Quetzal

“Brilliant, precious feather” — Symbol of freedom and beauty

Mexico origin · Unisex name

♂ 42% boys♀ 58% girls

#9532US 2023

8Births / yr

↑Rising

131All-time births

📅 Since 200400

What does Quetzal mean and where does it come from?

Quetzal is derived from the Nahuatl word 'quetzalli,' which refers to the beautiful feathers of the quetzal bird, known for its vibrant colors. In Mesoamerican culture, the quetzal is a symbol of freedom and beauty, and it is also the national bird of Guatemala. The name Quetzal is both a modern and

Cultural significance

Quetzal has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Mexico-speaking communities, where it reflects values of brilliant, precious feather.

Peak popularity

Reached #13088 in 2010 — currently #9532 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Quetzal?

Quetzal works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Quetzal Grace

How popular is Quetzal right now?

Rising fast — up 4715 spots — currently #9532 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2010–2023#9532 · Top 7.0%

2010

2015

2020

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#9532	8	▲ up 4715 · +33% births
2020	#14247	6	▲ up 1322
2015	#15569	6	▼ down 2481 · -25% births
2010	#13088	8	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Quetzal

Best Year2023Rank #9532

Peak Count8

Average Rank#13109

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range2010 - 20234 years

The story of Quetzal

Quetzal is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2004. With 131 total births recorded, Quetzal remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #13088 in 2010 to #9532 in 2023. Quetzal is used for both genders: 58% female and 42% male.

Names that peaked alongside Quetzal in 2010:

Isabella Sophia Emma Olivia Ava

Quetzal by decade

Quetzal peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
2000s	61
2010s ★	64
2020s	6

💎Quetzal has only 131 total recorded births since 2004 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Quetzal?

Common

QueQuieQuyEtzal

What names sound and feel like Quetzal?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Quetzal also consider these

Quetzaly

Mexico · Nahuatl

Quetzali

Mexico · Precious or beautiful

Quetzally

Mexico · feathered serpent

Denzal

American · A variation of

Quitman

American · One who has

Aquetzali

Mexico · precious, a treasured

Quatia

African · first daughter; born

Quanza

English · A meaningful name

Common questions about the name Quetzal

What does the name Quetzal mean?

Quetzal means "Brilliant, precious feather" — a name rooted in Mexico tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Quetzal?

Quetzal is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Quetzal have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Quetzal?

Quetzal originates from Mexico tradition. Mexico names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Quetzal trending right now?

Quetzal is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.

Is Quetzal a common or rare name?

Quetzal is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.