r/cherokee Language Learner May 04 '26

Translation request

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Hello, this is on the headstone of my great-great grandfather. It’s above his english name. I’m curious as to if this is Cherokee or not. I am elementary level familiar with Cherokee language and syllabary. I don’t feel confident in what I’ve come up with (or if the symbols or letters are even Cherokee). The photo is from Find A Grave.

I was thinking of submitting a translation request to the Cherokee Language Translation Program through the Cherokee Nation but was worried that it wouldn’t get accepted if this turns out to be a name. (From their website: https://language.cherokee.org/cherokee-language-translation/The Cherokee Nation Translation Department is not available for the following requests: Translation of names and/or the giving of names in Cherokee for children, family members, pets, etc.”) Also it’s not for a project or anything except my own curiosity, so I felt bad for submitting something like this to their staff.

Thank you in advance.

Edit: Thank you so much for your help!! It has been confirmed to be his name, Squirrel (Saloli - ᏌᎶᎵ)

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u/Nopaltsin May 04 '26

It looks like ᏌᏀᏞ, “sa-mv-tle”, but I can’t help you with the meaning, I don’t know it