"Hela" (often stylized as Hélà) is Kyrie Irving's Lakota name. It holds significant personal and cultural meaning for the NBA star.
Meaning and Origin of "Hélà"
The term "Hélà" translates to Little Mountain. This name was bestowed upon Kyrie Irving by the Standing Rock Sioux tribe in 2018, recognizing his heritage and connection to the community.
Kyrie Irving's Connection to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
Kyrie Irving's mother, Elizabeth Larson, was a descendant of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe. His grandmother, Meredith Marie Irving, was a tribal member. This deep familial connection led to his formal adoption into the tribe in a traditional ceremony in 2018, where he received the name Hélà.
- Origin: Lakota language
- Translation: Little Mountain
- Given By: Standing Rock Sioux tribe
- Year: 2018
This name is a testament to Irving's embrace of his Indigenous roots and is often seen as a symbol of his identity beyond the basketball court.
