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Naiche

♂ Boy

Naiche Pronunciation

Naiche is pronounced NYE-chee

Meaning: the mischievous one

In 30 seconds: Naiche is a Chiricahua Apache name meaning the mischievous one or meddlesome one. It was borne by the last hereditary chief of the Chiricahua, a son of Cochise.

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Origin Apache, Native American

Meaningthe mischievous one

History & Origin

Naiche (c. 1857–1919) was the youngest son of the renowned Chiricahua Apache chief Cochise. After his brother Taza died in 1876, Naiche inherited the hereditary chieftaincy of the Chiricahua. His name, also spelled Nache or Nachi, means mischief maker or the mischievous one in the Apache language — a name that paradoxically belonged to the most consequential leader of his generation. He led the final Apache resistance alongside Geronimo, surrendering to General Nelson Miles in 1886, then settled at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and later at the Mescalero Reservation, where he died in 1919.

Did you know? Naiche was officially the leader of the last band of Apache to resist U.S. military authority. When he and Geronimo surrendered in 1886, it marked the end of armed Apache resistance in North America.

Naiche — National Park Service Oklahoma History — Documents Naiche as last hereditary Chiricahua chief; name meaning mischief makerNaiche — Wikipedia — Full biography including parentage, 1886 surrender, and Fort Sill settlement

If you like Naiche…

Cochise— Naiche's father and the most celebrated Chiricahua Apache chief in history

Alope— A Chiricahua Apache name — Geronimo's first wife — from the same community and era as Naiche

Nalin— Another Chiricahua and Western Apache name, giving a feminine counterpart from the same tradition

Lozen— A Chiricahua Apache name of a celebrated warrior woman who fought alongside Naiche and Geronimo

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Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Naiche?

Naiche is pronounced NYE-chee. Press play above to hear Naiche said aloud.

How do you say Naiche?

Naiche is said NYE-chee. Press play above to hear Naiche said aloud.

What does Naiche mean?

Naiche means the mischievous one or meddlesome one in the Chiricahua Apache language. It is historically documented as the name of the last hereditary chief of the Chiricahua.

Who was Naiche historically?

Naiche (c. 1857–1919) was the youngest son of Cochise and the last hereditary chief of the Chiricahua Apache. He led the final resistance alongside Geronimo before surrendering in 1886.

Is Naiche a boy's or girl's name?

Naiche is a male name, borne historically by a male hereditary chief in Chiricahua Apache tradition.