MallowbyNames

Citlaly

seet-LAH-lee · Derived from Nahuatl citlalli, meaning 'star'.

2025 rank (girls)
#3,577
Babies named in 2025
42
Peak popularity
2005
2025 frequency
1 in 38,268 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 2006

Declining since 2006, #3,577 for girls today.

Popularity of Citlaly since 1988

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

741482221990200020102020Most births 2006Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1980s7
1990s235
2000s1,741
2010s682
2020s189

Meaning & origin

Citlaly is a modern spelling of the Nahuatl name Citlali, meaning star. First recorded in the U.S. in 1988, it saw a peak in popularity in 2005, when it ranked highest. Since 2006, its usage has been generally falling. In 2025, it ranked 3,577th, with about 1 in 38,268 baby girls receiving the name. It has been most common in Texas and California, reflecting its roots in Mexican-American communities. The name's celestial meaning and melodic sound have made it a distinctive choice for families seeking a name with indigenous heritage.

Citlaly is a modern spelling variant of Citlali, which comes from the Nahuatl word citlalli (star). The name was traditionally given among Nahuatl-speaking peoples in central Mexico. Its use in the United States has grown steadily since the late 1980s, particularly in states with large Mexican-American populations.

Where Citlaly is most popular

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

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Cici, Lali, Laly

Variants: Citlali, Citlalli, Zitlali

Sibling names for Citlaly

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

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

C is for Citlaly, our favorite little girl.

C is for Citlaly…”

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

Make Citlaly's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Citlaly mean?
Citlaly means 'star' in Nahuatl.
How popular is the name Citlaly?
It ranked 3,577th in the U.S. in 2025, with about 1 in 38,268 baby girls given the name.
Is Citlaly a boy or girl name?
Citlaly is almost exclusively used for girls.