GERONIMO!

How did the Native American get this name?

While it is not known for sure how the Native American,Goyathlay, came to be called "Geronimo" this theory is at least based on facts and believable.

Goyathlay was indeed a fearsome individual with numerous deaths that some would call murders to his 'credit.' He and his band ranged on both sides of the Rio Grande leaving many dead Americans and Mexicans behind them and some say they caused much more havoc in Mexico. One of his unique methods of attack was to leap out from seemingly nowhere causing great fear and confusion upon his intended victims. It was during one such surprise attack of Mexicans that an American 'Gringo' along with them heard some Mexicans exclaim "GERONIMO!" They were calling upon Saint 'Geronimo' [St. Jerome] for protection much the same way "OH GOD!" might be heard under similar circumstances. The Gringo, who was ignorant of Hispanic and Roman Catholic culture, thought they were calling out the Indian's name and survived to tell 'that story' far and wide.

In those days the average Mexican probably could not read Latin but they were well aware that it was the language of 'The Church.' Every Mass and Service was held in Latin and all of their padres read from Latin Bibles that Saint Jerome ['Geronimo' to them] translated. They held St. 'Geronimo' or simply 'Geronimo' in high esteem.