Cum Hau: a male name of Mayan origin meaning "A god of death and the underworld".It derives from the Mayan word "Cum Hau".
In Mayan tradition, Cum Hau holds special significance as a masculine name representing A god of death and the underworld. This name has been cherished across generations, carrying with it the wisdom and heritage of Mayan culture. Its enduring popularity speaks to its universal resonance.
Quick Facts About Cum Hau
Quick facts about Cum Hau
Origin
Mayan
Gender
Boy name
Popularity
Moderately popular
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
A god of death and the underworld. (the name is of Maya mythology, part of Mesoamerican mythology and is taken from the Books of Chilam Balam, Books handwritten, chiefly 17th and 18th-centuries Maya Miscellanies, named after the small Yucatec towns where they were originally kept, and preserving important traditional knowledge Which in indigenous Mayan and early Spanish traditions have coalesced).
Etymology & Details
Name Root
Cum Hau
How to Pronounce Cum Hau
Cum Hau is pronounced /kʌm haʊ/(English)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Cum- Ha-u
Say it like: "KUHM HAOO"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Cum Hau is predominantly used in mayan speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.
mayan
Frequently Asked Questions About Cum Hau
What does the name Cum Hau mean?
Cum Hau means "A god of death and the underworld. (the name is of Maya mythology, part of Mesoamerican mythology and is taken from the Books of Chilam Balam, Books handwritten, chiefly 17th and 18th-centuries Maya Miscellanies, named after the small Yucatec towns where they were originally kept, and preserving important traditional knowledge Which in indigenous Mayan and early Spanish traditions have coalesced).". The name comes from Cum Hau. This mayan name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Cum Hau for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "A god of death and the underworld. (the name is of Maya mythology, part of Mesoamerican mythology and is taken from the Books of Chilam Balam, Books handwritten, chiefly 17th and 18th-centuries Maya Miscellanies, named after the small Yucatec towns where they were originally kept, and preserving important traditional knowledge Which in indigenous Mayan and early Spanish traditions have coalesced)." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Cum Hau's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance. The name is associated with qualities like MAYAN MYTHOLOGY, reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Cum Hau?
Cum Hau is a mayan name. The name traces back to Cum Hau. The name remains closely tied to mayan naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The mayan meaning "A god of death and the underworld. (the name is of Maya mythology, part of Mesoamerican mythology and is taken from the Books of Chilam Balam, Books handwritten, chiefly 17th and 18th-centuries Maya Miscellanies, named after the small Yucatec towns where they were originally kept, and preserving important traditional knowledge Which in indigenous Mayan and early Spanish traditions have coalesced)." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Cum Hau a boy or girl name?
Cum Hau is a boy's name. The name has been used for boys across many generations, maintaining its masculine character through different eras and cultures. In mayan tradition, Cum Hau has historically been given to boys. The meaning "A god of death and the underworld. (the name is of Maya mythology, part of Mesoamerican mythology and is taken from the Books of Chilam Balam, Books handwritten, chiefly 17th and 18th-centuries Maya Miscellanies, named after the small Yucatec towns where they were originally kept, and preserving important traditional knowledge Which in indigenous Mayan and early Spanish traditions have coalesced)." carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Cum Hau?
Cum Hau is pronounced "/kʌm haʊ/". This pronunciation follows en language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Cum Hau is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with mayan names, listening to a native speaker say Cum Hau can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis.
How popular is the name Cum Hau?
Cum Hau is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Cum Hau offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Cum Hau's popularity may vary between mayan communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "A god of death and the underworld. (the name is of Maya mythology, part of Mesoamerican mythology and is taken from the Books of Chilam Balam, Books handwritten, chiefly 17th and 18th-centuries Maya Miscellanies, named after the small Yucatec towns where they were originally kept, and preserving important traditional knowledge Which in indigenous Mayan and early Spanish traditions have coalesced)." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Cum Hau holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Cum Hau commonly used?
Cum Hau is used primarily in mayan naming traditions. The name originated in mayan culture and spread as people migrated and cultures exchanged ideas. The meaning "A god of death and the underworld. (the name is of Maya mythology, part of Mesoamerican mythology and is taken from the Books of Chilam Balam, Books handwritten, chiefly 17th and 18th-centuries Maya Miscellanies, named after the small Yucatec towns where they were originally kept, and preserving important traditional knowledge Which in indigenous Mayan and early Spanish traditions have coalesced)." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Cum Hau into their naming traditions. A child named Cum Hau will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Cum Hau is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Cum Hau?
Cum Hau carries associations with MAYAN MYTHOLOGY. These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "A god of death and the underworld. (the name is of Maya mythology, part of Mesoamerican mythology and is taken from the Books of Chilam Balam, Books handwritten, chiefly 17th and 18th-centuries Maya Miscellanies, named after the small Yucatec towns where they were originally kept, and preserving important traditional knowledge Which in indigenous Mayan and early Spanish traditions have coalesced)." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In mayan culture, where Cum Hau originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Cum Hau sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Cum Hau often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In mayan communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.