Xitlalli

Meaning & origin

Xitlalli (pronounced sheet-LAH-lee) is a feminine name from Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs, meaning "star." In the United States, the name first appeared in Social Security records in 1995 and saw its peak usage in 2001, when it ranked highest in popularity. Since then, its use has remained relatively stable, with about 1 in every 133,939 girls receiving the name in 2025. Xitlalli has not been concentrated in any particular state, reflecting its spread across Mexican-American communities nationwide. The name's spelling variant, Citlalli, is also common, and the rising interest in Indigenous and culturally significant names has helped maintain Xitlalli's steady presence without a dramatic surge or decline.

Xitlalli derives from the Nahuatl word citlalli (or xitlalli), meaning "star." It is a traditional name among Nahuatl-speaking peoples of central Mexico, though its modern usage in the United States began only in the late 20th century. The name has been adopted by Mexican-American families seeking a connection to Indigenous heritage.