Aztec names, also known as Nahuatl names, were given to individuals of the Aztec civilization, which existed in Mexico from the 14th to the 16th century.
Here are some of the key characteristics of Aztec names:
- Meaningful: Aztec names often had a specific meaning that was intended to represent the character, personality, or physical attributes of the person being named. For example, the name Cuauhtémoc means “descending sun,” while the name Citlalli means “star.”
- Religious: Many Aztec names were associated with their religion and mythology. For instance, the name Huitzilopochtli, which means “hummingbird of the south,” was the name of the Aztec god of war and the sun.
- Gender-specific: Like many cultures, Aztec names were often gender-specific. For example, names that end in “-atl” were typically masculine, while names that end in “-tzin” were usually feminine.
- Multi-part: Some Aztec names were composed of multiple parts that each had their own meaning. For example, the name Moctezuma is made up of the words “motecuhzoma,” which means “he who is angry or aroused” and “tlatoani,” which means “ruler.”
- Honorary: Some Aztec names were given as a form of honor or tribute to someone who had achieved a great feat or accomplished something significant. These names often included the word “yoaltic,” which means “night time” and was associated with the idea of strength and courage.
Overall, Aztec names were deeply meaningful and often reflected the cultural and religious beliefs of the Aztec civilization.
They were an important part of Aztec identity and culture, and many of these names are still used today in Mexico and other parts of the world.
Male Aztec Names [Boy Aztec Names]
Male Aztec Names:
- Cuauhtémoc – meaning “Descending Sun,” this name was borne by the last Aztec emperor before the Spanish conquest.
- Tlaloc – meaning “He Who Makes Things Sprout,” Tlaloc was the god of rain and fertility.
- Xochipilli – meaning “Prince of Flowers,” Xochipilli was the god of art, games, beauty, dance, and song.
- Itzcoatl – meaning “Obsidian Serpent,” Itzcoatl was a 15th-century Aztec emperor who founded the Triple Alliance and the Aztec Empire.
- Huitzilopochtli – meaning “Hummingbird of the South,” Huitzilopochtli was the god of war, sun, and human sacrifice.
- Quetzalcoatl – meaning “Feathered Serpent,” Quetzalcoatl was the god of wind, air, and learning.
- Tlaltecuhtli – meaning “Lord or Lady of the Earth,” Tlaltecuhtli was the earth goddess and the mother of all gods.
- Tezcatlipoca – meaning “Smoking Mirror,” Tezcatlipoca was the god of night, magic, and fate.
- Moctezuma – meaning “Angry Lord,” Moctezuma was the ninth Aztec emperor who was defeated by the Spanish conquistadors.
- Cuitlahuac – meaning “Excrement of Serpents,” Cuitlahuac was a 16th-century Aztec ruler who led the resistance against the Spanish.
Female Aztec Names [Girl Aztec Names]
Female Aztec Names:
- Citlali – meaning “Star,” Citlali was a common name among the Aztec women.
- Malinalli – meaning “Grass,” Malinalli was an Aztec woman who served as a translator for Hernán Cortés.
- Xochiquetzal – meaning “Goddess of Flowers,” Xochiquetzal was the goddess of fertility, love, and beauty.
- Tlazolteotl – meaning “Goddess of Filth,” Tlazolteotl was the goddess of childbirth, fertility, and sexual sins.
- Chalchiuhtlicue – meaning “She of the Jade Skirt,” Chalchiuhtlicue was the goddess of water, rivers, and lakes.
- Coatlicue – meaning “She of the Serpent Skirt,” Coatlicue was the mother of the gods and the goddess of fertility, earth, and death.
- Toci – meaning “Our Grandmother,” Toci was the goddess of healing, medicine, and childbirth.
- Coyolxauhqui – meaning “Golden Bells,” Coyolxauhqui was the goddess of the moon, stars, and night.
- Tonantzin – meaning “Our Sacred Mother,” Tonantzin was the goddess of fertility, earth, and maize.
- Metztli – meaning “Moon,” Metztli was the goddess of the moon and night.
Aztec Names for Babies
Aztec Names for Babies:
- Izel – meaning “Unique.”
- Xólotl – meaning “Precious Twin.”
- Yaretzi – meaning “You will always be loved.”
- Tlalli – meaning “Earth.”
- Atl – meaning “Water.”
- Tezcacoatl – meaning “Shining Serpent.”
- Citlalmina – meaning “Star of the Sea.”
- Ichtaca – meaning “Joy.”
- Nayeli – meaning “My Miracle.”
- Tecpatl – meaning “Obsidian Knife.”
- Xochitl – meaning “Flower.”
- Nena – meaning “Little Girl” or “Pretty Girl.”
- Huehuecoyotl – meaning “Ancient Coyote.”
- Cualli – meaning “Goodness.”
These Aztec baby names are strong and meaningful, perfect for a bold little one.
Whether you are looking for a name that’s gender-neutral or specifically for your son or daughter, these Aztec names truly represent the proud history of the Mexica people.
Choose one to honor your heritage and give your child a unique name they can be proud of.
30 Best Aztec Names for Boy and Girl Babies With Meanings
Nahuatl Names for Girls [Female Nahuatl Names]
Nahuatl Names for Girls:
- Citlali – “Star”; a name that honors the beauty of the night sky.
- Xochitl – “Flower”; a name that honors the beauty of flowers and the goddess Xochiquetzal.
- Atzi – “Rain”; a name that honors the importance of water in Nahuatl culture.
- Itzel – “Moon Goddess”; a name that honors the beauty of the moon.
- Amoxtli – “Book”; a name that honors the importance of knowledge and learning.
- Malinalli – “Grass”; a name that honors the importance of nature and the environment.
- Chimalma – “Shield Hand”; an Aztec goddess of fertility and childbirth.
- Coaxoch – “Snake Flower”; a name that honors the beauty and power of snakes and flowers.
- Tlalli – “Earth”; a name that honors the importance of the earth and nature.
- Ximena – “Listener”; a name that honors the value of communication and understanding.
Nahuatl Names for Boys [Male Nahuatl Names]
Nahuatl Names for Boys:
- Tlaloc – “He Who Makes Things Sprout”; an Aztec god of rain, lightning, and agriculture.
- Tonatiuh – “Sun”; an Aztec god of the sun and the patron of warriors.
- Citlalin – “Star”; a name that honors the beauty of the night sky.
- Coyotl – “Coyote”; a name that honors the beauty and intelligence of the coyote.
- Quetzalcoatl – “Feathered Serpent”; an Aztec god of wisdom, knowledge, and the arts.
- Itzcóatl – “Obsidian Serpent”; an Aztec emperor who led the empire to its greatest territorial extent.
- Ohtli – “Road”; a name that honors the importance of direction and guidance.
- Cuauhtémoc – “Descending Sun”; the last Aztec emperor who resisted Spanish conquest.
- Ixtlilton – “Little Black Face”; an Aztec god of medicine, fertility, and arts.
- Tlazolteotl – “Goddess of Filth”; an Aztec goddess of purification, fertility, and sexuality.
Nahuatl Baby Names
Nahuatl Baby Names:
- Atl – “Water”; a name that honors the importance of water in Nahuatl culture.
- Calpulli – “Group of Houses”; a name that honors the importance of community and social organization.
- Cualli – “Good”; a name that honors the value of goodness and virtue.
- Ehecatl – “Wind”; an Aztec god of wind and the patron of messengers.
- Huitzilopochtli – “Hummingbird of the Left”; an Aztec god of war and the sun.
- Itzli – “Obsidian”; a name that honors the beauty and power of obsidian.
- Mazatl – “Deer”; a name that honors the beauty and grace of deer.
- Tepeyollotl – “Mountain Heart”; an Aztec god of earthquakes, mountains, and jaguars.
- Xolotl – “Double”; an Aztec god of lightning and death who was also associated with the planet Venus.
- Yolotli – “Heart”; a name that honors the importance of the heart in Nahuatl culture.
Aztec Names for Warriors
Aztec Names for Warriors:
- Cuauhtémoc – “Descending sun.” This was the name of the last Aztec emperor who fought against the Spanish conquest.
- Tlaloc – “He who makes things sprout.” This was the name of the Aztec god of rain and fertility who was also associated with warfare.
- Xólotl – “The twin.” This was the name of a god associated with lightning and death who was often depicted as a dog or a monster.
- Atlacoya – “She who is burdened with water.” This was the name of an Aztec warrior goddess who was also associated with childbirth.
- Coatl – “Serpent.” This was the name of an Aztec warrior who fought against the Spanish conquest.
- Mixcoatl – “Cloud serpent.” This was the name of a god of hunting and war who was often associated with the Milky Way.
- Xipe Totec – “Our lord the flayed one.” This was the name of a god of spring and renewal who was often depicted wearing the skin of a sacrificial victim.
- Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli – “Lord of the dawn.” This was the name of a god of the planet Venus who was associated with war and sacrifice.
- Itzcoatl – “Obsidian snake.” This was the name of an Aztec emperor who founded the Aztec Triple Alliance.
- Coyolxauhqui – “Golden bells.” This was the name of an Aztec goddess of the moon who was associated with warfare and sacrifice.
Aztec Names of Gods
Aztec Names of Gods:
- Quetzalcoatl – “Feathered serpent.” This was the name of the Aztec god of wisdom, life, and wind who was often depicted as a feathered serpent.
- Huitzilopochtli – “Hummingbird of the south.” This was the name of the Aztec god of war and the sun who was the patron deity of the Aztec empire.
- Tezcatlipoca – “Smoking mirror.” This was the name of the Aztec god of sorcery, strife, and destiny who was often depicted as a jaguar or a smoking mirror.
- Xochiquetzal – “Precious flower.” This was the name of the Aztec goddess of love, beauty, and fertility who was associated with flowers and weaving.
- Tonatiuh – “He who goes forth shining.” This was the name of the Aztec god of the sun who was often depicted with a golden disk on his head.
- Mictlantecuhtli – “Lord of the underworld.” This was the name of the Aztec god of death who ruled over the underworld and was often depicted with a skull for a face.
- Chalchiuhtlicue – “She of the jade skirt.” This was the name of the Aztec goddess of water, rivers, and lakes who was associated with fertility and childbirth.
- Xiuhtecuhtli – “Turquoise lord.” This was the name of the Aztec god of fire who was associated with sacrifice and rebirth.
- Centeotl – “Maize god.” This was the name of the Aztec god of maize, fertility, and agriculture who was often depicted as a young man with maize ears on his head.
- Tlaltecuhtli – “Lord of the earth.” This was the name of the Aztec god of the earth and was often depicted as a fearsome monster with an open mouth.
Aztec Goddess Names
Aztec Goddess Names:
- Coatlicue – “Serpent Skirt”; goddess of fertility, agriculture, and motherhood.
- Tlazolteotl – “Eater of Filth”; goddess of purification, steam baths, and childbirth.
- Xochiquetzal – “Flower Quetzal”; goddess of love, fertility, beauty, and female sexual power.
- Toci – “Our Grandmother”; goddess of healing, childbirth, and the cycles of life.
- Cihuacoatl – “Snake Woman”; goddess of midwifery, fertility, and motherhood.
- Chalchiuhtlicue – “She of the Jade Skirt”; goddess of water, lakes, rivers, and seas.
- Itzpapalotl – “Obsidian Butterfly”; goddess of fire, war, sacrifice, and childbirth.
- Coyolxauhqui – “Painted with Bells”; goddess of the moon, female warriors, and sacrifice.
- Tonantzin – “Our Mother”; goddess of fertility, agriculture, and the Earth.
- Teteoinnan – “Mother of the Gods”; goddess of childbirth, fertility, and maize.
The Mystery Of The Aztecs’ Name
Aztec Names for Dogs
Aztec Names for Dogs:
- Xipil – meaning “noble one.”
- Chalchiuhtecolotl – meaning “precious jade owl.”
- Cualli – meaning “good.”
- Chalchiuhtotolin – meaning “precious jade turkey.”
- Coatl – meaning “serpent.”
- Tlacaelel – meaning “chief.”
- Coyotl – meaning “coyote.”
- Tlalocayotl – meaning “divine coyote.”
- Atlacoya – meaning “water serpent.”
- Malinalli – meaning “grass.”
Aztec Names Generator
Some Aztec names that were generated, plus we included their meanings:
- Xochitl (flower)
- Citlalli (star)
- Tlalli (earth)
- Itzel (rainbow lady)
- Cuetzpalli (lizard)
- Mictlantecuhtli (lord of the underworld)
- Xipe (flayed one)
- Quetzalcoatl (feathered serpent)
- Tezcatlipoca (smoking mirror)
- Tonatiuh (sun god)
- Tzitzimitl (demoness)
- Izel (unique)
- Chalchiuhtlicue (goddess of water)
- Huitzilopochtli (god of war)
- Coatl (snake)
- Ayauhtli (papaver somniferum)
- Matlalihuitl (blue-green feather)
- Nahuatl (a language)
- Ocelotl (jaguar)
- Piltzintli (the prince)
- Tenoch (cactus rock)
- Xochiquetzal (goddess of beauty, love and fertility)
- Acamapichtli (ant leader)
- Chantico (goddess of fires in the home)
- Cuauhtemoc (descending eagle)
- Ehecatl (god of wind)
- Ixtlilton (god of games, music and dance)
- Miquiztli (god of death)
- Necahual (friend)
- Popoca (smoking mountain)
- Tlacaelel (historian and counselor)
- Xolotl (god of twins, monsters and deformities)
- Yacatecuhtli (god of merchants)
- Amoxtli (book)
- Atl (water)
- Calmecac (place of higher learning)
- Cuauhtli (eagle)
- Eztli (blood)
- Ixca (joy)
- Meztli (moon)
- Ollin (movement)
- Quiauhxolotl (precious feather)
- Tepoztecatl (god of pulque)
- Xaloc (god of lightning and thunder)
- Yoloxochitl (flower of the heart)
- Azcatl (reed)
- Chicomexochitl (seven flowers)
- Citlalmina (starry truth)
- Cualtzin (good-hearted)
- Coyotl (coyote)
- Ixtlilxochitl (little prince)
- Malinalxochitl (goddess of snakes and scorpions)
- Nopaltzin (cactus spine)
- Quauhtli (bird)
- Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli (morning star)
- Xiuhtecuhtli (god of fire and time)
- Yacahuitzli (nose jewel)
- Acatl (reed)
- Chalchiuitl (emerald)
- Citlalpol (guide star)
- Coaxoch (serpent flower)
- Eloxochitl (maiden flower)
- Ichtaca (secret)
- Malinali (graceful)
- Mictlancihuatl (lady of the underworld)
- Nezahualcoyotl (hungry coyote)
- Quinatzin (rain)
Aztec Names and Meanings
Aztec Names and Meanings:
- Cihuacoatl – meaning “woman serpent,” this name was given to high-ranking women who assisted the Aztec rulers.
- Tepeyollotl – meaning “heart of the mountains,” Tepeyollotl was the god of earthquakes, echoes, and jaguars.
- Ollin – meaning “movement,” Ollin represented the Aztec concept of the universe in motion and was a symbol of change and evolution.
- Xiuhcoatl – meaning “turquoise serpent,” Xiuhcoatl was the Aztec god of fire and one of the main deities in the Aztec pantheon.
- Mictlantecuhtli – meaning “lord of the underworld,” Mictlantecuhtli was the god of death and the ruler of the Aztec underworld.
- Tzitzimitl – meaning “star demon,” Tzitzimitl were female deities associated with the night sky and were believed to cause eclipses and disasters.
- Huitzilin – meaning “hummingbird,” Huitzilin was an important bird in Aztec culture and represented beauty, elegance, and agility.
- Iztac – meaning “white,” Iztac was a common name among the Aztecs and represented purity and goodness.
- Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli – meaning “lord of the dawn,” Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli was the god of the morning star and the planet Venus.
- Xochiquetzalli – meaning “precious feather flower,” Xochiquetzalli was the goddess of flowers, love, and fertility.
Aztec Last Names
Aztec Last Names:
- Cuauhtlehuanitzin – meaning “exalted eagle,” this last name was given to noble families.
- Chimalpopoca – meaning “smoking shield,” Chimalpopoca was an Aztec ruler who was known for his military tactics and strategies.
- Acatl – meaning “reed,” Acatl was a common last name among the Aztecs.
- Cozcatl – meaning “precious necklace,” Cozcatl was a last name given to wealthy and influential families.
- Huitzilin – meaning “hummingbird,” Huitzilin was also a last name given to families who claimed to be descendants of the god Huitzilopochtli.
- Xochitl – meaning “flower,” Xochitl was a last name given to families who had a special connection with nature and the environment.
- Tlilpotonqui – meaning “one who rises above darkness,” Tlilpotonqui was a last name given to families who were skilled in astronomy and astrology.
- Tenoch – meaning “cactus stone,” Tenoch was a last name given to families who were believed to be wise and strong-willed.
- Tecpatl – meaning “flint knife,” Tecpatl was a last name given to families who were known for their sharp minds and ability to problem solve.
- Nahuatl – Nahuatl is the language of the Aztecs, and this last name was given to families who had knowledge of the language.
- Cuauhtemoc – meaning “descending eagle,” Cuauhtemoc was an Aztec ruler whose legacy has been passed down through generations since his death.
Nahuatl Dog Names
Nahuatl Dog Names:
- Tlacoyotl – means “coyote”
- Chalchiuhtlicue – means “she of the jade skirt”
- Tlaloc – the name of the Aztec god of rain
- Cualli – means “good”
- Xolotl – the name of the Aztec god of lightning and death, often associated with dogs
- Ehecatl – the name of the Aztec god of wind
- Coatlicue – means “she of the serpent skirt”
- Amoxtli – means “book”
- Citlalmina – means “star of the sea”
- Cipactli – means “crocodile”
Common Nahuatl Names
Common Nahuatl Names:
- Citlali – means “star”
- Ximena – means “listener”
- Tlalli – means “earth”
- Itzel – means “rainbow lady”
- Iztli – means “obsidian”
- Xochitl – means “flower”
- Ollin – means “movement”
- Atl – means “water”
- Miquiztli – means “death”
- Cuetzpallin – means “lizard”
Aztec Princess Names
Aztec Princess Names:
- Citlali – “Star”; a name often given to girls born under a lucky star.
- Itzel – “Rainbow Lady”; a name that honors the beauty of nature.
- Xochitl – “Flower”; a name that honors the goddess Xochiquetzal and the beauty of flowers.
- Malinali – “Grass”; a name that honors the goddess Malinalxochitl and the beauty of nature.
- Tecuichpo – “Royal Princess”; a name that honors the noble heritage of Aztec royalty.
- Atlacamani – “He Who Emerges from the Water”; a name that honors the importance of water in Aztec culture.
- Cuicatl – “Song”; a name that honors the importance of music and poetry in Aztec culture.
- Tlalli – “Earth”; a name that honors the importance of the land and agriculture in Aztec culture.
- Eztli – “Blood”; a name that honors the importance of sacrifice in Aztec culture.
- Ollin – “Movement”; a name that honors the importance of dance and movement in Aztec culture.
Cute Aztec Names
Cute Aztec Names:
- Ameyalli – “Water Jewel”; a name that honors the importance of water in Aztec culture.
- Coaxoch – “Snake Flower”; a name that honors the beauty of nature.
- Chantico – “Goddess of Hearth Fires”; a name that honors the importance of fire in Aztec culture.
- Citlalin – “Little Star”; a cute name that honors the beauty of the stars.
- Ilhicamina – “Joyful Lady”; a name that conveys happiness and positivity.
- Izel – “Unique”; a name that honors individuality and uniqueness.
- Meztli – “Moon”; a cute name that honors the importance of the moon in Aztec culture.
- Tlaco – “Happiness”; a name that conveys joy and contentment.
- Ximena – “Listener”; a cute name that honors the importance of communication.
- Zeltzin – “Little Clear Sky”; a name that honors the beauty of the sky and nature.
Aztec Queen Names
Aztec Queen Names:
- Tlazolteotl – meaning “goddess of filth,” Tlazolteotl was the Aztec goddess of fertility, purification, and childbirth.
- Chalchiuhtlicue – meaning “she of the jade skirt,” Chalchiuhtlicue was the Aztec goddess of water and fertility.
- Mictecacihuatl – meaning “lady of the dead,” Mictecacihuatl was the queen of Mictlan, the Aztec underworld.
- Xochiquetzal – meaning “precious feather flower,” Xochiquetzal was the Aztec goddess of beauty, love, and fertility.
- Coatlicue – meaning “she of the serpent skirt,” Coatlicue was the Aztec goddess of the earth, fertility, and motherhood.
- Itzpapalotl – meaning “obsidian butterfly,” Itzpapalotl was the Aztec goddess of fertility, agriculture, and war.
- Tlazoteotl – meaning “goddess of vice,” Tlazoteotl was the Aztec goddess of purification, sexuality, and fertility.
- Toci – meaning “our grandmother,” Toci was the Aztec goddess of fertility, healing, and motherhood.
- Coyolxauhqui – meaning “golden bells,” Coyolxauhqui was the Aztec goddess of the moon, fertility, and childbirth.
- Xilonen – meaning “young maize ear,” Xilonen was the Aztec goddess of young corn, fertility, and agriculture.
Badass Aztec Names
Badass Aztec Names:
- Tlaltecuhtli – meaning “earth lord,” Tlaltecuhtli was the Aztec god of the earth and was often depicted as a fearsome monster.
- Tezcatlipoca – meaning “smoking mirror,” Tezcatlipoca was one of the most important Aztec gods, associated with the night sky, war, and fate.
- Mictlantecuhtli – meaning “lord of the underworld,” Mictlantecuhtli was the Aztec god of death and the ruler of Mictlan, the Aztec underworld.
- Huitzilopochtli – meaning “left-handed hummingbird,” Huitzilopochtli was the Aztec god of war, sun, and human sacrifice.
- Xipe Totec – meaning “our lord the flayed one,” Xipe Totec was the Aztec god of agriculture, fertility, and regeneration.
- Tlaloc – meaning “he who makes things sprout,” Tlaloc was the Aztec god of rain and agriculture.
- Ometeotl – meaning “dual god,” Ometeotl was the supreme deity in the Aztec pantheon, representing the duality of existence.
- Quetzalcoatl – meaning “feathered serpent,” Quetzalcoatl was one of the most important Aztec gods, associated with creation, wisdom, and culture.
- Tonatiuh – meaning “sun,” Tonatiuh was the Aztec god of the sun and was associated with human sacrifice.
- Mixcoatl – meaning “cloud serpent,” Mixcoatl was the Aztec god of hunting, war, and the Milky Way.
Aztec Tribal Names
Aztec Tribal Names:
- Tlaxcalteca – “Those from Tlaxcala”; a powerful tribe in central Mexico that allied with the Spanish to defeat the Aztecs.
- Huaxteca – “Those from Huaxtla”; a tribe that lived in the region that is now northern Veracruz and southern Tamaulipas.
- Mixteca – “Those from Mixtlan”; a tribe that lived in the region that is now Oaxaca, Puebla, and Guerrero.
- Mazahua – “Those from Mazatlán”; a tribe that lived in the region that is now the State of Mexico and Michoacán.
- Tarasca – “Those from Michoacán”; a tribe that lived in the region that is now Michoacán.
- Matlatzinca – “Those from Matlalzinco”; a tribe that lived in the region that is now the State of Mexico.
- Tlapaneca – “Those from Tlapa”; a tribe that lived in the region that is now Guerrero.
- Otomi – “The People”; a tribe that lived in the region that is now Hidalgo, Querétaro, and Guanajuato.
- Chichimeca – “Those who suck”; a general term used by the Aztecs to refer to various nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes in northern Mexico.
- Totonaca – “Those from Totonacapan”; a tribe that lived in the region that is now Veracruz and Puebla.
Mexican Aztec Names
Mexican Aztec Names:
- Quetzalli – “Precious Feather”; a name that honors the beauty of the quetzal bird.
- Xilonen – “Young Corn”; a name that honors the importance of maize in Aztec culture.
- Huitzilopochtli – “Hummingbird of the South”; the Aztec god of war, sun, and human sacrifice.
- Nezahualcoyotl – “Coyote Who Fasts”; a philosopher, poet, and ruler of the city-state of Texcoco.
- Ahuitzotl – “Water Monster”; a powerful Aztec ruler who expanded the empire through conquest and alliances.
- Moctezuma – “He Who Is Angry”; a name shared by two Aztec rulers who encountered the Spanish.
- Xochitl – “Flower”; a name that honors the beauty of flowers and the goddess Xochiquetzal.
- Cuauhtémoc – “Descending Sun Serpent”; the last Aztec emperor who resisted the Spanish conquest.
- Tizoc – “Medicine”; an Aztec ruler who built the Great Temple of Tenochtitlan.
- Itzcoatl – “Obsidian Serpent”; an Aztec ruler who established the Triple Alliance and expanded the empire.
Unique Aztec Names
Unique Aztec Names:
- Atlacoya – “Lady of the Water”; a name that honors the importance of water in Aztec culture.
- Xipe – “Our Lord the Flayed One”; an Aztec god of agriculture, renewal, and human sacrifice.
- Citlalmina – “Starry Sky”; a name that honors the beauty of the night sky.
- Cozamalotl – “Snake of the Dark Place”; an Aztec goddess of fertility, childbirth, and the underworld.
- Ocelotl – “Jaguar”; a name that honors the beauty and power of the jaguar.
Cool Aztec Names
Cool Aztec Names:
- Xochitl – Means “flower” in Nahuatl.
- Itzel – Means “rainbow lady” in Nahuatl.
- Tlaloc – Means “earth god” in Nahuatl.
- Mixcoatl – Means “cloud serpent” in Nahuatl.
- Citlali – Means “star” in Nahuatl.
- Atl – Means “water” in Nahuatl.
- Ohtli – Means “road” in Nahuatl.
- Cipactli – Means “crocodile” in Nahuatl.
- Coatl – Means “snake” in Nahuatl.
- Izel – Means “unique” in Nahuatl.
Ancient Aztec Names
Ancient Aztec Names:
- Huitzilopochtli – Means “left-handed hummingbird” in Nahuatl. He was the Aztec god of war and the sun.
- Quetzalcoatl – Means “feathered serpent” in Nahuatl. He was the Aztec god of wisdom, knowledge, and creation.
- Tlazolteotl – Means “goddess of filth” in Nahuatl. She was the Aztec goddess of fertility and childbirth.
- Mictlantecuhtli – Means “lord of the underworld” in Nahuatl. He was the Aztec god of death.
- Xipe Totec – Means “our lord the flayed one” in Nahuatl. He was the Aztec god of spring and agriculture.
- Tezcatlipoca – Means “smoking mirror” in Nahuatl. He was the Aztec god of night, sorcery, and temptation.
- Tonatiuh – Means “sun god” in Nahuatl. He was the Aztec god of the sun.
- Coyolxauhqui – Means “golden bells” in Nahuatl. She was the Aztec goddess of the moon.
- Chalchiuhtlicue – Means “she of the jade skirt” in Nahuatl. She was the Aztec goddess of water and fertility.
- Xiuhtecuhtli – Means “lord of the year” in Nahuatl. He was the Aztec god of fire and time.
Aztec Emperors Names
Aztec Emperors Names:
- Moctezuma I – Means “he who is wrathful like a lord” in Nahuatl. He was the fifth Aztec emperor and is considered a great military leader.
- Ahuitzotl – Means “water monster” in Nahuatl. He was the eighth Aztec emperor and is known for expanding the Aztec empire through military conquests.
- Tizoc – Means “smoking mirror” in Nahuatl. He was the seventh Aztec emperor and is remembered for his military campaigns against the Mixtec and Zapotec peoples.
- Montezuma II – Means “he who frowns like a lord” in Nahuatl. He was the ninth and final Aztec emperor, famously defeated by the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés.
- Axayacatl – Means “face of water” in Nahuatl. He was the sixth Aztec emperor and is known for his military campaigns against the Tlaxcala and other neighboring tribes.
- Tlacaelel – Means “man of the house of darts” in Nahuatl. He was not an emperor, but a powerful Aztec advisor and is known for establishing the Aztec religion.
- Cuauhtémoc – Means “falling eagle” in Nahuatl. He was the last Aztec emperor, famously executed by Cortés after leading a long resistance against Spanish colonial rule.
- Cuitláhuac – Means “covered with adornments” in Nahuatl. He was the tenth Aztec emperor, reigning only briefly before succumbing to smallpox brought by European explorers.
Old Aztec Names
Old Aztec Names:
- Itzamna – “Lizard House”; an important god of the Maya civilization who was associated with creation and the sky.
- Tezcatlipoca – “Smoking Mirror”; an Aztec god of the night sky, temptation, and sorcery.
- Xochiquetzal – “Precious Flower”; an Aztec goddess of fertility, love, beauty, and the arts.
- Tlaloc – “He Who Makes Things Sprout”; an Aztec god of rain, lightning, and agriculture.
- Huehuecoyotl – “Old Coyote”; an Aztec god of music, dance, and mischief.
- Tonatiuh – “Sun”; an Aztec god of the sun and the patron of warriors.
- Mictlantecuhtli – “Lord of the Land of the Dead”; an Aztec god of death and the underworld.
- Xipe Totec – “Our Lord the Flayed One”; an Aztec god of renewal, agriculture, and human sacrifice.
- Chalchiuhtlicue – “She Who Wears a Jade Skirt”; an Aztec goddess of water, rivers, and fertility.
- Xolotl – “Double”; an Aztec god of lightning and death who was also associated with the planet Venus.
Beautiful Aztec Names
Beautiful Aztec Names:
- Citlali – “Star”
- Xochitl – “Flower”
- Izel – “Unique”
- Mayahuel – “Goddess of Agave”
- Acela – “Honest”
- Amoxtli – “Book”
- Itzel – “Rainbow Lady”
- Tlalli – “Earth”
- Ximena – “Listener”
- Yaretzi – “You Will Always Be Loved”
Common Aztec Names
Common Aztec Names:
- Cuauhtémoc – “Descending Sun”
- Itzcóatl – “Obsidian Serpent”
- Moctezuma – “Angry Lord”
- Nezahualcoyotl – “Hungry Coyote”
- Tlaloc – “He Who Makes Things Sprout”
- Tonatiuh – “Sun”
- Xolotl – “Double”
- Xochiquetzal – “Goddess of Love, Fertility and Flowers”
- Mixcoatl – “Cloud Serpent”
- Huitzilopochtli – “Hummingbird of the Left”
FAQs – Aztec Names
What are some indigenous Mexican names?
Indigenous Mexican Names:
- Citlalli – means “star”
- Ximena – means “listener”
- Xochiquetzal – means “precious flower”
- Cuitláhuac – means “excrement that descends”
- Tlalli – means “earth”
- Itzcóatl – means “obsidian snake”
- Atzi – means “rain”
- Mixtli – means “cloud”
- Erendira – means “one who smiles”
- Cuauhtémoc – means “descending eagle”
Who were the Aztec people and what were their naming conventions?
The Aztecs were an indigenous people who lived in central Mexico from the 14th to the 16th centuries.
Their naming conventions were based on the Nahuatl language, and often included multiple components.
Aztec names typically consisted of a birth name, a surname or clan name, and a title or honorific.
For example, the Aztec emperor Moctezuma II’s full name was Motecuhzoma Xocoyotzin, where “Motecuhzoma” was his birth name, “Xocoyotzin” was his clan name, and “emperor” was his honorific.
How to pronounce Nahuatl names?
Nahuatl is a complex language with unique sounds and pronunciation rules.
Here are some general tips:
- Nahuatl is a tonal language, which means that changing the tone of a word can change its meaning.
- The letter “x” in Nahuatl is pronounced like the “sh” sound in English.
- The letter “tl” in Nahuatl is pronounced with a sound similar to the “cl” in English words like “clip” or “clock”.
- The letter “hu” in Nahuatl is pronounced like the “w” in English.
Here are some examples of Nahuatl name pronunciations:
- Xochitl: So-chee-tl
- Itzel: Eet-sel
- Tlaloc: Tla-lock
- Mixcoatl: Meesh-co-atl
- Huitzilopochtli: Weet-see-loh-poch-tlee
- Quetzalcoatl: Ket-zahl-co-atl
- Moctezuma: Mok-teh-zoo-mah
Who were the Nahuatl people and what were their naming conventions?
The Nahuatl people were an indigenous group in central Mexico who spoke the Nahuatl language.
They were the dominant ethnic group in the region prior to the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century.
Nahuatl naming conventions were based on multiple components, including birth name, clan name, and title or honorific.
Many Nahuatl names were also associated with natural elements or animals, reflecting their cultural beliefs and traditions.
Conclusion – Aztec Names
Aztec names were unique and had specific characteristics. Aztecs used a combination of Spanish and Nahuatl elements to create their names, which often included references to gods, animals, and nature.
These names often began with the prefixes “To” or “Te” to signify respect for the child’s parents and ancestors.
In addition, these names typically followed a structure that identified the name’s origin from either an ancestor or deity. For example, the name “Tonatiuh” means “Sun” in Nahuatl, symbolizing strength and power.
The structure of Aztec names usually ended with a suffix that denoted an individual’s position in society or family.
Typical suffixes included -tzin for nobility; -cátl for commoners; -man for priests; and -hua for warriors or hunters.
The suffixes could also be used to indicate possession or connection to a particular place such as Huitzilan-huáyotl (belonging to Huitzilan).
Gender was also an important factor when choosing an Aztec name; male names were often created by adding an -tzin or -cóatl suffix while female names typically ended in -cuíh or -huíh (meaning beloved woman).
Additionally, many female names were drawn from plants such as Xochitl (flower) or Tecuíh (rosary bead tree) while male names more often focused on qualities such as strength and courage like Cuauhtémoc (Fallen Eagle).
Overall, Aztec naming conventions provided distinct ways of honoring family members and deities through meaningful combinations of words.
Through this system, each child was given a name that reflected his/her familial heritage along with expectations expected of him/her within society.
The meanings behind these names are still celebrated by many today as powerful symbols representing strength and pride in one’s ancestry.