etymology of MANDAN

[Robert L. Rankin]

> > unless it is transparent in the native language of that tribe itself (and
> > sometimes even then), any analysis is suspect.

> Perhaps too broad a generalization... ASSINIBOINE, for example, has a
> solid Algonquian etymology, and CHINOOK is Salishan.

Perhaps, but so did "Sioux", until the more likely etymology 'those who
speak another language' (i.e., not Algonquian 'little snakes', as was
previously thought) was discovered.  Nor does narrowing it down to a
particular language guarantee a correct interpretation.  Etymologizing
place names is hard, thankless work.  Have fun!

Bob