Jaguar first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Jaguar has been for the last 28 years (from 1992 to 2019) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Jaguar

The name Jaguar means a cunning and powerful feline creature.

Popularity of Jaguar by gender

Based on the last 28 years of data, Jaguar is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2019, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Jaguar.

Year Male Count Female Count
2019 6 0
2017 6 0
2014 5 0
2013 6 0
2004 5 0
2002 7 0
1995 12 0
1994 8 0
1992 8 0

The history of the first name Jaguar

The given name Jaguar has its origins in the Yucatec Maya word "balouatz" which translates to "he who kills with one leap." This ancient Mesoamerican name was likely inspired by the powerful and agile jaguar, a large wild cat native to the Americas that was revered by various indigenous cultures.

The name's roots can be traced back to the ancient Maya civilization, which flourished in what is now Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and parts of Honduras and El Salvador between 250 and 900 AD. The Maya people held the jaguar in high esteem, associating it with strength, power, and the supernatural realm.

In Maya mythology, the jaguar was often depicted as a symbol of the night sun and was closely linked to various deities and rulers. The name Jaguar may have been bestowed upon individuals who displayed bravery, hunting prowess, or leadership qualities akin to the revered feline.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Jaguar can be found in the Maya codices, ancient books containing records of Maya mythology, astronomy, and history. However, specific individuals bearing this name from that era are not well documented.

Throughout history, several notable figures have carried the name Jaguar. One such individual was Jaguar Paw, a Maya ruler who governed the city-state of Copan (present-day Honduras) in the late 7th century AD. His reign was marked by significant architectural achievements, including the construction of the famous Hieroglyphic Stairway, a monumental staircase adorned with intricate Maya glyphs.

Another prominent figure was Jaguar Quen, a Maya lord who ruled the city of Calakmul (in present-day Mexico) during the late 7th century AD. He was known for his military victories and played a pivotal role in the region's power struggles.

In more recent times, the name Jaguar has been adopted by individuals from various cultural backgrounds, perhaps drawn to its association with strength and power. One notable bearer was Jaguar Wright, an American singer-songwriter born in 1977, whose music blends elements of neo-soul, R&B, and hip-hop.

Additionally, Jaguar Jonze is the stage name of Deena Lynch, an Australian singer-songwriter, and multi-disciplinary artist born in 1990, known for her unique blend of indie rock and experimental pop.

Lastly, Jaguar Paw Lingerie is the moniker of Jamaican fashion designer and entrepreneur Jacqueline McKay, who founded a successful lingerie brand catering to women of diverse body types.

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 Jaguar was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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"Jaguar first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on July 2, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/jaguar-meaning-and-history/.

"Jaguar first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/jaguar-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 2 July, 2025

Jaguar first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/jaguar-meaning-and-history/.

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