Tracing Diné Roots: a Journey through Last Names 

by Amanda Teller

As babies, we are given a Diné name for ceremonial purposes. It is a name the Diyin Dine’é recognize and know us by. These Diné names are mostly generational. For example, my Diné name was passed down from my grandmother as an heirloom connecting the past to my present. We also have family names that have developed from certain characteristics and stories. Names like Nez, as in someone who is tall, and Yazzie, as in yázhí or dear one. While the names of our families may have changed with history, we can reconnect to our roots by acknowledging and sharing their origin with our children.  A tangible piece of our Diné history lies in many of our Dine last names. They carry stories and preserve family history while honoring our elders who truly overcame great odds.  

Leading The Way Vol. 23 No. 6