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Tokala

♂ Boy

Pronounced toh-KAH-lah

Meaning: fox

In 30 seconds: A Lakota name meaning 'kit fox,' the smallest fox in North America — and the name of one of the great Lakota warrior societies whose members pledged bravery and generosity.

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Origin Dakota, Native American, Lakota

Meaningfox

U.S. rank (2022)#14124 ↘ Falling

2022 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2004

Total births (all-time)≈ 10

History & Origin

Tokala (also spelled Toka'la) is the Lakota word for the kit fox (Vulpes macrotis), the smallest fox in North America, admired across Plains cultures for its quickness and intelligence. The name is documented in Lakota language resources and was the basis for the Tokala Akicita — the Kit Fox Warrior Society — one of the major graded warrior societies of the Lakota. Members wore a full kit fox pelt as a yoke across the shoulders and supplied akicita (marshals) who enforced community rules during buffalo hunts and village moves. The society remains active and has participated in recent Oglala Sioux Tribe presidential inaugurations. Contemporary bearer Tokala Black Elk (born 1984, Pine Ridge) is a Lakota actor and certified language instructor.

Did you know? The Tokala (Kit Fox) Warrior Society is still active: members wore a full kit fox pelt over their shoulders and were the first to volunteer for the most dangerous duties.

Native Languages of the Americas — Kit Fox — Documentation of kit fox in Plains Indigenous traditions including LakotaNBC — Tokala Black Elk profile — Profile of contemporary Lakota bearer Tokala Black Elk, confirming name and cultural background

Variations

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Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Tokala…

Chula— The Choctaw word for fox — the same clever animal named in a different Indigenous tradition

Aguara— Fox in Guaraní — a parallel name for the same cunning animal from South America

Kangee— Lakota name for raven/crow — another intelligent, respected animal in Plains tradition

Mato— Bear in Lakota — a companion animal name from the same Lakota naming world

Frequently Asked

What does Tokala mean?

'Kit fox' in Lakota — the kit fox (Vulpes macrotis) is the smallest fox in North America, admired for speed, cleverness, and agility on the Plains.

How do you pronounce Tokala?

toh-KAH-lah — three syllables, stress on the second. All vowels are pure, not diphthongs.

What is the Tokala Society?

The Toka'la Akicita (Kit Fox Warrior Society) was one of the great Lakota warrior societies, whose members pledged bravery and generosity and served as community marshals.

Is Tokala used as a name today?

Yes — Tokala Black Elk (born 1984, Pine Ridge) is an Oglala Lakota actor and Lakota language instructor, a direct descendant of the holy man Black Elk.