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Quetzal

♂ Boy

Pronounced ket-SAHL /kɛtˈsɑl/Medium

Meaning: From the Nahuatl quetzalli, the resplendent quetzal's brilliant green tail feathers, prized by the Aztec as 'precious; sacred.' Linked to the god Quetzalcoatl. A heritage word-name — we note it respectfully.Low

In 30 seconds: A Nahuatl name: Quetzal is the sacred bird, 'precious' (said 'ket-SAHL'). We note its Aztec roots respectfully.

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Origin MediumNahuatl

MeaningFrom the Nahuatl quetzalli, the resplendent quetzal's brilliant green tail feathers, prized by the Aztec as 'precious; sacred.' Linked to the god Quetzalcoatl. A heritage word-name — we note it respectfully.

U.S. rank (2024)#11952 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 69

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Quetzal is Nahuatl for the resplendent quetzal bird, whose green tail feathers the Aztec treasured as 'precious; sacred'; the root feeds the god-name Quetzalcoatl. A heritage word-name, which we note respectfully. Rare in the U.S. (said 'ket-SAHL').

It appears rarely in the U.S., mostly in families with Mesoamerican heritage. Rare, sacred, and rooted.

Did you know? Quetzal comes from the Nahuatl quetzalli — the resplendent quetzal's brilliant feathers, prized by the Aztec as 'precious; sacred' and tied to the god Quetzalcoatl, which we note respectfully (said 'ket-SAHL').

Overall data confidence 52%

References — Quetzal — Nahuatl 'quetzal bird; precious'; Aztec noted

Variations

QuetzalliKetzalQuetzalcoatl

Nicknames

QuetzZal

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Quetzal mean?

Quetzal is Nahuatl for the sacred resplendent quetzal bird, prized by the Aztec as 'precious.' We note it respectfully.

How do you pronounce Quetzal?

It's said ket-SAHL /kɛtˈsɑl/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Quetzal a boy or girl name?

Quetzal is a boy's name.

How popular is Quetzal?

Quetzal is rare in the U.S., seen mostly in families with Mesoamerican heritage.