ in Aboriginal, was the name of the main character in the Australian movie ‘Jedda.’ The film starred two Aboriginal actors in the lead roles. Some think that ‘Jedda’ would be a great name for a modern girl in Australia or America because it combines femininity, originality, and strength.
4. Kirra
The aboriginal Australian name Kirra means ‘leaf’ in the Yugambeh language spoken in the Gold Coast, Queensland. It is also the name of a suburb called Kirra Beach in Queensland. In the Murri dialect of southern Queensland, the name means ‘to live.’ For a contemporary version of this name, you can choose Kiera or Keira.’
5. Marlee
The aboriginal australian name Marlee means ‘elderberry tree’ in the Biripi language. We find the double ‘ee’ in this name to be especially appealing. The name Marlee also brings to mind the adorable, yellow puppy from the movie ‘Marley and Me.’
6. Merindah
Despite being commonly known as Miranda in English, Merindah has its own unique beauty and charm. The name actually means ‘beautiful’ in an Aboriginal language spoken in Sydney and its surrounding areas.
7. Lowanna
In the Tasmanian dialect, Lowanna means ‘woman’ and in the Gumbaynggir language of New South Wales, it means ‘girl.’ The name is meant to describe someone of beautiful appearance, which perfectly fits your daughter. The aboriginal Australian name Lowanna also has several nicknames such as Lowie, Anna, and Lo.
8. Rianna
Some may believe that Rianna is the correct spelling of Rihanna, but in reality, it means ‘caterpillar’ in the Palawa Language. In some Aboriginal cultures, butterflies are thought to have the soul of a deceased person.
9. Talia
The coastal town in South Australia called Talia could be a trendy choice for naming your daughter. This aboriginal Australian name is becoming popular in American and European countries because of the rising fame of Talia Richman, the model from Brisbane. The name Talia means ‘near waters’, making it a fitting choice for a coastal-inspired name.
10. Allira
The name Allira comes from the Aboriginal word ‘allirea’ which means to ‘clear crystal quartz.’ The word was inspired by the Melbourne area in Victoria. In the language of the Arrernte people from Alice Springs, Australia, Allira means ‘niece.’ It is currently gaining popularity and love in Australia.
11. Tarni
Tarni is a word in the Kaurna language that mimics the sound of the surf, and it could be a unique name for a baby girl. This name is popular among indigenous people. Tarni Loreggian, an ice hockey player, and Tarni Carter, a rock band singer, are well-known individuals with this name.
12. Mia
In the Nyungar language of Western Australia, this nickname has two meanings – ‘month’ and ‘moon’. It is also a Japanese name that means ‘God’s child’. Additionally, this diverse name is inspired by the metallic mica. The name is linked to Mika Brzezinski, an American TV host and journalist.
13. Merri
This nickname comes from the term ‘merri’ in the local language, which refers to something very rocky. Although it may not seem traditionally feminine, its similarities to the name Mary and the word ‘merry’ in English make it a good choice for girls. Merri is also the name of a creek in Southern Victoria that meets the Yarra River, which runs through Melbourne.
14. Maya
In the Kiwari language of the Kimberly region in Western Australia, the word Maya means ‘home or house’. Other indigenous languages have similar words that mean ‘shelter’ or ‘hut’. This is why names like Mia and Maya are popular in Australia.
15. Kalina
The name Kalina is very feminine and means ‘love and affection’ in the Wemba-Wemba language in New South Wales and Victoria. It is also used in indigenous Australia and Eastern Europe, especially in Poland, where it refers to the flowering shrub ‘viburnum.’ Princess Kalina of Bulgaria is a well-known person with this name.
16. Kalinda
The origin of the word name ‘Kalinda’ is unknown, but it is thought to mean ‘see.’ Kalinda Ashton, a famous author from Melbourne, is one well-known person with this name. The name Kalinda has even been used in Hollywood, as it was the name of a character in the TV show ‘The Good Wife.’
17. Allora
There are many aboriginal Australian names that describe the geography of their land. A good example is Allora, the name of a town in Queensland. It offers a new option compared to the Hebrew name meaning ‘the Lord is my light.’
18. Koori
Koorie or Korrie comes from the names of places in Victoria and New South Wales. We believe Koori would be a nice nickname or middle name.
19. Cardinia
Cardinia is a name that comes from a place near Melbourne. It is thought to have come from the word Kar-din-yarr which means to ‘look at the sunrise.’
20. Darana
According to the stories told by the Aboriginal people, Darana was a god in their ancient beliefs. This magical being made grubs and kept them in a bag, which was then hung from a tree.
21. Anmanari
This difficult to pronounce but nice sounding name comes from the Pintupi language. Two well-known people with this name are Anmanari Napanangka and Anmanari Brown, who are Aboriginal artists.
22. Brindabella
It’s time to stop using Isabella and Anabella and choose Brindabella as a name for your daughter instead. Brindabella is an Australian girl’s name inspired by the mountain range on the border of the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales.
23. Angoona
Angoona is a not often heard of name from the Warlpiri language with an unclear meaning. One famous person with this name is Angoona Nangala, who is the mother of the well-known Aboriginal artist Ngoia Pollard Napaltjarri.
24. Alkawari
The name is from the Pitjantjatjara language, but its meaning is not known. Alkawari Dawson, an Australian painter and wife of fellow painter Nakul Dawson, is one person with this name.
25. Myaree
Myaree is a lovely name of Aboriginal origin in Australia which means ‘foliage.’ We believe choosing a nature-inspired name like this, that is not the usual flower or leaf names, would be a great idea.’
26. Karri
Karri is a name from the Australian Aboriginal language that refers to a type of eucalyptus tree. The eucalyptus diversicolor species can be commonly found in the southwestern part of Western Australia. It can also be used as a nickname for the names Charisma or Keira.
27. Maroochy
In the Turrubal or Kabi language, this name means ‘black swan.’ It is linked to Maroochy Barambah, who is a singer from Australia.
28. Lenah
I have a great animal-inspired name for you to use. The name Lehan comes from the Palawa language of Tasmania and means ‘kangaroo’. It is also the name of a neighborhood in Hobart.
29. Ellin
Ellin is a pretty name for a baby girl in Australia, it means ‘wish.’ This name is both sensitive and trendy.
30. Elanora
The name Elanora comes from an Australian Aboriginal name that means ‘home near water or home by the sea’. The name can also be used as a substitute for Eleanor.
31. Inala
In Brisbane, there is a suburb called Inala, which means ‘night time or rest time’. However, in the Aboriginal language, it means ‘place of peace’. Both of these meanings are lovely.
32. Jannali
If you’re looking for a unique astronomical name for your daughter instead of the common choices like Luna or Moon, consider naming her Jannali. This name means ‘moon’ and will definitely make your child distinct from others.
33. Kareela
Kareela is a suburb in Brisbane and can also make a unique name for a girl. In the local language, the name means ‘grass around a waterhole’.
Aboriginal Australian Names For Boys With Meanings
34. Willow
The Aboriginal Australian name Willow, which comes from English, means the graceful ‘willow tree.’ The term originates from Old English word welig. It was also used as a topographical term to describe someone who lived close to a willow tree in ancient times.
35. Illuka
The name Iluka, pronounced as ‘eye-loo’ka’, is a coastal town in New South Wales. The name means ‘near the sea’ in the Bndajalong language. It can be seen as a masculine version of the name Talia. It is a unique and fresh option compared to the name Luka If you have boy-girl twins, you can consider naming them Iluka and Talia. You can also use the nickname Illy for Iluka. It’s an adorable choice, right?
36. Monti
Moti could be a wonderful choice for a boy’s name. The name means ‘black-necked stork’ in an Aboriginal language that is not commonly known. Some might think it sounds like a shortened version of the more formal name Montgomery. But, it would definitely make for an interesting anecdote when you explain the meaning to others.
37. Koa
If you want a unique aboriginal australian name that has a special meaning, consider choosing Koa. This fun and different name is related to the names Kai and Noah, and it means ‘crow’ in the Kaurna language of the well-known city Adelaide. Koa is also a Hawaiian name that means ‘warrior’ and is the name of a type of acacia tree that is found in Hawaii.
38. Warrin
The aboriginal Australian name Warren sounds the same as the English name, but it has different meanings. In one of the Aboriginal languages of Sydney, it means winter, while in English it means park keeper. Which meaning do you think is more interesting?
39. Jiemba
In the Wiradjuri language, the name means ‘laughing star.’ If you prefer, you can shorten it to Jim or Jimmy for an English twist, but it may lose some of its charm. This name was also given to Mary Gilmore, the Australian poet, by the local Aboriginals.
40. Bambam
In the Bundjalong language of New South Wales, the name means ‘swelling or bruise.’ In the Meriam language of the Torres Strait Island, it means ‘yellow.’ Just make sure to steer clear of the negative connotation of this name.
41. Dural
Dural is a name used in the Dharug language, which means ‘valley or gully.’ There are claims that Dural originates from ‘dooral dooral,’ meaning ‘burning log.’ It is also the name of a suburban area in Sydney with a semi-rural setting.
42. Kuparr
Kuparr is a type of ochre that is used to make body paint and is known as ‘red earth’ in the Ngiyampaa language of New South Wales. The name is similar to Cooper, so if you think Cooper is dull and sounds like a surname for a child, you can consider using Kuparr instead.
43. Banjo
If you’re looking for a musical name for your child, consider Banjo, which is a popular instrument among Aboriginal people. This name could also pay tribute to Banjo Paterson, the poet who wrote the famous poem ‘Clancy of the Overflow’ about a drover named Clancy.
44. Tau
Tau is a name from the Kaurna language and it means ‘twilight’ or ‘dusk.’ The similarity of this name to the Chinese word Tao, which means ‘the natural order of things,’ is intriguing. Also, given the trend of using three-letter names like Kai and Taj, Tau would be a good fit.
45. Jarli
In the Jiwarli language of Western Australia, the name Jarli means ‘barn owl’. The owl is seen as a symbol of wisdom in some Aboriginal cultures. We recommend this unique animal-inspired name to you as a trendy option or even as a cool alternative to Charlie.
46. Kaiya
In the language of the Kaurna people in South Australia, the name Kaiya means ‘spear.’ It is also the name of a type of Caddisfly known for its unique bard-like projections. Although often used as a girl’s name, the element Kai gives it a masculine appearance and the meaning of the name is not specifically ‘feminine.’ Therefore, Kaiya can be considered a unisex name.
47. Daku
The name Daku comes from the Diyari language in South Australia and means ‘sand hill,’ which is fitting for its desert-inspired origins. While there’s no need to shorten it, if you want a nickname, Dak would be a cool option.
48. Tarka
If you’re looking for a fun and playful name for your son, consider naming him Tarka, which means ‘eggshell’ in the Kaurna language of South Australia. Interestingly, Tarka is also the name of a type of seasoning in Indian and Pakistani cuisine. You can shorten it to Tak as a nickname. We believe it would be quite charming aboriginal Australian name.
49. Bouddi
The name ‘Bouddi’ comes from the Bouddi Peninsula in New South Wales. There is a town called Bouddi in Gosford. Additionally, there is a Bouddi National Park in Australia. In the Darkinyung language, Bouddi means ‘heart’.
50. Warragul
The town of Warragul gets its name from the local word Warrigal, which can mean either ‘wild dog’ or simply ‘dog.’ This term specifically refers to the dingo, the largest predator in Australia. Warragul is also the name of a town located in West Gippsland, Victoria.
51. Anatjari
Anatjari is a popular name in the Pintupi language. Artists Anatjari Tjampitjinpa and Anatjari Tjakamarra are both known by this name. While it was once a common name in Australia, its popularity has decreased over time.
52. Colebee
The exact origin of the name Colebee is unclear, but some think it could be where the English name or last name Colby comes from.
53. Djarrtjuntjun
Djarrtjuntjun can be a tricky name for many to spell and say. The name means ‘roots of the paperback tree.’ Mandawuy Djarrtjuntjun Yunupingu, an educator and musician, is known for carrying this name with respect.
54. Djalu
Here is a special name you might like for your baby. Djalu is a boy’s name from Australia that means ‘lightning.’ It is linked to Djalu Gurruwwiwi, an Aboriginal musician famous for playing and creating didgeridoos.
55. Yannathan
This aboriginal Australian name is diverse and very appealing. It belongs to a small town in Victoria, Australia and the name means ‘walk or roam’. Additionally, it is commonly used in Australia.
56. Jabiru
The Aboriginal people of the Northern Territory call the ‘black-necked stork’ Jabiru. It is the only species of stork that is originally from Australia, which makes the name even more special.
57. Mangana
Mangana is a common name for boys in Australia. It originated from the Tasmanian people and was also the name of Truganini’s father, who was the last full-blooded Tasmanian Aboriginal.
58. Omeo
The name Omeo, which means ‘mountains, hills’ in the Gunaikurnai language, is the name of a town located in Victoria. The town is situated in the Great Dividing Range at a high altitude. The name Omeo has been widely used, especially by the residents of the town.
59. Mandawuy
Why settle for Djarrtjuntjun when you can have Mandawuy, which is a more practical option. The name Mandawuy means ‘from clay’.
60. Jarrah
Jarrah is the name for a type of eucalyptus tree in Australia. It is a popular species of eucalyptus tree that is commonly found in the southwestern part of the country. The wood from this tree is also known as Jarrah.
61. Gurumarra
The Australian Aboriginal name Gurumarra refers to dry lightning or lightning without thunder in the Gunggay dialect. This name is commonly used for businesses and organizations.
62. Lue
Lue is a small village in South Wales with a name that means ‘chain of waterholes’ in the Dabee language of the Wiradjuri group. This unique name could be a different option from the more popular Louie or Louis.
63. Mawukura
The name is commonly used by the Walmajarri people of Australia. Many Australians may recognize this name. One well-known person with this name is Mawukura, who is an artist in Australia.
