47 Nahuatl Boy Names With Mesoamerican Roots

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.

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Name		Gender	Meaning
Cuauhtemoc		Boy	A falling Eagle
Tenoch		Boy	Stone; Prickly pear cactus
Atlan		Unisex	Into the water; Under the water
Necalli		Boy	Fight; War place; Competition; Contest
Moctezuma		Boy	He becomes angry like a lord
Olyn		Boy	Ancestor's descendant; From a low lying area; Motion
Quetzalcoatl		Boy	Feathered snake
Tlaloc		Boy	Aztec god of rain and fertility; Covered with earth
Tizoc		Boy	An ancient Aztec ruler
Huitzilihuitl		Boy	Hummingbird; Feather of a hummingbird; Pen of a hummingbird
Acamapichtli		Boy	A handful of reeds or long grass
Chimalpopoca		Boy	A smoking shield
Montezuma		Boy	He becomes angry like a lord; Hill
Tezcacoatl		Boy	Serpent; King
Tizocicatzin		Boy	An ancient king of the Aztec empire
Achcauhtli		Boy	Leader; A man with leadership qualities
Ahuiliztli		Boy	Happiness and joy; One who brings joy
Chicahua		Boy	A strong and powerful man
Cipactli		Boy	Nahuatl word for crocodile
Coyotl		Boy	Nahuatl word meaning coyote
Cuetlachtli		Boy	Nahuatl word for wolf
Cuixtli		Boy	Nahuatl word for kite
Ehecatl		Boy	The wind serpent
Huitzilli		Boy	Hummingbird
Iccauhtli		Boy	A younger brother
Ilhikamina		Boy	He who shoots arrows at the sky; The name of a great Mexican king
Matlal		Boy	Dark green; Net
Matlalhuitl		Boy	Blue-green feather
Milintica		Boy	He is waving; Fire
Namacuix		Boy	King
Necuametl		Boy	King
Nezahualcoyotl		Boy	The fasting coyote; Name of a Texcoco king
Nezahualpilli		Boy	A prince who fasts
Nopaltzin		Boy	A consistent man
Quauhtli		Boy	Eagle
Tepiltzin		Boy	The privileged son
Tlacaelel		Boy	A diligent man
Tlacelel		Boy	The greatest of all the male heroes
Coatl		Boy	Serpent
Omacatl		Boy	The double-gendered deity, a creator god
Tecuetlaza		Boy	He who throws like a Mexican beaded lizard
Itzcuin		Boy	Runs like a dog
Xochiquen		Boy	Flower garment
Yaquica		Boy	He who goes to war
Quenmachoc		Boy	An unknown name
Matlalihhuitl		Boy	Purple feather
Teuhcatl		Boy	Dust person

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