The common name chipmunk is believed to be derived from the word chetamnon, the word given this small member of the squirrel family by the Chippewa Indians. If you’ve ever heard a chipmunk chattering away in the morning, it’s easy to understand why the Chippewa gave it the very onomatopoeic sounding chetamnon. Their genus name, Tamias, is Greek for treasurer, steward, or housekeeper, a reference to their habit of collecting and storing seeds, nuts, and acorns for the winter.