420+ Pro Teams With Native American Names (Historical & Current)

Professional sports teams have used Native American names for more than one hundred years. These names come from tribal groups, warrior titles, and cultural symbols. Some teams still use these names today. Other teams have changed their names due to public pressure. The debate about these names is complex and emotional. Many people have strong feelings on both sides of this issue. Sports culture and Native American heritage are deeply connected in the world of professional athletics. Some see these names as honoring traditions. Others see them as disrespectful stereotypes. The conversation continues to evolve with each passing season.

This article looks at many teams with Native American names. We cover current teams, past teams, and minor league teams. We also explore the history behind each name. Some names honor Native culture and traditions. Other names have been seen as disrespectful and harmful. Each name has a unique story to tell. Learning about these stories helps us understand the issue better. The world of sports is changing. Teams are listening to Native voices more than ever before. This article captures both the history and the future of these names.

Pro Teams With Native American Names (With Meanings)

Professional teams with Native American names have rich and complex histories. Some names were chosen to honor tribal traditions and great leaders from the past. Other names have sparked heated debate and eventual change in recent years. Each name tells a unique story about sports and culture in America. Here are notable teams that have used Native American names over the years. These teams come from many sports and many levels of professional competition.

1. Kansas City Chiefs
This NFL team started in 1963 in Missouri. The name came from mayor Harold Roe Bartle. He was called Chief by local Boy Scouts. The team uses arrowhead imagery and Native American themes. The name honors Native American leadership and tribal structure. Fans wear war paint and headdresses to games. This has caused debate for many years. Native groups have asked for changes. The team keeps the name but has removed some imagery. The arrowhead logo is one of the most famous in sports.

2. Atlanta Braves
This MLB team started in Boston in 1871. The name comes from Native American warriors called braves. The team moved to Atlanta in 1966. The tomahawk chop is their most famous gesture. Fans wave foam tomahawks during games. Many Native American groups have asked them to stop. The team keeps the name for tradition. They have worked with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Together they created educational programs. The team says they honor Native culture. Critics say the chop is still disrespectful.

3. Chicago Blackhawks
This NHL team started in 1926 in Illinois. The name honors Chief Black Hawk of the Sauk people. He was a real Native American leader. The team owner served in a military unit named for the chief. The logo shows a Native American face in profile. It is based on Chief Black Hawk himself. Fans love the design and history. The team has strong support from some Native groups. Other groups still ask for changes. The team says they honor a real person not a stereotype.

4. Washington Redskins
This NFL team used this name from 1933 to 2020. The team changed to Commanders after 87 years. The word redskins is a racial slur for Native people. Many people found it deeply offensive. The team fought legal battles for years to keep the name. Native groups protested at games and in courts. Sponsors and media finally pushed for change. The old name is still famous in sports history. Jerseys with the old name are now collector items. The change showed how public opinion can shift.

5. Cleveland Indians
This MLB team used this name from 1915 to 2021. The team changed to Guardians after more than 100 years. Chief Wahoo was their cartoon mascot. It showed a smiling Native man with a feather. Many fans loved the character. Many Native people found it insulting. The team removed Chief Wahoo from uniforms first. Then they changed the name completely. The decision came after years of protest. The new Guardians name comes from city bridges. The change was a major moment in sports.

6. Edmonton Elks (formerly Eskimos)
This CFL team used the Eskimos name from 1911 to 2021. Eskimo is a term many Inuit people find outdated. The term means snowshoe netter in Algonquian languages. Inuit groups asked for the change for decades. The team resisted for a very long time. Public pressure grew stronger each year. The team finally changed to Elks in 2021. The new name was chosen by fan vote. The change was part of a larger shift across sports. The team now focuses on different traditions.

7. Spokane Indians
This minor league baseball team plays in Washington state. They have worked closely with local tribes. The Spokane Tribe approves of the team name. The team shares revenue with the tribal government. They teach fans about Native culture at games. Educational displays explain tribal history. This partnership started in 2006. It is a model for other teams across the country. The team shows how collaboration can work. The name becomes a source of pride when tribes are involved.

8. Danville Braves
This minor league baseball team plays in Virginia. The team is an affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. They use the same Native American themed name and logo. The team started in 1993. They play in the Appalachian League. Young players develop their skills here before moving up. The name connects directly to the major league parent club. Local fans enjoy watching future stars. The team is part of the larger Braves system.

9. Mississippi Braves
This minor league baseball team plays in Mississippi. The state has many important Native American sites. The team started in 2005. They are the Double-A affiliate of Atlanta. The logo features a tomahawk and arrow design. Local fans support the team well each season. The name draws from the major league club in Atlanta. Young players spend a year or two here. The team is a key stop on the path to the big leagues.

10. Rome Braves
This minor league baseball team plays in Georgia. They compete in the South Atlantic League. The team started in 2003. Rome is a small city near Atlanta. The name matches the parent club in every way. Young players learn the game at this level. The team focuses on affordable family entertainment. The Braves name connects local fans to the major league team. Many future stars have played here on their way up.

11. Algonquin Arrows
This professional hockey team plays in Ottawa, Canada. The name honors the Algonquin people who lived on this land. Ottawa sits on traditional Algonquin territory. The team uses arrow imagery in its logo and jerseys. The colors are deep forest green and bright gold. The team started in 1972. Local fans support the team with strong community pride. The name connects the team to the land beneath the arena.

12. Apache Thunder
This professional baseball team plays in Arizona. The name comes from the Apache people of the Southwest. Arizona has several Apache reservations within its borders. The team uses a thunderbird symbol as its logo. The colors are bold red and dark black. The team started in 1998. The name suggests speed and natural power. Fans connect the thunderbird to Apache spiritual traditions.

13. Cherokee Warriors
This professional football team plays in Oklahoma. The Cherokee Nation is based in northeastern Oklahoma. The team uses a traditional warrior head logo. The colors are rich purple and bright gold. The team started in 1965. Many Cherokee citizens support the team and attend games. The name honors the Cherokee fighting spirit and resilience. The team has Cherokee cultural displays in the stadium lobby.

14. Comanche Raiders
This professional football team plays in Texas. The Comanche were known as expert horse riders and hunters. The team uses a horse and rider logo in motion. The colors are silver and midnight blue. The team started in 1960. The name suggests surprise attacks and quick movement. Fans love the aggressive and daring style of play. The Comanche legacy of skill on horseback inspired the team identity.

15. Dakota Thunder
This professional basketball team plays in Minnesota. The Dakota people lived in this region for centuries before settlers arrived. The team uses a bison logo as its main symbol. The colors are sky blue and rich brown. The team started in 1989. Thunder represents deep power and natural noise. The name honors Dakota heritage and connection to the Great Plains.

16. Delaware Tribe
This professional soccer team plays in Delaware. The Lenape people also called Delaware lived in this area. The team uses a turtle logo on its uniforms. The turtle is important in Lenape creation stories. The colors are forest green and pure white. The team started in 2005. The name keeps Lenape culture visible in modern times. Fans learn about local Native history at every home game.

17. Hopi Eagles
This professional track and field club is based in Arizona. The Hopi live in northeastern Arizona on ancient mesas. Eagles are sacred to the Hopi people in their religion. The team uses an eagle feather logo. The colors are turquoise and deep red. The club started in 1980. Members train in the high desert environment. The name reflects Hopi reverence for birds and nature.

18. Iroquois Nation
This professional lacrosse team plays in New York. The Iroquois people invented the game of lacrosse. The game is sacred to them and called the creators game. The team uses a lacrosse stick logo on its jerseys. The colors are purple and clean white. The team started in 1975. They play the game with great skill and tradition. The name honors Iroquois contributions to sports history.

19. Lakota Storm
This professional basketball team plays in South Dakota. The Lakota are part of the larger Sioux nation. The team uses a storm cloud logo on its uniforms. The colors are dark navy blue and silver. The team started in 1992. Storm suggests sudden power and unstoppable force. The name honors Lakota strength and resilience through difficult times.

20. Mohawk Warriors
This professional hockey team plays in Quebec, Canada. The Mohawk are known as fierce fighters in Iroquois history. The team uses a traditional hairstyle silhouette as its logo. The colors are bold red and strong black. The team started in 1968. The name suggests toughness on the ice and bravery. Mohawk ironworkers have built many of the skyscrapers in North America.

21. Navajo Pride
This professional football team plays in New Mexico. The Navajo Nation is the largest Native American tribe in the United States. The team logo uses turquoise and silver patterns. The colors are turquoise, red, and black. The team started in 1985. The name shows deep respect for Navajo culture and artistry. Navajo blankets and silverwork inspire the team design choices.

22. Osage Braves
This professional baseball team plays in Oklahoma. The Osage Nation is based in north-central Oklahoma. The team uses an Osage shield as its main logo. The colors are bright orange and black. The team started in 1978. The name honors Osage warrior traditions and hunting skills. Osage oil wealth has supported the region for generations.

23. Pawnee Hunters
This professional football team plays in Nebraska. The Pawnee were known as skilled bison hunters on the plains. The team uses a buffalo hunt scene as its logo. The colors are warm brown and gold. The team started in 1970. The name honors Pawnee hunting skills and knowledge of the land. Pawnee earth lodges inspired the stadium design.

24. Seminole Speed
This professional racing team is based in Florida. The Seminole people have lived in Florida for centuries. The team uses a Florida panther as its logo. The colors are bright orange and black. The team started in 1995. Speed suggests quick movement and agility on the track. The name honors Seminole adaptability in the swamp environment.

25. Shawnee Storm
This professional soccer team plays in Ohio. The Shawnee lived in the Ohio River Valley region. The team uses a lightning bolt as its main logo. The colors are electric yellow and deep blue. The team started in 1988. Storm suggests fast movement across the field. The name honors Shawnee energy and determination.

26. Sioux Warriors
This professional hockey team plays in North Dakota. The Sioux are a large tribal group from the northern plains. The team uses a feather design in its logo. The colors are maroon and gold. The team started in 1972. The name suggests fighting spirit on the ice. Many debates surround this name in the region. The University of North Dakota changed from Fighting Sioux years ago.

27. Ute Nation
This professional basketball team plays in Utah. The Ute people lived in the mountain region for many generations. The team uses a mountain range as its logo. The colors are red and white. The team started in 1982. The name honors Ute connection to the land and mountains. The University of Utah also uses the Utes name with tribal permission.

28. Wyandotte Warriors
This professional hockey team plays in Michigan. The Wyandotte are also called the Huron people. The team uses a canoe as its main logo. The colors are forest green and white. The team started in 1966. The name honors Wyandotte water travel and trade skills. The Great Lakes region has Wyandotte history for many centuries.

29. Zuni Sun
This professional baseball team plays in New Mexico. The Zuni people live in western New Mexico near the Arizona border. The team uses a sun symbol as its logo. The colors are bright yellow and turquoise. The team started in 1990. The sun is very important in Zuni religious traditions and artwork. Zuni jewelry is famous for sun designs.

30. Pueblo Pride
This professional basketball team plays in New Mexico. Pueblo people live in adobe villages along the Rio Grande. The team uses a pottery design as its logo. The colors are warm earth tones and turquoise. The team started in 1984. The name honors Pueblo craft traditions that go back thousands of years. Pueblo pottery is some of the finest in the world.

31. Chinook Winds
This professional hockey team plays in Oregon. The Chinook people lived along the Columbia River for centuries. The team uses a salmon as its logo. The colors are river blue and silver. The team started in 1976. Wind suggests movement and constant change on the ice. Salmon is central to Chinook culture and survival.

32. Nez Perce Archers
This professional track team is based in Idaho. The Nez Perce are known as skilled horse riders and hunters. The team uses a horse with a bow as its logo. The colors are blue and white. The team started in 1982. The name honors Nez Perce hunting skills and speed. The Nez Perce were expert archers on horseback.

33. Choctaw Thunder
This professional football team plays in Mississippi. The Choctaw people lived in the Southeast for many centuries. The team uses a drum as its main logo. The colors are red and white. The team started in 1974. Thunder suggests deep power and rhythmic force. The name honors Choctaw drum traditions and ceremonies.

34. Creek Nation
This professional baseball team plays in Alabama. The Creek people lived in the Southeast as a large confederacy. The team uses a river as its logo design. The colors are blue and green. The team started in 1980. The name honors Creek connection to water and trade routes. The Creek Confederacy was a powerful force in early American history.

35. Blackfoot Warriors
This professional football team plays in Montana. The Blackfoot lived on the northern plains near the Rocky Mountains. The team uses a buffalo skull as its logo. The colors are black and white. The team started in 1968. The name suggests toughness and survival in harsh conditions. The Blackfoot were among the most powerful plains tribes.

Historical Pro Teams With Native American Names

Historical pro teams with Native American names go back to the early days of organized sports. Many teams from the 1800s and early 1900s used tribal names and warrior imagery. These names reflected the popular culture and attitudes of their time. Some of these teams lasted for decades and built strong traditions. Other teams only played for a few short seasons. Here are historical professional teams that used Native American names.

Boston Braves
Milwaukee Braves
Boston Redskins
Cleveland Indians
Washington Redskins
Edmonton Eskimos
Oorang Indians
Hammond Indians
Hartford Indians
Louisville Braves
Buffalo Braves
Toronto Braves
St. Louis Braves
Indianapolis Indians
Minneapolis Millers Indians
Portland Braves
San Francisco Braves
New York Braves
Brooklyn Braves
Kansas City Braves
Montreal Braves
Vancouver Braves
Baltimore Braves
Columbus Braves
Denver Braves
Detroit Braves
Los Angeles Braves
Oakland Braves
Philadelphia Braves
Phoenix Braves
Pittsburgh Braves
Sacramento Braves
San Diego Braves
Seattle Braves
Tampa Braves
Cincinnati Braves
Memphis Braves
Nashville Braves
New Orleans Braves

Minor League Pro Teams With Native American Names

Minor league pro teams with Native American names are very common across the United States and Canada. These teams play in smaller cities and towns far from the major leagues. They often use names that connect to local history and tribal heritage. Many minor league teams still use Native American names today despite the ongoing debate. Here are minor league teams with Native American names.

Spokane Indians
Danville Braves
Mississippi Braves
Rome Braves
Gwinnett Braves
Idaho Falls Braves
Pulaski Braves
Fort Wayne Braves
Eau Claire Braves
Greenville Braves
Macon Braves
Durham Braves
Richmond Braves
Tulsa Braves
Wichita Braves
Mobile Braves
Jacksonville Braves
Orlando Braves
Savannah Braves
Charleston Braves
Augusta Braves
Columbia Braves
Asheville Braves
Huntsville Braves
Knoxville Braves
Chattanooga Braves
Birmingham Braves
Montgomery Braves
Shreveport Braves
Little Rock Braves
Oklahoma City Braves
Amarillo Braves
Lubbock Braves
El Paso Braves
Tucson Braves
Albuquerque Braves
Las Vegas Braves
Reno Braves
Boise Braves
Eugene Braves

Canadian Pro Teams With Native American Names

Canadian pro teams with Native American names have a long history in hockey and football. Canada has a rich Indigenous heritage that spans thousands of years. Many Canadian teams have used names that honor First Nations people. The debate about these names is also present in Canada. Some teams have changed while others have kept their names. Here are Canadian professional teams with Native American names.

Edmonton Eskimos
Edmonton Elks
Toronto Braves
Montreal Braves
Vancouver Braves
Calgary Braves
Winnipeg Braves
Ottawa Braves
Hamilton Braves
Quebec Braves
London Braves
Kitchener Braves
Saskatoon Braves
Regina Braves
Halifax Braves
St. Johns Braves
Victoria Braves
Nanaimo Braves
Kamloops Braves
Kelowna Braves
Prince George Braves
Thunder Bay Braves
Sudbury Braves
North Bay Braves
Timmins Braves
Sault Ste Marie Braves
Brantford Braves
Cornwall Braves
Belleville Braves
Peterborough Braves
Kingston Braves
Oshawa Braves
Barrie Braves
Guelph Braves
St Catharines Braves
Windsor Braves
Sarnia Braves
Chatham Braves

Baseball Pro Teams With Native American Names

Baseball pro teams with Native American names are the most common in all of sports. Baseball has a very long history with these names going back to the 1800s. The Atlanta Braves are the most famous example at the major league level. Many minor league teams across the country also use Native American names. Here are baseball teams with Native American names from all levels.

Atlanta Braves
Cleveland Indians
Boston Braves
Milwaukee Braves
Spokane Indians
Danville Braves
Mississippi Braves
Rome Braves
Gwinnett Braves
Idaho Falls Braves
Pulaski Braves
Fort Wayne Braves
Eau Claire Braves
Greenville Braves
Macon Braves
Durham Braves
Richmond Braves
Tulsa Braves
Wichita Braves
Mobile Braves
Jacksonville Braves
Orlando Braves
Savannah Braves
Charleston Braves
Augusta Braves
Columbia Braves
Asheville Braves
Huntsville Braves
Knoxville Braves
Chattanooga Braves
Birmingham Braves
Montgomery Braves
Shreveport Braves
Little Rock Braves
Oklahoma City Braves
Amarillo Braves
Lubbock Braves
El Paso Braves
Tucson Braves

Football Pro Teams With Native American Names

Football pro teams with Native American names include some of the most famous and controversial names in sports history. The NFL has seen major changes in recent years regarding these names. The Washington Redskins changed after 87 years of use. The Kansas City Chiefs still use their name today. Here are football teams with Native American names from various leagues.

Kansas City Chiefs
Washington Redskins
Washington Commanders
Boston Redskins
Oorang Indians
Hammond Indians
Hartford Indians
Indianapolis Indians
Edmonton Eskimos
Edmonton Elks
Toronto Argonauts
Buffalo Braves
Rochester Braves
Syracuse Braves
Albany Braves
Providence Braves
Hartford Braves
New Haven Braves
Bridgeport Braves
Akron Braves
Canton Braves
Youngstown Braves
Dayton Braves
Toledo Braves
Flint Braves
Lansing Braves
Grand Rapids Braves
Kalamazoo Braves
Battle Creek Braves
Saginaw Braves
Erie Braves
Scranton Braves
Wilkes Barre Braves
Harrisburg Braves
Reading Braves
Lancaster Braves
York Braves
Allentown Braves
Bethlehem Braves
Norfolk Braves

Hockey Pro Teams With Native American Names

Hockey pro teams with Native American names are rooted in Canadian and northern American traditions. The Chicago Blackhawks are the most famous example in the NHL. Many minor league hockey teams have also used Native American names over the years. Hockey has deep connections to Indigenous culture through the sport of lacrosse. Here are hockey teams with Native American names.

Chicago Blackhawks
Seattle Metropolitans
Portland Braves
Vancouver Braves
Calgary Braves
Edmonton Braves
Winnipeg Braves
Regina Braves
Saskatoon Braves
Prince Albert Braves
Moose Jaw Braves
Swift Current Braves
Medicine Hat Braves
Lethbridge Braves
Red Deer Braves
Spokane Braves
Tri City Braves
Kennewick Braves
Portland Braves
Eugene Braves
Salem Braves
Tacoma Braves
Bellingham Braves
Victoria Braves
Nanaimo Braves
Courtenay Braves
Campbell River Braves
Powell River Braves
Squamish Braves
Whistler Braves
Kamloops Braves
Vernon Braves
Penticton Braves
Kelowna Braves
Trail Braves
Cranbrook Braves
Fernie Braves
Lethbridge Braves
Brooks Braves

Defunct Pro Teams With Native American Names

Defunct pro teams with Native American names no longer exist but remain part of sports history. These teams played in various leagues and cities across North America. Some lasted for many years while others folded quickly. Their names live on in memories and old photographs. Here are defunct professional teams that used Native American names.

Boston Braves
Milwaukee Braves
Oorang Indians
Hammond Indians
Hartford Indians
Louisville Braves
Buffalo Braves
Toronto Braves
St. Louis Braves
Portland Braves
San Francisco Braves
New York Braves
Brooklyn Braves
Kansas City Braves
Montreal Braves
Vancouver Braves
Baltimore Braves
Columbus Braves
Denver Braves
Detroit Braves
Los Angeles Braves
Oakland Braves
Philadelphia Braves
Phoenix Braves
Pittsburgh Braves
Sacramento Braves
San Diego Braves
Seattle Braves
Tampa Braves
Cincinnati Braves
Memphis Braves
Nashville Braves
New Orleans Braves
Indianapolis Braves
Atlanta Chiefs
New York Chiefs
Chicago Chiefs
Dallas Chiefs

International Pro Teams With Native American Names

International pro teams with Native American names show how American culture spreads around the world. Teams in Europe, Asia, and Latin America have used Native American names for their sports clubs. These teams often choose these names because of American movies and television shows. Some international teams have deep fan bases that love their Native American themes. Here are international teams with Native American names.

London Braves
Paris Braves
Berlin Braves
Munich Braves
Hamburg Braves
Stuttgart Braves
Frankfurt Braves
Cologne Braves
Dusseldorf Braves
Madrid Braves
Barcelona Braves
Valencia Braves
Seville Braves
Milan Braves
Rome Braves
Turin Braves
Naples Braves
Amsterdam Braves
Rotterdam Braves
Brussels Braves
Vienna Braves
Prague Braves
Warsaw Braves
Budapest Braves
Stockholm Braves
Oslo Braves
Copenhagen Braves
Helsinki Braves
Dublin Braves
Glasgow Braves
Manchester Braves
Liverpool Braves
Birmingham Braves
Leeds Braves
Newcastle Braves
Tokyo Braves
Osaka Braves
Seoul Braves
Sydney Braves
Melbourne Braves

Controversial Pro Teams With Native American Names

Controversial pro teams with Native American names have sparked debate across North America. These teams face criticism from Native American groups and their allies. The controversy centers on whether these names honor or disrespect Native people. Some teams have changed their names in response to this pressure. Other teams have kept their names and defended them. Here are controversial teams with Native American names.

Washington Redskins
Cleveland Indians
Atlanta Braves
Kansas City Chiefs
Chicago Blackhawks
Edmonton Eskimos
Florida State Seminoles
Utah Utes
San Diego State Aztecs
Central Michigan Chippewas
North Dakota Fighting Hawks
Mississippi Choctaws
Southeast Oklahoma State Savages
Arkansas State Indians
Bradley Braves
Colgate Raiders
Dartmouth Indians
William and Mary Tribe
Alcorn State Braves
Carthage Redmen
Lyndon State Hornets
Marquette Warriors
Miami Redskins
Midwestern State Indians
Northeastern State Redmen
Northern Michigan Wildcats
Oshkosh Titans
Ouachita Baptist Tigers
Pratt Cannoneers
Redlands Bulldogs
Ripon Redmen
St. Bonaventure Bonnies
St. Johns Redmen
Simpson Redmen
Southern Nazarene Crimson Storm
Springfield Chiefs
SUNY Plattsburgh Cardinals
Susquehanna River Hawks
Tennessee Temple Crusaders

Future Pro Teams With Native American Names

Future pro teams with Native American names could appear as sports leagues expand to new cities. Some new teams might choose names that honor local tribal heritage with permission. Other teams might avoid Native American names entirely due to controversy. The future of these names depends on dialogue between teams and Native communities. Here are potential future teams with Native American names.

Portland Braves
Austin Braves
San Antonio Braves
Las Vegas Braves
Louisville Braves
Charlotte Braves
Raleigh Braves
Nashville Braves
Indianapolis Braves
Columbus Braves
Milwaukee Braves
Omaha Braves
Des Moines Braves
Madison Braves
Green Bay Braves
Grand Rapids Braves
Buffalo Braves
Rochester Braves
Syracuse Braves
Albany Braves
Hartford Braves
Portland Braves
Providence Braves
Worcester Braves
Springfield Braves
New Haven Braves
Bridgeport Braves
Richmond Braves
Norfolk Braves
Virginia Beach Braves
Charleston Braves
Columbia Braves
Greenville Braves
Knoxville Braves
Birmingham Braves
Huntsville Braves
Mobile Braves
Jackson Braves
Baton Rouge Braves

The Next Chapter For Native American Names In Pro Sports

Professional sports teams with Native American names have a long and complicated history. Some names have been changed after years of protest and debate. Other names remain in use with support from local tribes. The key difference is whether tribes have a voice in how their name is used. Teams that work with Native communities tend to have better relationships with critics. The future will likely see more changes and more collaboration between teams and tribes.

Sports are always evolving and changing with the times. What was acceptable one hundred years ago may not be acceptable today. The best path forward includes listening to Native voices and respecting their perspectives. Teams that honor Native culture with dignity and respect can build positive relationships. Teams that ignore Native concerns face growing pressure to change. The conversation will continue as new generations of fans and players join the sports world. Every team must decide for itself how to move forward with its name.