Rising since 1998, #3,459 for girls today.
Popularity of Quetzali since 1996
Babies named Quetzali per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 137 |
| 2010s | 132 |
| 2020s | 180 |
Meaning & origin
Quetzali first appeared on U.S. birth records in 1996 and has been rising in use ever since, with its peak year so far in 2024. The name is given to approximately 1 in 36,529 newborns, indicating a rare but growing choice. It is most frequently chosen in states like Colorado, California, and Texas, reflecting communities with ties to or appreciation for Mexican and Indigenous heritage. Quetzali is a modern adaptation that honors the Nahuatl language without being a traditional Aztec name, making it a contemporary option for parents seeking a distinctive and culturally resonant choice.
Quetzali is a modern coinage drawing on Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs. It combines the root 'quetzal-' (as in the quetzal bird, symbol of freedom and wealth) with a feminine suffix. The name entered U.S. birth records starting in 1996 and has risen steadily, reflecting interest in Indigenous Mesoamerican heritage. It is unrelated to classical Aztec names like Quetzalcoatl but shares the quetzal element.
Where Quetzali is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Quetz, Zali, Liz
Sibling names for Quetzali
Names that share Quetzali's style, for a brother or sister.
