Choctaws, a Native American tribe of the southeastern United States, are known for their rich history and culture. The tribe's name derives from the Spanish word "Chata", meaning flat or flat-headed. While Choctaws is the most commonly used name for this tribe, it has several synonyms, including Chahtas, Chactas, and Chocktaws. These different spellings reflect the various ways the name has been pronounced throughout history. The pronunciations of the name have evolved over time from the original "Chahta" to what is now known as Choctaw. Despite the various spellings, the Choctaw people remain an important part of Native American history and culture.