Here's what we know:
* "Sacagawea" is likely a European adaptation of a Shoshone word. It was likely a nickname or a descriptive term, possibly meaning:
* "Bird Woman" or "Bird": This interpretation comes from the most common theory, referencing the bird-like feathers she often wore in her hair.
* "She Who Watches Over the Water": This is another possible interpretation based on her role as a guide and her skill with canoes.
* "The Woman Who Holds the Earth": This interpretation reflects her importance as a matriarch and her role in keeping the Shoshone tribe together.
It's important to note that the Shoshone language doesn't have written records, making it difficult to definitively understand the original meaning of her name.
Ultimately, the meaning of Sacagawea's name remains a subject of debate and scholarly exploration.