The Aztec people, who flourished in Mesoamerica from the 14th to the 16th centuries, bestowed upon their children names with significance, reflecting a complex web of cultural, religious, and societal influences. Many Aztec names are inspired by nature, gods, or characteristics. The word Aztec, itself, means “person from Aztlan,” and has been known to be used as a given name. Because these names are derived from the Nahuatl language, they can also be designated as Nahuatl names. We have compiled a comprehensive list of Aztec baby names for both boys and girls. Check out this wikibook page for the proper pronunciation of Nahuatl names.
Aztec Names for Girls
Ahuic
Ahuic was the name of the Aztec goddess of the running water in rivers, streams, and waves.
Amoxtli
Amoxtli means “book” or “learned.”
Anacaona
Anacaona means “golden flower.”
Apozanolotl
Apozanolotl was the name of the Aztec goddess of purity. It would be equivalent to the English name Catherine.
Atlacoya
Atlacoya was the name of the Aztec goddess of drought. It means “just/deserved.”
Atlatonin
Atlatonin was the name of the Aztec mother-goddess.
Atzi
Atzi means “rain.”
Chalchihuitlcue
Chalchihuitlcue is a long Aztec name that has a beautiful meaning, “She who wears jade.” It is the name of the Aztec goddess of rivers, lakes, streams, and other freshwaters.
Chantico
Chantico is the Aztec deity reigning over fire. It might have meant “two-headed.”
Chicomecoatl
An Aztec name which symbolizes the seven serpents. She was the female spirit of corn and sustenance and the female counterpart of the maize god, Cintéotl.
Chimalma
Chimalma means “shield-bearer” and would be given to provide safety to a baby girl.
Chipahua
Chipahua means “to become clean or pure.”
Cihuaton
Cihuaton means “little woman.”
Citlālicue/Citlalli
Citlalli has an unknown meaning, but it might mean rising star. It was the name of an Aztec princess.
Coaxoch
Coaxoch means Serpent Flower.
Coyolxauhqui
Coyolxauhqui means “golden bells.” It’s the name of the Aztec moon goddess.
Cozamalotl
Cozamalotl means “rainbow.”
Cuicatl
Cuicatl means “song” or “to sing.”
Huixtocihuatl/Uixtochihuatl/Uixtociuatl
Huixtocihuatl is the Aztec goddess of fertility who presided over salt and saltwater.
Itzpapalotl
Itzpapalotl means “obsidian butterfly,” referring to bats. In Aztec mythology, Itzpapalotl is a skeletal warrior goddess who ruled over the paradise world of Tamoanchan.
Macuilxchitl
Macuilxchitl means “Five Flowers” and represents the Aztec god of gambling, games, and feasts.
Metztli/Metzi
Metztli was the Aztec goddess of the moon, the night, and farmers. It literally means “moon.”
Nahuatl
Literally meaning “clear language” in its own language, the language of the Nahuas, an indigenous people of Central America.
Necahual
Necahual means “survivor” or “one left behind.”
Nenetl
Nenetl means “doll.”
Nochtli
Nochtli means prickly pear fruit.”
Quetzal/Quetzalxochitl
Quetzal is short for Quetzalxochitl, which means “precious flower” or “queen.”
Teicuih
Teicuih means “younger sister.”
Teiuc
Teiuc means “second born” or “second born daughter.”
Tlachinolli
Tlachinolli means “a burning” or a symbolic reference to war.
Tlalli
Tlalli means “earth” or the beginning of all life.
Tonalnan
Tonalnan means “mother of light.”
Tonantzin
Tonantzin means “our sacred mohter” and refers to the goddess of Mother Earth.
Tozi
Tozi is an Aztec name which has been derived from the Aztec goddess of healing and sweet water.
Xochiquetzal
Xochiquetzal means “most beautiful flower” and is the name of the Aztec goddess of beauty, love, and the household arts.
Xocoyotl/Xoco
Xocoyotl, or shortened – Xoco – means “youngest sister.”
Yaretzi
Yaretzi means “you will always be loved.”
Zaniyah
Zaniyah means “Forever and Always.”
Zyanya
Zyanya also means “Forever and Always.”
Aztec Names for Boys
Ácatl
Acatl means “large reed” and is a symbol associated with authority and justice.
Ahuatzi
Ahuatzi means “small oak.”
Chicahua
Chicahua means “to become strong” or “to become mature.”
Chimalli
Chimalli is a type of shield constructed out of animal skin.
Cozcatl
Cozcatl means “jewel.:
Cuallee/Cuallea
Cuallee means “good.”
Cuetzpallee
Cuetzpallee means “lizard.” It is the day in the Aztec calendar associated with the god Huehuecoyotl.
Guatemoc/Cuauhtémoc
Guatemoc means “descending eagle about to strike prey.”
Huitzilopochtli/Huitzilin
Huitzilopochtli means “hummingbird, left” or symbolically “reincarnated warrior of the south.”
Ilhicamina
Ilhicamina means”he who shoots arrows up.”
Itzcoatl
This is a rare name that translates to “black (obsidian) serpent.” Itzcoatl was the name of the Aztec ruler of Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec Empire.
Matlalihuitl
Matlalihuitl means “blue-green feather.”
Mictlantecuhtli
Mictlantecuhtli means “Lord of Mictlan” and in Aztec mythology was the god of the dead and underworld.
Milintica
Milintica means “He Waves Fire.”
Montezuma
Montezuma literally means “Angry Like a Lord.” Montezuma was the last independent ruler of the Aztec.
Necalli
Necalli means “Battle” and would be used for boys to instill strength and warrior-like characteristics.
Netzahualcoyotl/Coyotl
Netzahualcoyotl means “hungry coyote” while the diminutive, Coyotle, means the coyote animal.
Ohtli
Ohtli means “champion.”
Tezcacoatl
Tezcacoatl means “serpent king.”
Tlacelel
Tlacelel means “greatest hero.”
Tlanextic
Tlanextic means “sunrise” or “light of dawn.”
Tlilpotonqui
Tlilpotonqui means “black feathered.”
Tochtlee
Tochtlee means “rabbit” or “spirited.”
Tonatiuh
Tonatiuh means “movement of the sun” and was the name of the god who ruled the daytime sky.
Tupack/Tupac/Tupoc
A powerful Aztec name for boys meaning Warrior.
Ueman
Ueman means “venerable time.”
Xihuitl
Xihuilt means “psychedelic herbs” similar to peyote.
Xipilli
Xipilli means “flowered prince” or “jeweled prince” and is the name of the Aztec god of art, games, dance, flowers, and song.
Xiutecuhtli
Xiutecuhtli means “turquoise lord.” It represents the Aztec god of fire, the creator of all life.
Xolotl
Xolotl means “water dog” and was the name of the god of fire and lightning, represented by a dog-headed man.
Yaotl/Yaotyl/Yaotel
Yaotl means “war enemy, battle rival” and is the name of a god of power, omnipotence, malevolence, feasting, and revelry.
Yolyamanitzin
Yolyamanitzin means “just, tender.”
Zipactonal
Zipactonal means “harmonic light.”
Gender-Neutral Aztec Names
Atl
Atl is a nature name meaning “water.”
Coyote
A Coyote is a North American wild canine (dog).
Cualli
Cualli means “good.”
Eztli
Eztli means “blood.”
Ichtaca
Ichtaca means “secret.”
Icnoyotl
Icnoyotl means “friendship.”
Ihuicatl
Ihuicatl means “sky.”
Itotia
Itotia means “dance.”
Ixtli
Ixtli means “face.”
Izel
Izel means “unique.”
Mazatl
Mazatl means “deer.”
Meztli
Meztli means “moon.”
Nahuatl
Nahuatl is a name that means “Four Waters.” It is the name of the Aztec language.
Ohtli
Ohtli means “road.”
Patli
Ohtli means “medicine.”
Tenoch
Tenoch means “fruit, child.”
Tochtli
Tochtli means “rabbit, hare.”
Toltecatl
Toltecatl means “an artist or creative soul.”
Xipil
Xipil means “Noble One” or “Of the Fire.”
Xiuhcoatl
Xipil means “Weapon of Destruction.”
Yaotl
Yaotl means “warrior” and can be used for all genders.
Yolotli
Yolotli means “heart.”
Zuma
Zuma means “Lord Frowns in Anger.”
Aztec Nahuatl given names were carefully crafted expressions, often drawing inspiration from the natural world, deities, and life events, manifesting a profound connection between the individual and the cosmic forces that shaped their existence. If you’re a descendent of the Aztec, using a Nahuatl name will connect you with your ancestors and perpetuate this grad culture in the younger generations of your family.
Jennifer Moss (she/her) is the founder of BabyNames.com, author of The Baby Names Workbook, and Producer of The Baby Names Podcast. Jennifer is widely regarded as the leading expert on popular baby name trends and the naming process, serving as the authoritative source on the subject for national and international media.
Jennifer entered the tech arena in the 80s as a software developer and database architect, and became a pioneer in the Internet industry. In addition to operating BabyNames.com, Jennifer owns a web development agency in central California.
