Sequoyah
Gender: Unisex
Origin: Native American
Meaning: Sparrow
Popularity: Not in the U.S. top 1,000 names
Sequoyah Meaning and Origin
Sequoyah is a unisex name meaning “sparrow” and is of Native American origin. The name itself is believed to have Cherokee origins, though the exact etymology isn’t definitively known. It’s often associated with the Cherokee word “siqua,” which means “sparrow.” This connection to the sparrow, a small and resilient bird with a distinctive song, adds a beautiful layer of symbolism to the name. However it is most commonly associated with Sequoyah (also known as George Gist or George Guess), a Cherokee silversmith and polymath who created the Cherokee syllabary—a writing system for the Cherokee language. Sequoyah’s invention of the syllabary was a groundbreaking achievement that allowed the Cherokee people to communicate in writing, preserving their language and culture. While it might not be among the most popular names, its distinctiveness sets it apart and lends it an air of individuality.
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