Yukaghir

Meaning

Proper Noun

• An ethnic group of Siberia.
• A language family consisting of two closely related languages spoken in Siberia.

Origin

• From Russian Юкагиры, from Yakut Юкагир (plural Yakut Юкагирдер. The "Yuka" in Yukaghir may derive from a Yukaghir word for "distant", but may also be related to "yuka" seen in Evenki-language clan-names such as Yukaminka and Yukamisi, both living on the Amur river, traditionally. The suffix -ghir is likely of Evenki origin; compare Orochon clans such as Bayaghir, Iglaghir, Kindighir, Nikaghir, Tuluyaghir, and the Evenk tribe called Samaghir, on the Amur River. The Yukaghir call themselves Odul.