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54 Aztec Boy Names Reflecting Mesoamerican Culture

Find the enchanting Aztec boy names, where history, culture, and mythology converge to bring forth unique and meaningful monikers for your newborn. The Aztecs are believed to have originated as a nomadic group in the northern regions of Mexico, entering Mesoamerica during the early 13th century (1). They were also recognized as the Tenochca, originating from the name of their forebear Tenoch. It is also derived from the renowned Aztec capital city, Tenochtitlán, present-day Mexico City (2). The Aztec civilization consisted of several ethnic groups speaking the Nahuatl language, particularly in central Mexico. They captured substantial regions of Mesoamerica from the 14th to 16th centuries. The Aztecs followed a bilateral pattern of family structure, where equal importance was given to the paternal and maternal sides. However, with the arrival of Europeans and their conquest of Mexico, the Aztec civilization experienced a notable decline in numbers. Since the 1500s, Mexico has been home to the Roman Catholics, so Catholicism influenced its culture, including naming customs. Mexican naming customs generally adhere to the conventions in some Latin and Spanish-speaking cultures, though they may have some unique rules and distinctions. Among Christian communities, it is customary to bestow compound personal names on girls, often inspired by the Virgin Mary. It is interesting to note that Spanish names usually consist of two personal names, where the first name may be used independently. For instance, Jesús Marίa might be referred to simply as Jesús, but not Maria. On the other hand, the paternal family name is often used as an independent name, while the maternal family name is seldom used as a standalone name (3). Aztec names possess a rhythm that allows them to flow smoothly and enchantingly, capturing the essence and aura of each name. You will find it in our curated list for parents seeking a name with historical significance, spiritual resonance, or a unique and melodic sound.

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NameGenderMeaning
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Tenoch
Baby Boy Sign Boy Stone; Prickly pear cactus
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Tonatiuh
Baby Boy Sign Boy Sunshine
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Zolin
Baby Boy Sign Boy Aztec word for quail
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Acalan
Baby Boy Sign Boy A small narrow and long rowing boat
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Guatemoc
Baby Boy Sign Boy Falling eagle; Descending eagle
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Tamal
Baby Boy Sign Boy A tree with a very dark bark
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Toltecatl
Baby Boy Sign Boy An artist or a creative person
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Ahuatzi
Baby Boy Sign Boy Small oak
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Chimalley
Baby Boy Sign Boy Shield
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Chimalli
Baby Boy Sign Boy Shield
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Cipactonal
Baby Boy Sign Boy Production of the day
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Citlalee
Baby Boy Sign Boy Star
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Cuallea
Baby Boy Sign Boy Good
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Cuallee
Baby Boy Sign Boy Spelling variation of Cuallea, meaning good.
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Cuetzpallea
Baby Boy Sign Boy Aztec term for lizard
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Cuetzpallee
Baby Boy Sign Boy Alternate spelling for Cuetzpallea; Lizard.
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Huitzilin
Baby Boy Sign Boy Hummingbird
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Ichtacka
Baby Boy Sign Boy Secret
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Ilhicamina
Baby Boy Sign Boy He who shoots arrows at the sky
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Itzcali
Baby Boy Sign Boy House of beauty
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Itzcoatl
Baby Boy Sign Boy Obsidian serpent
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Itzli
Baby Boy Sign Boy Obsidian; Protection; Extraordinary
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Itztli
Baby Boy Sign Boy Obsidian knife
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Matlalihuitl
Baby Boy Sign Boy Greenish-blue feather
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Mictlantecuhtli
Baby Boy Sign Boy Lord of Mictlan
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Netzahualcoyotl
Baby Boy Sign Boy Hungry coyote
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Nochehuatl
Baby Boy Sign Boy Constant
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Ocotlan
Baby Boy Sign Boy Pine
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Patlea
Baby Boy Sign Boy Medicine
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Patlee
Baby Boy Sign Boy Medicine
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Tlanextic
Baby Boy Sign Boy Light of dawn
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Tlanextli
Baby Boy Sign Boy Radiance or splendor
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Tlilpotonqui
Baby Boy Sign Boy Feathered in black
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Tochtlea
Baby Boy Sign Boy Rabbit
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Tochtlee
Baby Boy Sign Boy A variation of Tochtlea; Rabbit
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Tochtli
Baby Boy Sign Boy Rabbit
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Tonauac
Baby Boy Sign Boy One who possesses light
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Tototl
Baby Boy Sign Boy Rabbit
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Tupack
Baby Boy Sign Boy Warrior
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Tupoc
Baby Boy Sign Boy Royal; Noble; Warrior
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Ueman
Baby Boy Sign Boy Venerable time
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Xicohtencatl
Baby Boy Sign Boy Angry bumblebee
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Xihuitl
Baby Boy Sign Boy comet
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Xipil
Baby Boy Sign Boy Noble one; Of Fire
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Xipilli
Baby Boy Sign Boy Jeweled prince
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Xiutecuhtli
Baby Boy Sign Boy Gentleman of the fire
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Xochipilli
Baby Boy Sign Boy Flower prince
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Xochitl
Baby Boy Sign Boy Flower
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Xolotl
Baby Boy Sign Boy Precious twin
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Yaotel
Baby Boy Sign Boy Rival
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Yaotyl
Baby Boy Sign Boy A spelling variant of Yaotel; Rival
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Yolotli
Baby Boy Sign Boy Heart
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Yolyamanitzin
Baby Boy Sign Boy He who is considerate and just
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Zipactonal
Baby Boy Sign Boy Harmonic light

To conclude, Aztec boy names carry a rich cultural legacy and profound meanings, making them an intriguing choice for parents seeking unique and meaningful names. These names often draw inspiration from nature, deities, and significant historical events, reflecting the Aztec civilization's deep connection with the natural world and spirituality. The revival of Aztec names in modern times showcases the inspiring legacy of an extinct culture and its continued relevance in today's diverse world.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Aztec name for strong?

Chicahua is a captivating masculine name of Aztec origin that means 'strong' and 'powerful' in the Nahuatl language.

2. How were Aztec babies named?

The Aztec people had a special way of naming their babies. When a baby was born, a wise man from the temple would be called to determine the baby's name based on the time of birth and the spiritual forces of that day. This name was believed to reflect the baby's destiny and identity. Boys were named after male family members, and girls were given names related to nature, like flowers, stars, or birds (4).

3. What is the significance of the name Cuauhtémoc in Aztec culture?

Cuauhtémoc, an Aztec name, means "descending eagle" in their language. It was the name of the last Aztec emperor who ruled before being captured and was killed by a Spanish conqueror named Hernán Cortés in 1525.

4. What is the meaning of the name Citlalli in Aztec culture?

Citlalli is a captivating feminine given name in Aztch culture, meaning 'star' in Nahuatl.

5. What is the meaning of the name Tezcatlipoca in Aztec culture?

Tezcatlipoca is a strong and enduring Aztec and Toltec name for boys, with a deep meaning of ‘smoking mirror’ in the Nahuatl language. It is derived from the words tezcatl, which means ‘mirror,’ and pōctli, which means ’smoke.’

Infographic: Amazing Aztec Baby Boy Names With Meanings

Aztec baby boy names carry a rich cultural significance and a connection to the ancient civilization belonging to the Mesoamerican culture. These names often reflect the beauty of nature, powerful deities, and meaningful concepts. So, scroll on and explore some unique and intriguing Aztec names for your little prince from the infographic below.

mystical aztec baby names for your son (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

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.
  1. Aztec Civilization.
    https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/aztec-civilization/
  2. Aztec.
    https://www.lib.uci.edu/sites/all/exhibits/meso/aztec.html
  3. A Guide to Names and Naming Practices.
    https://www.fbiic.gov/public/2008/nov/Naming_practice_guide_UK_2006.pdf
  4. Children of the Aztecs.
    https://www.eiu.edu/historia/Thoele.pdf

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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.

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Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

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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.

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