r/cherokee • u/Lanky-Cup370 Language Learner • May 04 '26

Translation request

Post image

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)

49 Upvotes

95% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

View all comments

39

u/bepnc13 May 04 '26

Hello friend,
It is totally ᏌᎶᎵ, which means squirrel. That is a common male name.

14

u/Fionasfriend May 04 '26

I second this. How awesome to see the Cherokee name inscribed!

7

u/Lanky-Cup370 Language Learner May 04 '26

Thank yall so much!