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Quetzali
Pronounced ket-SAH-lee /kɛtˈsɑ.li/High
Meaning: Precious feather, quetzal plume; from Nahuatl quetzalli, the emerald tail feather that meant 'treasure' itselfHigh
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
Quetzali adapts Nahuatl quetzalli — the long green tail feather of the resplendent quetzal, so precious the word came to mean anything treasured (and crowns the god Quetzalcoatl, the 'feathered serpent'). The modern girls' name belongs to Mexico's Indigenous-revival naming alongside Citlali and Yaretzi.
The single-l spelling is a streamlined sister of Quetzalli; both are rare in the U.S. and proudly Mexican. Guatemala, where the bird is national emblem and the currency is the quetzal, shares the affection.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Quetzali mean?
Quetzali comes from Nahuatl quetzalli, the precious tail feather of the quetzal bird — a word that meant 'treasure' itself.
How do you pronounce Quetzali?
It's said ket-SAH-lee /kɛtˈsɑ.li/ — three syllables, stress on the second.
Is Quetzali a boy or girl name?
Quetzali is a girl's name.
How popular is Quetzali?
Quetzali is a rare name in the U.S., chosen by families honoring Mexican heritage.