Declining since 2012, #14,942 for girls today.
Popularity of Tonantzin since 1978
Babies named Tonantzin per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 29 |
| 2000s | 64 |
| 2010s | 119 |
| 2020s | 40 |
Meaning & origin
Tonantzin is deeply rooted in Nahuatl culture as an epithet for the Aztec earth mother, and its modern use carries layers of indigenous identity and religious syncretism. The name first appeared on U.S. birth records in 1978, and reached its peak popularity in 2011. Since 2012, its usage has been falling, yet it remains a meaningful choice for families honoring Mexican heritage. Its rarity means only a few hundred American girls have been named Tonantzin over the past few decades.
Tonantzin derives from the Nahuatl words 'to-' (our) and 'nantzin' (revered mother), literally 'our revered mother'. It was a title for the Aztec earth goddess, often associated with Coatlicue. After the Spanish conquest, the name became linked with the Virgin of Guadalupe as indigenous Catholics syncretized the two figures. Though ancient, its use as a given name is modern, primarily within Chicano and indigenous communities.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Tona, Toni, Tzintzin
Sibling names for Tonantzin
Names that share Tonantzin's style, for a brother or sister.
