Amonute, often known to history as Pocahontas, held multiple names throughout her life, each reflecting different aspects of her identity and status within her tribe and later among the English settlers.

Birth Name: Amonute

Amonute was her private name given at birth. In Powhatan society, like in many Indigenous cultures, names had power. A person might have a public name and a private name, with the private one being used within the close community or family, and sometimes even kept secret from outsiders.

Common Name: Matoaka

Matoaka was her more public name and was used more commonly in interactions within her community. This name means “flower between two streams,” which can be seen as symbolic given her later role as a mediator between the Powhatan and English cultures.

Nickname: Pocahontas

Pocahontas was a nickname given to her, which means “playful one” or “mischievous one.” This is indicative of her lively, adventurous spirit as a young girl. Nicknames, in many cultures, are endearing and reflect characteristics of the person. Given her playful nature, it’s easy to see why she earned such a moniker.

Her Role in Colonial History

Her adventurous spirit didn’t just earn her a nickname; it also positioned her at the crossroads of two colliding worlds: that of the Powhatan tribe and the English settlers.

Her curiosity and sense of adventure likely made her more inclined to interact with the settlers, learning their ways and language. These interactions, combined with her status as the daughter of Chief Powhatan, made her a key figure in the early relations between the two groups.

From stories of saving Captain John Smith to her eventual marriage to John Rolfe, her adventurous nature and willingness to engage with the unknown led her to play a crucial role in the early chapters of America’s colonial history.