Looking for strong and powerful baby names? Aztec Names are a result of a rich cultural tradition. There is a long tradition of naming your children.
History of Aztec Baby Names
Aztec names drew their inspiration from the Aztec empire and their religious concepts. Tenochtitlan, the capital, was at the heart of their dominion.
The Aztec culture was a diverse society of different ethnicities and tribes. But, the Mexicas, the indigenous Mexican people living in the valley of Mexico, dominated it.
An Aztec name’s origin derives from the Nahuatl language of the Aztec people. Also known as, Nahuatl names, Aztec names are still used by the people of Nahua today.
In fact, there are around 1.5 million people in Central Mexico, El Salvador, and other regions on the coast still speaking the Nahuatl language.
Naming your child after a god was significant. So, many parents named their children after the Aztec gods and goddesses.
In addition, the Aztec society valued nature and the Earth mother. Therefore, many Aztec baby names give reverence to flowers and animals.
Common cultural names include birds, reptiles, mammals, and the elements of the Earth. Additionally, feathers, rainbows, and other universal figures are commonplace names.
Due to the Aztec empire being a martial dominion, large importance was placed on their military and warriors. These names were reserved for boys. You can find a more detailed explanation of that in the next section.
The rarest baby-names given are those honoring the emperors of the Aztec empire. The Common people could not have these names because of the system of nobility. Possessing an emperor’s name signifies royalty.
Aztec Baby Girl Names
Typically, Aztec baby names for girls involved valuing birth order, (older/younger sister, older/youngest daughter, etc). Commonplace names often included the marvels of nature.
Additionally, a high reverence of their deities made it commonplace for girls to bear the names of Aztec goddesses. Here is a comprehensive list of the most popular Aztec names for girls.
Aztec Baby Boy Names
The Aztec names for boys and men were less about birth order. These names were still available. Many of these names were similar to the baby-names they gave their girls.
The The Aztecs honored this by worshipping many different deities. In this way, Aztecs revered the naming of boys with deities’ symbols.
Because birds were a prominent position in Aztec society, their feathers were precious pieces of art. Furthermore, they were used on headdresses and to embellish clothes. Hence the number of names on the list below regarding birds and their feathers.
Additionally, themes including fire, and universal elements are prevalent within Aztec baby-names.
Aztec Warrior Names for Boys
In addition to names honoring nature and their gods, warrior names were given to the boys and men of their society.
There were several types of warriors. These divisions were formed from the constant warfare of their civilization. Not only did they conquer new lands but also fought for human sacrifices.
These captives would then be taken to Tenochtitlan for sacrifice. Consequently, this practice was valued for high-esteem and accomplishment. So Aztec warriors were divided by ranks and resided in one of several warrior units.
Jaguar Warriors
The god of the night sky, Tezcatlipoca was represented by the jaguar symbol. Only the elite and most accomplished army warriors made this unit. Many times, they wore costumes that resembled jaguar skin.
The Jaguar warriors were famous for taking the most captives and sacrificing them. A jaguar’s qualification was to capture at least 12 captives in consecutive battles.
Eagle Warriors
Eagle warriors were frontline militants who adorned themselves in Eagle feathers. Additionally, they wore beaked headdresses and costumes that included talons.
The Eagle Warriors were another elite unite of the Aztec empire. These elite units were responsible for the large number of sacrificed captives.
The Shorn Ones
The Shorn Ones were another army unite. Distinguishable by their shaved heads and long braids hanging from their backside. This unit required the capture of at least six human sacrifices.
Tlamanih Warriors
Another Aztec warrior who’s name means, captor. The This unit must have one captive.
Cuextecatl Warriors
Recognized by their conical hats. To earn this rank, these warriors had to keep at least two captives.
Papalotl Warriors
The Aztec warriors who captured three sacrificial captives. Papalotl means butterfly. These warriors wore the symbol of the butterfly.
Aztec Gender-Neutral Names
Naming children with gender-neutral, or non-gendered baby-names has become an increasing trend over the last few years. Are you looking to find unisex options for ordinary baby girl or boy names?
Here is an all-inclusive list of the best unisex baby-names from the time of the Aztec empire.
That concludes this best list of baby Aztec names. Are there any unique or common finds that we’ve missed? We’d love to hear about them in the comments. Thank you for sharing!
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