Plains Cree Personal Names

Abstract:This article surveys the formation of traditional Plains Cree personal names. Overall, a wide array of patterns is possible across the major word classes, though particles are less common in names. Nouns representing a wide range of semantic categories (though predominantly animate) are common elements, alone or in more complex constructions; certain terms for people frequently appear finally in compounds. Verb forms are likewise common, alone or with other elements. In short, Cree names encompass more than merely a microcosm of Cree grammar; notably, the complementizer kā- appears as a marker of names beyond its normal grammatical role.