Dehgewanus

Dehgewanus (also spelled Dickewamis or Dehhewämis) is a Seneca name borne by the Scots-Irish colonial pioneer Mary Jemison (1743–1833). Jemison was captured at age twelve during the French and Indian War and adopted into a Seneca family, fully assimilating into their culture. Later in life, she claimed the name meant "pretty girl, pleasant thing," though linguistic analysis suggests this interpretation is unlikely.

Historical Bearer

After the Shawnee raid that killed most of her family, Jemison was adopted by a Seneca family, given the name Dehgewanus, and raised as a tribal member. She later married a Delaware (Lenape) man and, after his death, a Seneca. In 1824, she published a memoir of her life and experiences, becoming known as the "White Woman of the Genesee." Despite later opportunities to return to Euro-American society, she chose to remain among the Seneca.

Etymology and Meaning

Jemison's reported interpretation of Dehgewanus as "pretty girl, pleasant thing" is not supported by Seneca linguists; the authentic etymology of the name is uncertain. Alternate spellings include Dickewamis and Dehhewämis, reflecting English attempts to render Seneca phonology.

• Meaning: Uncertain (likely not "pretty girl")
• Origin: Seneca (Iroquoian)
• Type: Personal name
• Usage regions: Seneca people (historic New York)