60+ BEST Mayan Baby Names and their meanings

Are you looking for Mayan baby names? This is the blog for you! In this blog, we’ll let you know some Mayan girl names and Mayan boy names.
Mayan baby names are often unusual and can be linked to Gods and Goddesses. This brings an element of religion and mythology, signifying strength in the name.
When choosing a Mayan baby name, a ceremony would traditionally be held. The name given to the baby would be derived from the date of birth, gender, and the day they were being named.
It’s important to respect and understand the cultural context when considering these Mayan names for personal use.
Where do Mayan names come from?
If you’re thinking about choosing a Mayan name, you’ll want to know where it comes from and some more about the history of it. Maya was previously a large region in Central America. The area of Maya covered parts of Mexico, Honduras and more.
The Mayan culture was recognised from 250 CE to 900 CE. Nakbe in Guatemala was the first known city to be part of Maya.
Why choose a Mayan name?
Mayan names are pretty rare, which makes them even more beautiful. These names have very strong cultural meanings, and this is one of the main reasons why people choose these names.
These names carry great historical value, and children were previously named during their own naming ceremonies. We’ll let you know more about the Mayan naming ceremony.
What are some examples of popular Mayan names?
Some more popular, modern Mayan names include Cadmael, Itzel, Chaac, Fabio, Colel and Eadrich (wealthy monarch). These names all link to Mayan history and have beautiful meanings. It’s very important to look into the meaning of the name you are choosing for your little one. Perhaps you’d like one of these common Mayan names.
What happens during the Mayan naming ceremony?
Mayan names carry a lot of culture. When Mayan babies are born, they are named at their own naming ceremony. At the ceremony, the baby is brought into the community. A Mayan leader would then look into the Mayan calendar and select the year and date of the baby’s birth. This gave them an indication of their energy. Depending on the baby’s gender, the name would be organised in a specific way. This is all part of the Mayan baby naming tradition.
Read our blogs on the best Scandinavian baby girl names, Brazilian baby names, Polish baby girl names and Korean baby names.
Mayan girl names
Some of these Mayan girl names may have multiple meanings associated with them. As we mentioned earlier, it’s important that you understand and respect the cultural context when using these names.
- Ixchel – Goddess of the Moon
- Xochitl – Flower – offering a nature approach
- Itzel – Rainbow – relating to nature
- Citlali – Star – relating to the zodiac
- Tzotzil – Bat – signifying nature and animals
- Kukulkan – Feathered Serpent God – linking to mythology
- Ixchop – Moon Goddess – linking to mythology
- Sacnicte – White Flower – signifying nature
- Yaluk – Jade – relating to the gemstone
- Xun – Corn – relating to the outdoors
- Xipil – Noble – adding elegance for your baby girl
- Ixil – Rainbow Lady – showing strength and linking to nature
- Uxmal – A famous Mayan archaeological site
- Yaxha – Green Water – linking to nature
- Coba – A city in the ancient Mayan civilisation
- Xiwu – Serpent – linking to nature
- Belehe – Wind – this name links to nature
- Xix – Bat – signifying nature and animals
- Xpiayoc – Butterfly – signifying nature and animals
- Xya – Sweet – adding a very cute meaning to your baby’s name!
- Xaman – Northern Star – relating to life, showing hope
- Xuh – Jade – relating to the gemstone
- Yaxkin – New Sun – linking to nature and showing new beginnings
- Xanat – Sweet Fruit – adding a very cute meaning to your baby’s name!
These are some great examples of evergreen Mayan baby girl names.
Mayan boy names
Here are some lovely Mayan baby boy names for you to consider. Many of these names link to ancient Mayan history, giving them a strong meaning.
- Abund – Meaning war chief – showing strength
- Kukulkan – Feathered Serpent God – linking to mythology
- Hunahpu – One Blowgunner
- Ixmati – Mayan name meaning time
- Chan – Serpent – linking to nature and animals
- K’inich – Mayan Sun God – showing hope and joy
- Xaman Ek – North Star – linking to the world
- Ukit Kan Lec – Seven Macaw (a mythological bird)
- Xul – Dog – linking to animals and playfulness
- Huh – Owl – linking to animals and nature
- Eadrich – Wealthy monarch – adding elegance to your baby’s name
- Ekbalam – Black Jaguar – linking to animals
- Chac – Rain God – linking to nature and life
- Balam – Jaguar – linking to animals
- Kukulcan – Feathered Serpent God
- Ixbalanque – One Hero Twin
- Ahmose – Descendant of Ah Mose
- Citlahuic – Mayan version of Morning Star – signifying new life and beginnings
- Kan Bahlam – Snake Jaguar – linking to animals
- Chi – Mayan version of rainbow – A lovely name highlighting joy and brightness
- Tzolkin – Sacred Mayan calendar – A cultural Mayan name
- Ixpiyacoc – He of the Four Hundred
- Iztayul – Ancient Mayan word for sky – signifying new beginnings
- Macaw – A colourful bird – linking to animals
- K’awiil – God of Lightning and Fire – linking to nature
- Ahau – Mayan name meaning Lord, King – showing strength and courage
- Xibalba – The Underworld
- Balam Ek – Mayan name meaning Jaguar Star – linking to animals
- Yum Kaax – God of the Forest and Wild Plants. Kaax is one of the youngest Mayan gods in Mayan culture
Cool Mayan names
- Hunaphpu – The name of the Mayan Sun God
- Tecumbalam – The name associated with the Mythological Mayan thunderbird
- Jasaw – The prominent Mayan ruler
- Abund – Meaning war chief – this Mayan word has a strong meaning
- Aapo – Name meaning Father of Many Nations in Mayan civilization
- Eloy – A rare Mayan name meaning renowned warrior – highlights strength
- Junjaw – Meaning ‘Only King’
- Pakal – A name meaning Sun Shield – linking to nature
Many of these names can also be used as a gender-neutral Mayan name.
Mayan God names
These Mayan male names are perfect if you want to add a religious meaning to your baby boy’s name.
- Kukulkan – Mayan God also known as Quetzalcoatl in Aztec mythology.
- Hunahpu – One of the Hero Twins in Mayan mythology.
- Chac – Chac is the rain god in Mayan mythology.
- K’inich Ahau – The sun god, represents light and life.
- Ixbalanque – One of the Hero Twins and a legendary hero in Mayan mythology.
- Izamna – a creator god in Mayan mythology, often associated with healing and medicine.
- Yum Kaax – The Mayan god of the forest and wild plants, Yum Kaax is associated with agriculture and the abundance of nature.
Mayan Goddess names and their meanings
There are many lovely Mayan Goddess names for you to consider. You can find out their meanings below too.
- Ixchel – The Maya moon goddess of healing, childbirth, and weaving. Ixchel can also be referred to as the ‘Rainbow Goddess’
- Ixazaluoh – The goddess of cotton and weaving, responsible for creating textiles.
- Ixhunie – Mayan Goddess associated with love and flowers.
- Ixpiyacoc – Considered one of the creators of humanity in Mayan mythology.
- Ixchebelyax – Associated with midwives and childbirth.
- Ixik Kab – The goddess of the hearth and domestic life.
- Ixtojil – Associated with the moon and lunar cycles.
- Ixmucane – Considered the mother of the Hero Twins in Mayan mythology.
- Ixkik’ – Mayan Goddess that represents fertility and agriculture, often depicted with a snake.
Did you know about the ancient Mayan zodiac signs? In ancient Mayan culture, these signs were thought to tell you more about someone’s character. If you choose a Mayan baby name, be sure to check out the ancient Mayan zodiac sign associated with the birth date.
Naming your baby
It’s your choice what you name your baby. If you’re selecting from lists, it’s a good idea to do the following.
- Check the meaning of the name
- Write the baby’s initials and check them
- See if anyone close to you has used the same name
- Make sure you love the name
You might have a name picked out before your baby arrives or choose to wait and see what suits them. There’s no right or wrong way to name your baby.
We hope these Mayan baby names have been helpful. Remember to consider and respect their meanings. Good luck finding the perfect name.
Abigail holds a First Class Degree in Marketing and a BTEC in Children’s Play, Learning, and Development. As an established author and expert in baby names, she has spent over four years alongside industry experts blogging about pregnancy, babies, and family-related topics, including quotes and puns, with a special focus on name ideas. Her well-researched articles are thoughtfully crafted to guide parents through early parenthood, making her work an invaluable resource for families.