MallowbyNames

Quetzaly

ket-SAH-lee · Precious or beautiful, derived from the Nahuatl word for the quetzal bird.

2025 rank (girls)
#4,546
Babies named in 2025
30
Peak popularity
2023
2025 frequency
1 in 53,576 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Rising since 2001

Rising since 2001, #4,546 for girls today.

Popularity of Quetzaly since 2001

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

24487220102020Most births 2023Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
2000s109
2010s248
2020s231

Meaning & origin

Quetzaly is a rare but steadily rising name in the United States, having first appeared on the Social Security Administration's baby name records in 2001. Its peak year so far was 2023, when it ranked 4,546th nationally and was given to roughly 1 in 54,000 girls. The name is most popular in California, the top state for usage. Its trajectory shows growth since 2001, reflecting increased interest in names of Nahuatl origin. Quetzaly draws from the quetzal bird, a symbol of beauty and freedom in Mesoamerican cultures, and fits within a broader trend of nature-inspired names.

Quetzaly is a modern feminine name derived from the Nahuatl word 'quetzalli,' meaning 'precious feather' or 'quetzal bird.' The quetzal, a vibrant bird native to Central America, was highly revered in Mesoamerican cultures, symbolizing freedom and wealth. The name has been used in Mexico and among Hispanic communities in the United States since the late 20th century.

Where Quetzaly is most popular

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

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Quetzi, Queta, Zaly

Variants: Quetzali, Ketzaly

Sibling names for Quetzaly

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

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

Q is for Quetzaly, our favorite little girl.

Q is for Quetzaly…”

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

Make Quetzaly's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Quetzaly mean?
Quetzaly means 'precious' or 'beautiful,' derived from the Nahuatl word 'quetzalli,' referring to the quetzal bird.
How popular is the name Quetzaly?
Quetzaly first appeared in U.S. birth records in 2001. As of 2023, it ranked 4,546th, with about 1 in 54,000 girls given the name that year.
Is Quetzaly a boy or girl name?
Quetzaly is predominantly used for girls.