Find out how popular the first name Quetzalcoatl has been for the last 24 years (from 1999 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Quetzalcoatl by gender

Based on the last 24 years of data, Quetzalcoatl is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Quetzalcoatl.

The history of the first name Quetzalcoatl

Quetzalcoatl is a name derived from the Nahuatl language spoken by the Aztecs and other Mesoamerican civilizations. The name roughly translates to "feathered serpent" and is a combination of the Nahuatl words "quetzalli" (feather) and "coatl" (serpent). It was the name of an important deity in Mesoamerican mythology, revered as the god of wind, air, and learning.

The name Quetzalcoatl is closely associated with the ancient city of Teotihuacan, located in modern-day Mexico. The Feathered Serpent Pyramid, one of the most iconic structures in Teotihuacan, is believed to have been dedicated to this deity. The cult of Quetzalcoatl was widespread throughout Mesoamerica, with variations in its myths and representations across different cultures.

In Aztec mythology, Quetzalcoatl was a prominent figure, often portrayed as a bearded, light-skinned man who introduced agriculture, writing, and other cultural advancements to the people. He was also associated with the planet Venus and was believed to have departed from the Aztec lands, promising to return one day.

While the name Quetzalcoatl was primarily a mythological figure, it has been recorded as a personal name throughout history. One of the earliest known individuals with this name was Quetzalcoatl Topiltzin Ceacatl Quetzalcohuatzin, a ruler of the Toltec city of Tula in the 10th century CE.

Another notable bearer of the name was Quetzalcoatl II, a ruler of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan in the early 16th century. He played a significant role in the events leading up to the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire.

In modern times, the name Quetzalcoatl has been used by various individuals, including the Mexican painter Quetzalcoatl Cabrera (1920-1992) and the Mexican-American poet and activist Quetzalcoatl Tonatiuh (born 1973).

The name Quetzalcoatl has also been adopted as a pseudonym or pen name by several writers and artists, further attesting to its enduring cultural significance and symbolic power.

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

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

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