Is it Mojave, Mohave or Mohahve? In an attempt to satisfy the many inquiries on this subject, the Mohahve Historical Society uncovered considerable data, much variation and strong feelings on the subject.
General Fremont adopted the unique spelling "Mohahve" in his diary and on his maps of his expedition to the area in 1843 and 1844. His is the only instance (after reviewing many sources) of the unusual spelling and is apparently his alone.
A.L. Kroeber, a noted anthropologist, in his "Handbook of the Indians of California," consistently spells the name Mohave, as does Nellie van de Grift Sanchez in her "Place Names of California." Kit Carson, recording a trek in 1820 into the southwest, uses the "h" in referring to the Mojave tribes and area.
However, many authorities and historians employ the "j" in referring to both the tribe and the Mojave River Valley. Foremost among these is Dr. Lorraine Sherer in "Fort Mojave Indians," quoting native members of the Fort Mojave Tribal Council who spell Mojave with a "j" in its official letterhead and other tribal documents. The "Old Government Road Book" also uses Mojave in its reference to the name.
The varied spelling may well be explained by the fact that language was interpreted and recorded as it sounded in the absence of written language. Since the first explorers were Spanish priests, the "h" sound would have been recorded as "j" since the "h" is silent in Spanish. In the Spanish language it is also common to use "v" and "b" interchangeably," even in present day Spanish of Mexico and the southwest.
This article originally appeared in the third edition of "Mohahve," a collection of research papers compiled in 1966 by members of the Mohahve Historical Society.