Quetzal is a beautiful and unique name of Aztec origin. It is the name of a large bird native to Central America, known for its long, iridescent tail feathers that can be up to three feet long. The Quetzal bird is considered sacred by many indigenous cultures in the region due to its stunning plumage and melodious song.
In Aztec mythology, Quetzalcoatl was one of their most important gods. He was known as the feathered serpent god and was associated with creation, knowledge, fertility, art, crafts, and agriculture. The name Quetzal is derived from the Nahuatl word "quetzalli," which means "feather." It is believed that the bird's name came first, and then the myth of Quetzalcoatl emerged.
The Quetzal bird is also important in Mayan culture. In their mythos, it is said that the gods created humans from the blood of the god of corn mixed with maize dough, shaped into a man and woman who were brought to life by the sun god. The first couple was then placed on the back of a Quetzal bird to fly over the new world.
Today, the Quetzal bird is still revered in Central America, and its name is often given as a middle name or even as a first name to children born in the region. However, it is not common outside of Central America due to its specificity to the area's culture and mythology.
The name Quetzal has had a fluctuating popularity over the past two decades in the United States. The highest number of births with this name occurred in 2006 and 2010, with eight births each year. This is quite uncommon, as most names experience a more gradual rise and fall in popularity.
From 2004 to 2015, there was an average of six Quetzal births per year. However, between 2018 and 2022, the number of births with this name increased slightly, averaging seven births per year during these five years.
Overall, a total of 89 babies named Quetzal have been born in the United States between 2004 and 2022. This represents a relatively small portion of the approximately 4 million births that occur annually in the U.S., indicating that Quetzal is not a very common name.
Despite its low prevalence, it's clear that there has been some consistency in choosing this unique name for children born over the past two decades. Parents who select the name Quetzal may be drawn to its distinctiveness and may appreciate knowing they're joining a small but steady community of Quetzals across America.