After European colonization of the Americas, many Native Americans were forced to adopt European names as part of a policy of cultural assimilation. This was often done through government policies, missionary work, and the residential school system. In some cases, Native Americans were forced to take European names as part of a process of acquiring citizenship or land ownership.
In other cases, Native Americans adopted European names voluntarily as a way to assimilate into mainstream society. This could be done for a variety of reasons, such as to improve their social and economic opportunities or to escape discrimination. Some Native Americans also adopted European names as a way to honor or remember their ancestors who were forced to adopt European names.
Today, many Native Americans continue to use European names, while others have reclaimed their traditional names or adopted new names that reflect their cultural heritage. There is no one right way for a Native American to name themselves, and the decision to use a European name or a traditional name is a personal choice.