The old ones say that an individual Cherokee would have different names during their lifetime. I will render the names in English, but Cherokee never use an English equivalent. Do not call any Cherokee "Red Dear" their name is the Cherokee language. But for purposes of illustration I use English to show the naming culture.
When one was born the parents would give a name, almost always a "nickname" for some endearing feature that they experienced in the baby. For example, "always smiling" will be a child's name, or "joy of my life" might express affection. The parent might also make a statement about the circumstances under which the child was conceived, there were a number of "light of the moon" and "stars shined" among the youngsters.
The older child at about the age of eleven would take on a name for themselves, and many of these names were a little grandiose. The child becoming a pre adolescent might choose to be "good swimmer," or "lovely shinning hair." Some had the foresight to choose a name they c0uld grow into like night owl, or smart fox.
From what I have been told the celebration of becoming a young adult (about 16) was usually marked by choosing an adult name, more often of religious significance. A totem animal with a significant modifier (Red Wolf) would be a common choice, or a religiously significant natural phenomenon (Great Noise of Rushing Water, or Firecloud.) The community would recognize this name in some public way, not as formal as wedding, but not as informal as "oh, cute smile, I heard you want us to call you Silver Fox from now on." It was sort like a new member recognition.
The naming conventions of boys and girls in our society are either private or sectarian, it would be good to have a public recognition of coming of age. It would be good to have a chance to choose and re choose one's identity. If as an adult, one ceased to feel like a Running Elk, one might decide that Thunder Mountain was more one's style. The mid life crisis could be channelled into a retreat into the wilderness and emerging with a new name. Not as expensive as a red sports car.
One way present day Cherokee keep their names as their own is use an English language name when relating to the dominant culture. A name like Martha or Clyde. The Cherokee name is not used outside of the community that recognizes the sacred naming and the promise that it takes a community to fulfill.
Choosing one's name is good, but Sometimes we grow toward the names we have been given. I know I have.
It makes so much sense to me to give the name a child when they are born based on THAT child. Naming a child before it is born ... seems so strange to me. I often felt that one should wait at least a few days, just to see the child and try to get a sense of the child.
The name I was given at birth - not the name I have now. My parents renamed me (but for the surname) when I was 2, and they changed the spelling twice before settling on what I have now. I chose my middle name at 4 or 5. I changed it early last year. I think the name I have now I will still with for a long time.