." "The names of these Indians vary in the course of their life.

Originally given in childhood, from the mere necessity of distinguishing objects, or from some accidental resemblance to external objects, the young warrior is impatient to change it by some achievement of his own.

Any important event--the stealing of horses, the scalping of an enemy, or the killing of a brown bear--entitles him at once to a new name, which he then selects for himself, and it is confirmed by the nation.
Sometimes the two names subsist together; thus, the chief Cameahwait, which means 'One Who Never Walks,' has the war-name of Tooettecone, or 'Black Gun,' which he acquired when he first signalized himself.

As each new action gives a warrior a right to change his name, many of them have several in the course of their lives.

To give to a friend one's own name is an act of high courtesy, and a pledge, like that of pulling off the moccasin, of sincerity and hospitality.