71 Nahuatl Baby Boy Names With Meanings

Nahuatl baby boy names provide an insight into the vibrancy of the ancient Aztec civilization. These names are rooted in the Nahuatl language, spoken by the Aztecs and other Mesoamerican groups. They serve as windows into a rich cultural heritage that extends beyond the pages of history (1). In Nahuatl, naming conventions involve suffixes like -tlan, -ko, and -kan to indicate geographical names. For particular ethnic groups or nationalities, suffixes such as -teco (denoting ‘owner, master of’) or -teka(tl) (meaning ‘inhabitant of’) are added. These elements are also commonly found in the names of Mexico's other indigenous communities (2). The earliest and most comprehensive insights into Nahua naming practices come from Fray Toribio de Benavente Motolinia, a member of the original group of twelve Franciscan friars who arrived in Mexico around 1523, shortly after the spiritual conquest. Their primary task was to baptize and educate the native population. In his work Memoriales o el Libro de Oro, Motolinia vividly describes traditional Nahua customs related to birth and naming. His accounts reveal that newborns were given names based on their birth date, such as ‘One Flower’ or ‘Two Rabbit.’ This naming tradition occurred on the seventh day after their birth. Interestingly, an arrow would be placed in their hands for boys, while girls received a spindle whorl and weaving stick, symbolizing their anticipated gender roles (3). A journey through Nahuatl baby boy names reveals linguistic treasures and the cultural, historical, and spiritual legacy of the Aztec civilization. This exploration serves as a bridge between the past and present. It allows us to appreciate the artistry of the language and the profound depth of meaning woven into each name. By embracing Nahuatl names for your children, you can celebrate the enduring legacy of a civilization that left an indelible mark on the fabric of Mesoamerican history and culture. Scroll down to our list to find the perfect Nahuatl baby name for your little boy.

Name		Gender	Meaning
Itzcuin		Boy	Runs like a dog
Matlalihhuitl		Boy	Purple feather
Omacatl		Boy	The double-gendered deity, a creator god
Quauhtli		Boy	Eagle
Tecuetlaza		Boy	He who throws like a Mexican beaded lizard
Teuhcatl		Boy	Dust person
Xochiquen		Boy	Flower garment
Yaotl		Unisex	Combatant; Soldier; Warrior; Defender; Fighter; Rival
Yaquica		Boy	He who goes to war
Acamapichtli		Boy	A handful of reeds or long grass
Achcauhtli		Boy	Leader; A man with leadership qualities
Ahuiliztli		Boy	Happiness and joy; One who brings joy
Ameyalli		Unisex	Beautiful soul
Atziry		Unisex	Crown of God
Avocado		Unisex	Happiness
Chicahua		Boy	A strong and powerful man
Chili		Unisex	Hot; Spicy fruit
Chimalpopoca		Boy	A smoking shield
Cipactli		Boy	Nahuatl word for crocodile
Coatl		Boy	Serpent
Coyotl		Boy	Nahuatl word meaning coyote
Cualli		Unisex	Good; A good-natured man.
Cuetlachtli		Boy	Nahuatl word for wolf
Cuixtli		Boy	Nahuatl word for kite
Ehecatl		Boy	The wind serpent
Eleuia		Unisex	Wish; One who wishes good for everyone
Etalpalli		Unisex	Wing
Huemac		Unisex	A Toltec king
Huitzilihuitl		Boy	Hummingbird; Feather of a hummingbird; Pen of a hummingbird
Huitzilli		Boy	Hummingbird
Iccauhtli		Boy	A younger brother
Ichtaca		Unisex	Secret
Icnoyotl		Unisex	Friendship
Ihuicatl		Unisex	Sky
Ilhikamina		Boy	He who shoots arrows at the sky; The name of a great Mexican king
Ilhuitl		Unisex	Day
Itotia		Unisex	Dance
Iuitl		Unisex	Feather
Iyari		Unisex	Heart; Memory
Mahuizoh		Unisex	A glorious person
Maize		Boy	Corn; golden; agricultural
Matlal		Boy	Dark green; Net
Matlalhuitl		Boy	Blue-green feather
Mecatl		Unisex	Lineage
Meshika		Unisex	Born to rule
Meztli		Boy	The one who is compared to the moon
Milintica		Boy	He is waving; Fire
Miyanna		Unisex	Beautiful and elegant
Moctezuma		Boy	The sub; Someone who is kind and lovable
Momoztli		Unisex	The altar
Morelia		Unisex	City in Mexico
Moyolehuani		Unisex	The enamored one
Namacuix		Boy	King
Necalli		Boy	Fight; War place; Competition; Contest
Necuametl		Boy	King
Neza		Unisex	Rain; A gift from God
Nezahualcoyotl		Boy	The fasting coyote; Name of a Texcoco king
Nezahualpilli		Boy	A prince who fasts
Nopaltzin		Boy	A consistent man
Ollin		Boy	Changing the location of something
Quenmachoc		Boy	An unknown name
Quetzal		Unisex	Brightly colored bird; Precious; Rare
Quetzalcoatl		Boy	Feathered serpent
Teoxihuitl		Unisex	The precious stone turquoise
Tepiltzin		Boy	The privileged son
Tezcacoatl		Boy	Serpent; King
Tizoc		Boy	An ancient Aztec ruler
Tizocicatzin		Boy	An ancient king of the Aztec empire
Tlacaelel		Boy	A diligent man
Tlacelel		Boy	The greatest of all the male heroes
Yunuen		Unisex	The goddess of the lake

Infographic: Magnificent Nahuatl Names For Your Baby Boy

Nahuatl baby boy names are woven with threads of history, myth, and language, forming a bridge that spans time. These names reflect the vibrant culture and enduring legacy of the Aztec civilization. The infographic below presents Nahuatl names. Choose a name for your bundle of joy that resonates with you.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team