Rising since 1998, #3,780 for girls today.
Popularity of Metzli since 1996
Babies named Metzli per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 10 |
| 2000s | 137 |
| 2010s | 117 |
| 2020s | 210 |
Meaning & origin
Metzli, meaning 'moon' in Nahuatl, entered the U.S. naming landscape in 1996 and has been gaining traction ever since. As of 2025, it ranks 3780th in popularity, with about 1 in 41,212 female births receiving the name. Its peak year was 2023, reflecting a steady upward trend that began in 1998. The name is most common in California, which aligns with the largest Mexican-American population in the U.S. Metzli offers a direct connection to Aztec culture and language, making it a distinctive choice for families honoring indigenous heritage. Its melodic sound and celestial meaning contribute to its appeal, though it remains relatively rare compared to mainstream names. The trajectory suggests continued growth, but it is far from overexposure, preserving its unique character.
Metzli comes directly from the Nahuatl language, where it means 'moon.' It is the name of the Aztec moon deity, though the name itself is simply the common noun for the moon. The name has been used in Mexico and among families with Nahuatl heritage, and has gained some popularity in the United States since the late 1990s.
Where Metzli is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Metzi, Zli
Variants: Meztli
Sibling names for Metzli
Names that share Metzli's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Xochitl, Citlali, Tonatiuh, Ixchel, Itzel
Brothers: Cuauhtemoc, Tlaloc, Quetzal, Xochipilli, Huitzilin

