Declining since 2006, #6,803 for boys today.
Popularity of Cuauhtemoc since 1949
Babies named Cuauhtemoc per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 5 |
| 1950s | 8 |
| 1960s | 31 |
| 1970s | 128 |
| 1980s | 116 |
| 1990s | 248 |
| 2000s | 405 |
| 2010s | 195 |
| 2020s | 103 |
Meaning & origin
Cuauhtemoc is a historically significant Nahuatl name, directly linked to the last Aztec emperor. In the United States, it has been in use since at least 1949, with a peak in popularity in 2002. Although its usage has been gradually declining since 2006, it remains a powerful cultural symbol, especially in Texas where it is most common. With a current rank of 6,803 as of 2025, the name is rare but cherished among families honoring Mesoamerican heritage.
Cuauhtemoc derives from the Classical Nahuatl elements cuauhtli (eagle) and temoc (descending, falling). It was the name of the last Tlatoani (ruler) of the Aztec Empire, who resisted the Spanish conquest. The name has been borne by Mexican patriots and continues to be used in modern Mexico and among Mexican-American families.
Where Cuauhtemoc is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cuauh, Temo
Sibling names for Cuauhtemoc
Names that share Cuauhtemoc's style, for a brother or sister.
