Lenni-Lenape
/ˈlɛn.i ləˈneɪ.pi/noun
A traditional name for the Indigenous people historically associated with the Delaware River region of North America.
Did you know?“Delaware” comes from the English title of Baron De La Warr, while Lenni-Lenape is an Indigenous self-designation rooted in the idea of being genuine or true people.
Etymological Timeline
Before European contact
Unami
Lënape
“Person or people; the Indigenous self-designation in the Delaware Valley.”
Before European contact
Unami
Lenni
“True, genuine, or real; an intensifying description in the traditional compound.”
17th Century
Dutch and English records
Lenape
“European transcriptions of the name used for the Indigenous people encountered in the Delaware River region.”
17th–18th Century
English
Delaware Indians
“A colonial label derived from the Delaware River, itself named for Baron De La Warr.”
19th–20th Century
English
Lenni-Lenape
“A restored or standardized form meaning approximately “true people,” used alongside Lenape.”
Modern English
English
Lenni-Lenape
“A contemporary name for the Lenape people and their cultural and historical identity.”