Find out how popular the first name Ixchel has been for the last 49 years (from 1975 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ixchel by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Ixchel is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 34 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Ixchel.

The history of the first name Ixchel

Ixchel is a name of Mayan origin, derived from the name of the ancient Mayan goddess of midwifery, fertility, and weaving. The name is believed to have originated in the pre-Columbian era, around the 3rd to 9th century AD, in the region of modern-day Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize, where the Maya civilization flourished.

The name Ixchel is linked to the Mayan goddess of the same name, who was revered as the protector of women, childbirth, and the healing arts. Her name is thought to be derived from the Mayan words "ix" meaning "woman" and "chel" meaning "rainbow" or "multicolored." This connection to the goddess and her association with femininity and fertility likely contributed to the name's enduring popularity among the Maya people.

Ixchel appears in various Mayan codices and inscriptions, solidifying its historical significance. One notable mention is in the Dresden Codex, a pre-Columbian Maya book of the Americas, where the goddess Ixchel is depicted alongside her companions and symbols of fertility and weaving.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Ixchel. One of the earliest recorded examples is Ixchel Cabichuí (c. 1450-1500), a Mayan queen and ruler of the Xiu Maya state of Mani during the late 15th century. Another influential figure was Ixchel Pech (1570-1640), a respected Maya shaman and spiritual leader in the Yucatán region during the early colonial period.

In more recent times, Ixchel Legarreta (1903-1988) was a Mexican actress and singer who achieved fame in the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. Ixchel Rosal (born 1967) is a contemporary Guatemalan writer and activist known for her work on indigenous rights and feminism. Ixchel Micheo (born 1982) is a Mexican model and television personality who has graced the covers of numerous magazines.

While the name Ixchel has its roots in ancient Mayan culture, it has transcended its origins and continues to be used across various cultures, particularly in Latin America, as a testament to its historical and cultural significance.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Ixchel was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Ixchel, please contact us.

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!