The Kumeyaay or TipaiIpai were formerly known as the Kamia or Diegueños, the former Spanish name applied to the Mission Indians living along the San Diego River. They are referred to as the Kumiai in Mexico. The term Kumeyaay translates as "Those who face the water from a cliff", with the word meyaay meaning "steep" or "cliff".. Language. All languages and dialects spoken by the Kumeyaay ...