Zitkalasa

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Zitkalasa

Zitkalasa is a Native-American girl name, which has 9 letters.

The name Zitkalasa is of Native American origin and means "Red Bird". It is derived from the Sioux word zitkala, meaning "red" and sa, meaning "bird".

Pronuncation zit-ka-LA-sa

Alternate Meaning Red bird

Origin or Current Usage Native-American

Gender F

Rating

Be the first one to vote!

Log in to save this name to your favorites.

What to Expect When You're Expecting

Buy On Amazon

The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide for Dads-to-Be

Buy On Amazon

Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide

Buy On Amazon

Mayo Clinic Guide to Your Baby's First Years

Buy On Amazon

Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy

Buy On Amazon
These are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Detailed Information About The Name Zitkalasa

The name 'Zitkalasa' holds cultural significance as it represents the name of a Native American woman who made significant contributions to her community and fought for the rights and recognition of her people. Zitkalasa, also known by her English name, Gertrude Simmons Bonnin, was born on February 22, 1876, on the Yankton Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. She was a writer, poet, educator, and advocate for Native American rights during a time when her people faced severe marginalization and oppression.

Zitkalasa's work centered around promoting and preserving Native American culture, language, and traditions. She believed in the power of education as a tool for empowerment, both personally and for her community, and she pursed this belief through her studies and professional endeavors. In 1895, she became one of the first Native American students to attend Earlham College in Indiana. Her educational journey continued as she later attended the New England Conservatory of Music and Columbia University, where she focused on anthropology and ethnology, studying the Native American cultures she held dear.

Throughout her life, Zitkalasa wrote extensively, using her words to shed light on the injustices faced by Native Americans. She authored numerous articles, essays, and poems for both Native American and mainstream publications, including her most famous work, "The School Days of an Indian Girl," which was published in 1900. This piece served as a powerful autobiographical account of her experiences as a Native American woman grappling with assimilation and cultural erasure in boarding schools.

Zitkalasa was not only an advocate for Native American rights but also a pioneer in the fight for women's suffrage. She actively participated in suffrage organizations, recognizing the intersectionality of these causes and the need for equal rights for all marginalized groups. Her tireless efforts earned her recognition as a prominent figure in the early feminist movement, bridging the gap between Native American and women's rights activism.

Overall, the name 'Zitkalasa' embodies resilience, leadership, and courage. Through her writing and advocacy, she left a lasting impact on Native American culture, education, and civil rights, inspiring future generations to continue the fight for justice and equality. The name 'Zitkalasa' serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and determination of a woman who dedicated her life to uplifting her people and creating a more inclusive society.

Search Baby Names & Meanings

Search our growing database of baby names to find just the right name for your baby or to find out what your own name means!

Celebrity Baby Names

Celebrity baby names are usually not conventional, but some of them become popular. Here is our growing list of celebrity baby names.

Celebrity Baby Names

Naming Your Baby

Picking a name is one of the most important things you will do for your child, so why not take some time to look through our collection of baby naming resources.

Naming Your Baby

Unusual Baby Names

Unique or unusual baby names are tempting when it is time to name your child; however, you should also be aware of the pitfalls that a unique name might have.

Unusual Baby Names

Biblical Baby Names

Biblical names are some of the most widely used names, and for good reason. The tradition and history behind these names makes them a great choice!

Biblical Baby Names

Types of Baby Names

The baby name collection on this site is constantly evolving, and a good way to browse through our database is selecting the type of name you are interested in.

Types of Baby Names