Eight Mapuche names for babies
The Mapuche are an indigenous people living in southern Chile and Argentina. Their culture and language, Mapudungun, have a rich history and a deep connection to nature. Mapuche names reflect this worldview and often have meanings related to the sun, moon, stars, animals, plants or virtues. Here are eight Mapuche names for boys and girls, along with their meaning, pronunciation and some interesting facts.
Means “brave or warrior”. Pronounced “au-can”. It is a masculine name that expresses strength and courage. Some historical figures who were called Aukán were the Mapuche lonko (chief) Aukán Huilcamán, the Mapuche toqui (military leader) Aukán Leftraru and the Mapuche writer Aukán Painemal.
Means “joy or happiness”. It is pronounced “a-ye-len”. It is a unisex name that can be used for both girls and boys. Some famous people named Ayelén are Argentine actress Ayelén Paleo, Chilean skier Ayelén Moya and Argentine footballer Ayelén Riquelme.
It means “gift from heaven”. Pronounced “e-lu-ney”. It is a unisex name that expresses gratitude and love. Among the famous people who bear this name, the Argentinean singer Eluney Zalazar stands out.
It means “princess”. It is pronounced “mai-len”. It is a feminine name that expresses beauty and delicacy. Some famous people named Mailen are the Argentinian tennis player Mailen Auroux, the Chilean singer Mailen Frías and the Argentinian actress Mailen Díaz.
It means “swift traro (falcon-like bird)”. It is pronounced “lau-ta-ro”. It is a masculine name that expresses agility and freedom. Some famous people named Lautaro are the Argentine footballer Lautaro Martínez, the Chilean actor Lautaro Rodríguez and the Mapuche poet Lautaro Yankas.
Means “flower”. Pronounced “rai-lef”. It is a masculine name that expresses brightness and energy. Some famous people named Railef are Chilean footballer Railef Salinas, Argentine musician Railef Gómez and Mapuche writer Railef Cheuquepal.
Means “sweet or charming”. It is pronounced “sa-yen”. It is a feminine name that expresses tenderness and charisma. Some famous people named Sayen are the Argentinian singer Sayen Oyarzún, the Chilean model Sayen Morales and the Mapuche actress Sayen Loncon.
It means “spirit of the forest or son of the earth”. It is pronounced “ta-hiel”. It is a unisex name that can be used for both girls and boys. Some famous people named Tahiel include Argentine actress Tahiel Arevalo, Chilean dancer Tahiel Jiménez and Mapuche musician Tahiel Antileo.
These are just some of the many Mapuche names that exist. If you like these names, you can see more options in this list of Mapuche names.
Remember that Mapuche names are a way of honouring and respecting the culture and identity of this native people.