123 Charming Aztec Baby Names From Central Mexico

An exquisite listing from an ancient civilization of great architecture and culture.

Written by Angela Alex, MA

Edited by Srija Chanda Burman, MA, PG Dip.

Fact-checked by Ratika Pai, M.Com

Last Updated on Nov 13, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

When selecting a baby name, returning to the basics is always wise. The Aztecs might have died long ago, but they are alive with us in several ways, including being a rich source of unique Aztec baby names for your child. These names beautifully reflect the cultural essence and vibrant heritage of the Aztecs. Aztec people were ethnic groups found in Northern Mexico in the 16th century. They are believed to have originated from Aztlan, a mythological place for the Nahuatl speakers. The term Aztecs also referred to the people of Tenochtitlan, which is now Mexico City. It was in Tenochtitlan; the Aztec Triple Alliance was built upon raised islets in Texcoco Lake. This was the first instance of artificial islands. The capital flourished soon and was soon inhabited by over 200,000 inhabitants. The inhabitants were divided into several strata, like nobles, rules, commoners, and enslaved people. The Aztec people had complex and rich mythological and religious traditions. Much of their history and culture can be known through the archaeological evidence found in the excavations of the Templo Mayor in Mexico. Just like the culture and tradition, even the Aztec names carry a rich history. Aztec naming culture usually consists of two elements- a calendar name taken from the baby's birth date and a personal name followed by a surname. Their close association with nature can be seen reflected in their names. Boys usually have names inspired by animals, places, and personal qualities, such as Tochtli, meaning rabbit, and Itzcoatl meaning obsidian serpent. While girl names usually reflect inspiration from flowers and other feminine elements. For instance, Atzi is a feminine name meaning rain, and Miyaoaxochitl means Maize tassel flower. The post below has compiled a list of distinctive Aztec baby names with meanings. So, whether looking for a unique yet meaningful or a name with rich historical association, Aztec baby names are worth exploring.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Yaretzi	Girl	You will always be loved; Friend; Helper
Zaniyah	Girl	Corner; Forever
Zaniya	Girl	Corner; Forever
Metzli	Girl	Moon
Citlalli	Girl	Star
Jatziri	Girl	Dewdrop
Tenoch	Boy	Stone; Prickly pear cactus
Tonatiuh	Boy	Sunshine
Ahtziri	Girl	Cornflower; Corn goddess; Friend; Helper; Lady of the water
Zeltzin	Girl	Delicate

Zolin	Boy	Aztec word for quail
Tonantzin	Girl	Mother earth or the mother Goddess
Citlalic	Girl	Rising star
Xochiquetzal	Girl	Most beautiful flower
Xochil	Girl	Flower
Xitllali	Girl	Goddess of the moon
Zuma	Boy	Abundance; Peace; Lord frowns in anger
Yaotl	Unisex	Combatant; Soldier; Warrior; Defender; Fighter; Rival
Acalan	Boy	A small narrow and long rowing boat
Chilli-Name-Meaning:-History,-Pronunciation-&-Nicknames	Unisex	Cold; Spicy fruit found in Central and South America

Eztli	Unisex	Blood
Guatemoc	Boy	Falling eagle; Descending eagle
Nahuatl	Unisex	Goddess of Water and rivers
Ohtli	Unisex	A person who is a champion; Son of Neil
Quetzalxochitl	Girl	A precious flower; Queen
Tamal	Boy	A tree with a very dark bark
Toltecatl	Boy	An artist or a creative person
Acuecucyoticihuati	Girl	Name of the Aztec goddess of the ocean
Ahuatzi	Boy	Small oak
Ahuic	Girl	Name of the Aztec goddess of the running water in rivers, streams, and waves

Amoxtli	Girl	Book
Anacaona	Girl	Golden flower
Apozanolotl	Girl	Aztec Goddess of purity
Atlacamani	Girl	The Aztec goddess of storms
Atlacoya	Girl	Name of the Aztec goddess of drought
Atlatonin	Girl	Name of the Aztec mother goddess
Ayauhteotl	Girl	Name of Aztec goddess of the haze and mist
Chalchihuitlcue	Girl	She with the robe of green jewels
Chalmecacihuilt	Girl	Aztec goddess of the underworld
Chantico	Girl	She who dwells in the house

Chicomecoatl	Girl	Seven snakes
Chiconahui	Girl	Name of Aztec hearth-goddess
Chimalley	Boy	Shield
Chimalli	Boy	Shield
Chimalma	Girl	Shield-bearer
Chipahua	Girl	Clean
Cihuaton	Girl	Little woman
Cipactonal	Boy	Production of the day
Citlalee	Boy	Star
Citlalicue	Girl	Star garment

Coyolxauhqui	Girl	Golden bells
Cozamalotl	Girl	Rainbow
Cuallea	Boy	Good
Cuallee	Boy	Spelling variation of Cuallea, meaning good.
Cuetzpallea	Boy	Aztec term for lizard
Cuetzpallee	Boy	Alternate spelling for Cuetzpallea; Lizard.
Cuicatl	Girl	Song
Etapalli	Girl	Wing
Huitzilin	Boy	Hummingbird
Huixtocihuatl	Girl	Aztec fertility goddess

Ichtacka	Boy	Secret
Ilamatecuhtli	Girl	Aztec goddess of fertility and death
Ilhicamina	Boy	He who shoots arrows at the sky
Itzcali	Boy	House of beauty
Itzcoatl	Boy	Obsidian serpent
Itzli	Boy	Obsidian; Protection; Extraordinary
Itzpapalotl	Girl	Obsidian butterfly
Itztli	Boy	Obsidian knife
Ixcuiname	Girl	Four faces or four sisters
Ixtli	Girl	Face

Matlalihuitl	Boy	Greenish-blue feather
Mictlantecuhtli	Boy	Lord of Mictlan
Miyaoaxochitl	Girl	Maize tassel flower
Mizquixaual	Girl	Mesquite face paint
Necahual	Girl	Survivor
Nenetl	Girl	Doll
Netzahualcoyotl	Boy	Hungry coyote
Nochehuatl	Boy	Constant
Nochtli	Girl	Prickly pear fruit
Ocotlan	Boy	Pine

Patlea	Boy	Medicine
Patlee	Boy	Medicine
Patli	Girl	Medicine
Teicuih	Girl	Younger sister
Teiuc	Girl	Second-born
Tlachinolli	Girl	Fire
Tlanextic	Boy	Light of dawn
Tlanextli	Boy	Radiance or splendor
Tlazohtzin	Girl	Little necklace of flowers
Tlilpotonqui	Boy	Feathered in black

Tochtlea	Boy	Rabbit
Tochtlee	Boy	A variation of Tochtlea; Rabbit
Tochtli	Boy	Rabbit
Tonalnan	Girl	Mother of light
Tonauac	Boy	One who possesses light
Tototl	Boy	Rabbit
Tozi	Girl	Aztec goddess of healing and sweet water
Tupack	Boy	Warrior
Tupoc	Boy	Royal; Noble; Warrior
Ueman	Boy	Venerable time

Our hand-picked collection of Aztec baby names with meanings includes several options to help you choose a unique, beautiful, and meaningful name for your baby. So, whether you're interested in names with historical backgrounds or admire the rich culture and traditions of this Mesoamerican culture, giving your baby an Aztec name will indeed reflect your passion and interest. So, explore and browse this carefully crafted list of baby names with your partner to find the perfect name for your cherished child.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which Aztec names mean heart?

Some Aztec names that are associated with the meaning ‘heart’ include names such as Xochiyotl, meaning ‘heart of a gentle flower,’ Yoloxochitl meaning ‘heart flower,’ Tepēyōllōtl meaning ‘heart of the mountains,’ and Yolotli or Yollotl meaning ‘heart’ or ‘life.’

2. Are there any traditional Aztec naming ceremonies for babies?

According to ancient Aztec texts, on the fourth day after the baby is born, a ceremony is held before dawn, attended by the parents and kin of the infant. It involves the child’s exposure to water and sunlight, summoning the power of these elements to protect the child and shape their future. Once the ceremony is completed, the baby is assigned a name depending on the day and time of birth (1).

3. What are some common themes in Aztec baby names?

Aztec babies sometimes have two names. One is called a calendar name and taken from the day of their birth, and the second is a personal name. Cultural and religious concepts usually inspire this personal name, along with behavioral attributes and natural elements highly valued by the Aztecs, such as animals and the elements.

Infographic: Baby Names Of Aztec Origin And Their Meanings

If you love history-inspired titles, giving your baby an Aztec-inspired name could be a perfect naming choice for you. This Mesoamerican culture can provide you with several unique names with significant meanings. So, dive into this list of Aztec baby names given in the infographic below and pick your favorite title for your little one.

beautiful aztec names for your bundle of joy(infographic)

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

Birth Rituals in the Codex Mendoza;
https://worldhistorycommons.org/birth-rituals-codex-mendoza

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Author Editor Fact Checker

Angela AlexMA

Angela is an honors student with a master's degree in Linguistics from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in History from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. Her combined interest in history and the science of language has taught her the skills to understand how language and its use have changed over time.

Read full bio of Angela Alex

Srija Chanda BurmanMA, PG Dip.

Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG Diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in editing ranges across niches, including academics, human psychology, and child development.

Read full bio of Srija Chanda Burman

Ratika PaiM.Com

Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.

Read full bio of Ratika Pai