MallowbyNames

Citlalli

seet-LAH-yee · A name from the Nahuatl language meaning 'star'.

2025 rank (girls)
#4,987
Babies named in 2025
26
Peak popularity
2001
2025 frequency
1 in 61,818 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 2000

Declining since 2000, #4,987 for girls today.

Popularity of Citlalli since 1989

Babies named Citlalli per year in U.S. Social Security records.

1382754131990200020102020Most births 2001Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1980s9
1990s362
2000s1,390
2010s497
2020s148

Meaning & origin

Citlalli, derived from the Nahuatl word for 'star', first appeared in U.S. naming records in 1989. Though never common, it saw its peak popularity in 2001, after which its usage has gradually declined. In 2025, the name ranked 4,987, with approximately 1 in every 61,818 newborn girls being named Citlalli. The name is most frequently recorded in Texas, reflecting its popularity among Mexican-American families. Citlalli remains a distinctive choice that honors indigenous Mexican heritage.

Citlalli derives from the Nahuatl word citlālin meaning 'star'. It is a traditional name in the Nahuatl language, spoken by the Aztecs and still used in modern Mexico. The name has been adopted by Mexican-American families and appears in Mexican naming records since the late 20th century.

Where Citlalli is most popular

Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Citla, Citi, Lali

Variants: Citlaly, Citlali, Citlalli, Zitlali, Zitlally

Sibling names for Citlalli

Names that share Citlalli's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

C is for Citlalli, our favorite little girl.

C is for Citlalli…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Citlalli's letter becomes Citlalli's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Citlalli's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Citlalli mean?
Citlalli means 'star' in the Nahuatl language, originally spoken by the Aztecs.
Is Citlalli a popular name?
Citlalli is relatively rare in the United States. In 2025, it ranked 4,987 with about 1 in 61,818 baby girls given the name.
Is Citlalli a girl's name?
Yes, Citlalli is almost exclusively used for girls.