Mayan names belong to the Mayan language tradition. This collection contains 72 Mayan names with their meanings, cultural backgrounds, and pronunciation guides. You'll find 65 names traditionally given to boys and 6 names for girls, reflecting naming patterns from regions where Mayan is spoken. These names carry the linguistic heritage and cultural values of Mayan-speaking communities. Common themes include wisdom, divine, nature, showing what Mayan cultures have valued across generations.
Acan is the Mayan god of wine. The name means “belch, burp”. He is identified with the local brew, balche, made from fermented honey to which the bark of the balche tree has been added. The name is of Mayan mythology, part of Mesoamerican mythology and is taken from the Books of Chilam Balam. The Books of Chilam Balam are handwritten, chiefly 17th and 18th-centuries Mayan miscellanies, named after the small Yucatec towns where they were originally kept, and preserving important traditional knowledge in which indigenous Mayan and early Spanish traditions have coalesced.
Akna is A title applied to “Akhushtal”, among other goddesses, which means “Our Mother”, and was closely associated with those deities concerned with fertility and childbirth. The name is of Mayan mythology, part of Mesoamerican mythology and is taken from the Books of Chilam Balam. The Books of Chilam Balam are handwritten, chiefly 17th and 18th-centuries Mayan miscellanies, named after the small Yucatec towns where they were originally kept, and preserving important traditional knowledge in which indigenous Mayan and early Spanish traditions have coalesced.
The supreme god of storms and rain and associated with agriculture and fertility. He was known as the Lord of the Rains and Winds and maintained important water sources such as cenotes, wells, streams, and springs. He was widely popular and prayers and sacrifices were frequently offered to court his favor and that of the four, lesser, chacs. A lord of the sky, he was the sworn enemy of Camazotz of Xibalba and was thought of as a caring, if unpredictable, deity.
A sky god and One of the thirteen gods who participated in the creation of human beings. After the successful third attempt, he became known as Hunahpu-Guch. The name is of Mayan mythology, part of Mesoamerican mythology and is taken from the Books of Chilam Balam. The Books of Chilam Balam are handwritten, chiefly 17th and 18th-centuries Mayan miscellanies, named after the small Yucatec towns where they were originally kept, and preserving important traditional knowledge in which indigenous Mayan and early Spanish traditions have coalesced.
One of four Mopan 'Grandfathers' of the earth and chief lightning god. (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).
Votan is a legendary or mythological figure mentioned in early European accounts of the Maya civilization. The story of Votan in Mexico dates back to at least the late 17th century. (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).
Tohil was a deity of the K'iche' Maya in the Late Postclassic period of Mesoamerica. At the time of the Spanish Conquest, Tohil was the patron god of the K'iche'. Tohil's principal function was that of a fire deity and he was also both a sun god and the god of rain. (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).
A sky god and one of the creator deities who participated in all three attempts at creating humanity. (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).
A sky god and one of the creator deities who participated in the last two attempts at creating humanity. The name is of Mayan mythology, part of Mesoamerican mythology and is taken from the Books of Chilam Balam. The Books of Chilam Balam are handwritten, chiefly 17th and 18th-centuries Mayan miscellanies, named after the small Yucatec towns where they were originally kept, and preserving important traditional knowledge in which indigenous Mayan and early Spanish traditions have coalesced.
The supreme god of storms and rain and associated with agriculture and fertility. He was known as the Lord of the Rains and Winds and maintained important water sources such as cenotes, wells, streams, and springs. He was widely popular and prayers and sacrifices were frequently offered to court his favor and that of the four, lesser, chacs. A lord of the sky, he was the sworn enemy of Camazotz of Xibalba and was thought of as a caring, if unpredictable, deity.
the Old god of the interior of the earth and of thunder, sky-carrier, fourfold. Bacabs were The four gods of the winds and the directions who hold up the four corners of the world. In Yucatec Maya they are known as Muluc (of the east) Kan (of the south) Ix (of the north) and Cauac (of the west). Muluc and Kan generated positive energies while Ix and Cauac brought negative forces. This confluence of negative and positive energy enabled the early gods to create human beings and the physical and non-physical worlds. They are associated with the deities Acat, Akna, Backlum Chamm, and Chin.
One of the thirteen creator gods who helped construct humanity from maize. Maize known in some English-speaking countries as corn, is a large grain plant domesticated by indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica in prehistoric times. The Olmec and Mayans cultivated it in numerous varieties throughout Mesoamerica, cooked, ground or processed through nixtamalization. Beginning about 2500 BC, the crop spread through much of the Americas. The name is of Mayan mythology, part of Mesoamerican mythology and is taken from the Books of Chilam Balam. The Books of Chilam Balam are handwritten, chiefly 17th and 18th-centuries Mayan miscellanies, named after the small Yucatec towns where they were originally kept, and preserving important traditional knowledge in which indigenous Mayan and early Spanish traditions have coalesced.
Goddess of suicide. (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).
Awilix was a goddess of the Postclassic K'iche' Maya, who had a large kingdom in the highlands of Guatemala. Awilix was the goddess of the moon, the queen of the night. She was associated with the Underworld, sickness and death and was a patron of the Mesoamerican ballgame. In Q'umarkaj the temple of Awilix faced the temple of Tohil across a small plaza. It was on the east side of the plaza with a stairway giving access from the west. Investigations at the temple have revealed that eagle imagery was predominant. The high priest of Awilix was chosen from the Nija'ib' lineage and was called the Ajaw Awilix.
One of the thirteen creator gods who helped construct humanity from maize. Maize known in some English-speaking countries as corn, is a large grain plant domesticated by indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica in prehistoric times. The Olmec and Mayans cultivated it in numerous varieties throughout Mesoamerica, cooked, ground or processed through nixtamalization. Beginning about 2500 BC, the crop spread through much of the Americas. The name is of Mayan mythology, part of Mesoamerican mythology and is taken from the Books of Chilam Balam. The Books of Chilam Balam are handwritten, chiefly 17th and 18th-centuries Mayan miscellanies, named after the small Yucatec towns where they were originally kept, and preserving important traditional knowledge in which indigenous Mayan and early Spanish traditions have coalesced.
The god of thunder and brother of Cakulha. (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).
Bacab of the east. (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 supreme god of storms and rain and associated with agriculture and fertility. He was known as the Lord of the Rains and Winds and maintained important water sources such as cenotes, wells, streams, and springs. He was widely popular and prayers and sacrifices were frequently offered to court his favor and that of the four, lesser, chacs. A lord of the sky, he was the sworn enemy of Camazotz of Xibalba and was thought of as a caring, if unpredictable, deity.
B'ALAM IS ONE OF The Jaguar deities who protect individual communities against external threat. They also guard and protect people in daily life. The name is of Mayan mythology, part of Mesoamerican mythology and is taken from the Books of Chilam Balam. The Books of Chilam Balam are handwritten, chiefly 17th and 18th-centuries Mayan miscellanies, named after the small Yucatec towns where they were originally kept, and preserving important traditional knowledge in which indigenous Mayan and early Spanish traditions have coalesced.
Jaguar goddess of midwifery and medicine. (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).
Huracan “heart of sky' is a K'iche” Maya god of wind, storm, fire and one of the creator deities who participated in all three attempts at creating humanity. He also caused the Great Flood after the second generation of humans angered the gods. He supposedly lived in the windy mists above the floodwaters and repeatedly invoked "earth" until land came up from the seas. (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).
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).
one of the second set of creator gods. (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 God of thunder. The name is of Mayan mythology, part of Mesoamerican mythology and is taken from the Books of Chilam Balam. The Books of Chilam Balam are handwritten, chiefly 17th and 18th-centuries Mayan miscellanies, named after the small Yucatec towns where they were originally kept, and preserving important traditional knowledge in which indigenous Mayan and early Spanish traditions have coalesced.
It is the demonic personification of the earth's crust. (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 initially kept, preserving crucial traditional knowledge in indigenous Mayan and early Spanish traditions has merged).
Itzamna was the name of an upper god and creator deity thought to be residing in the sky. Little is known about him, but scattered references are present in early-colonial Spanish reports and dictionaries. (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).
Huracan “heart of sky' is a K'iche” Maya god of wind, storm, fire and one of the creator deities who participated in all three attempts at creating humanity. He also caused the Great Flood after the second generation of humans angered the gods. He supposedly lived in the windy mists above the floodwaters and repeatedly invoked "earth" until land came up from the seas. (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).
Huracan “heart of sky' is a K'iche” Maya god of wind, storm, fire and one of the creator deities who participated in all three attempts at creating humanity. He also caused the Great Flood after the second generation of humans angered the gods. He supposedly lived in the windy mists above the floodwaters and repeatedly invoked "earth" until land came up from the seas. (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).
Huracan “heart of sky' is a K'iche” Maya god of wind, storm, fire and one of the creator deities who participated in all three attempts at creating humanity. He also caused the Great Flood after the second generation of humans angered the gods. He supposedly lived in the windy mists above the floodwaters and repeatedly invoked "earth" until land came up from the seas. (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).
One of the Maya Hero Twins. The Maya Hero Twins are the central figures of a narrative included within the colonial K'iche' document called Popol Vuh, and constituting the oldest Maya myth to have been preserved in its entirety. this 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.
Bacab of the south; the ek element in the name may refer to a star or constellation. (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).
Ekchuah"black war chief" was the patron god of warriors and merchants, depicted carrying a bag over his shoulder. In art, he was a dark-skinned man with circles around his eyes, a scorpion tail and dangling lower lip. In early modern studies of Maya art and iconography, he was sometimes referred to as God M before his identity was firmly established. 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.
Ah Tabai is a Mayan god of hunting. It is a name that belongs to Mayan mythology, part of the Mesoamerican legend, and is taken from the Books of Chilam Balam. The Books of Chilam Balam are handwritten, chiefly 17th and 18th-centuries Mayan miscellanies, named after the small Yucatec towns where they were originally kept, and preserving important traditional knowledge in which indigenous Mayan and early Spanish traditions have coalesced.
The plumed serpent. A Mayan aspect of the Mesoamerican traditional God Quetzalcoatl. (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).
A demonic lord of the underworld (Xibalba) who, along with Vucub Caquix, killed Hun Hunahpu. They were killed in turn by the latter's sons, the Maya Hero Twins. (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).
'One Howler Monkey', one of the two stepbrothers of the Hero Twins, one of the Howler Monkey Gods and patron of the arts. (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).
Also known as Caprakan, he was the god of earthquakes and mountains. He was the son of the gods Vucub Caquix and Chimalmat and plays a significant role early in the "Popol Vuh" where he is defeated by the Hero Twins as is his brother Zipacna. Popol Vuh is a corpus of mytho-historical narratives of the Post Classic K'iche' kingdom in Guatemala's western highlands. The title translates as "Book of the Community", "Book of Counsel", or more literally as "Book of the People".
A God of solar eclipses. The name is of Mayan mythology, part of Mesoamerican mythology and is taken from the Books of Chilam Balam. The Books of Chilam Balam are handwritten, chiefly 17th and 18th-centuries Mayan miscellanies, named after the small Yucatec towns where they were originally kept, and preserving important traditional knowledge in which indigenous Mayan and early Spanish traditions have coalesced.
god of travelers and merchants, who gave offerings to him on the side of roads while traveling. (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).
Feathered Snake god and creator. The depiction of the feathered serpent deity is present in other cultures of Mesoamerica. Gukumatz of the K'iche' Maya is closely related to the god Kukulkan of Yucatán and to Quetzalcoatl of the Aztec. (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).
Ekchuah"black war chief" was the patron god of warriors and merchants, depicted carrying a bag over his shoulder. In art, he was a dark-skinned man with circles around his eyes, a scorpion tail and dangling lower lip. In early modern studies of Maya art and iconography, he was sometimes referred to as God M before his identity was firmly established. 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.
Camalotz is The servant of “Alom” who, after the second attempt at creation, beheaded most of the people in the world in order that the gods could begin again. His name means “Sudden Blood-letter, DEATH BAT”. The name is of Mayan mythology, part of Mesoamerican mythology and is taken from the Books of Chilam Balam. The Books of Chilam Balam are handwritten, chiefly 17th and 18th-centuries Mayan miscellanies, named after the small Yucatec towns where they were originally kept, and preserving important traditional knowledge in which indigenous Mayan and early Spanish traditions have coalesced.
A group of four Chorti rain gods who live in lakes and make rain clouds from the water in those lakes. (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).
One of the thirteen creator gods who helped create humanity, grandmother of the Hero Twins. Maize known in some English-speaking countries as corn, is a large grain plant domesticated by indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica in prehistoric times. The Olmec and Mayans cultivated it in numerous varieties throughout Mesoamerica, cooked, ground or processed through nixtamalization. Beginning about 2500 BC, the crop spread through much of the Americas. (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).
God of the woods, of wild nature, and of the hunt; invoked before carving out a maize field from the wilderness. (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).
'Sole God', identical with Itzamna as the highest Yucatec god; or a more abstract upper god. (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).
A giant who, by Vucub Caquix, was the mother of Cabrakan and Zipacna. The name is of Mayan mythology, part of Mesoamerican mythology and is taken from the Books of Chilam Balam. The Books of Chilam Balam are handwritten, chiefly 17th and 18th-centuries Mayan miscellanies, named after the small Yucatec towns where they were originally kept, and preserving important traditional knowledge in which indigenous Mayan and early Spanish traditions have coalesced.
War Twin, one of the Hero Twins, companion to Hunahpu (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).
One of the thirteen creator gods who helped create humanity. Maize known in some English-speaking countries as corn, is a large grain plant domesticated by indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica in prehistoric times. The Olmec and Mayans cultivated it in numerous varieties throughout Mesoamerica, cooked, ground or processed through nixtamalization. Beginning about 2500 BC, the crop spread through much of the Americas. (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).
This name means “a god of death who lived in metnal”. 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.
A group of nine chthonic beings of the underworld, they were associated with regeneration. The name is of Mayan mythology, part of Mesoamerican mythology and is taken from the Books of Chilam Balam. The Books of Chilam Balam are handwritten, chiefly 17th and 18th-centuries Mayan miscellanies, named after the small Yucatec towns where they were originally kept, and preserving important traditional knowledge in which indigenous Mayan and early Spanish traditions have coalesced.
The supreme god of storms and rain and associated with agriculture and fertility. He was known as the Lord of the Rains and Winds and maintained important water sources such as cenotes, wells, streams, and springs. He was widely popular and prayers and sacrifices were frequently offered to court his favor and that of the four, lesser, chacs. A lord of the sky, he was the sworn enemy of Camazotz of Xibalba and was thought of as a caring, if unpredictable, deity.
Worshipped by the Lacandon people as their patron deity. (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).
One of the two stepbrothers of the Hero Twins, one of the Howler Monkey Gods and patron of the arts. (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).
Hypothetical hieroglyphic reading of the name of the Classic Maya maize god. (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).
Feathered Snake god and creator. The depiction of the feathered serpent deity is present in other cultures of Mesoamerica. Q'uq'umatz of the K'iche' Maya is closely related to the god Kukulkan of Yucatán and to Quetzalcoatl of the Aztecs. (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).
'Thirteen Gods', possibly sky gods, opposed to Bolontiku. Mentioned in an eschatological passage. (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).
Ah-Muzen-Cab is one of the Mayan gods of bees and honey. He is possibly the same figure as "the Descending God" or "the Diving God" and is consistently depicted upside-down. The Temple of the Descending God is located in Tulum. The name is of Mayan mythology, part of Mesoamerican mythology and is taken from the Books of Chilam Balam. The Books of Chilam Balam are handwritten, chiefly 17th and 18th-centuries Mayan miscellanies, named after the small Yucatec towns where they were originally kept, and preserving important traditional knowledge in which indigenous Mayan and early Spanish traditions have coalesced.
A Mayan war god, known as the Fire Destroyer. The name is of Mayan mythology, part of Mesoamerican mythology and is taken from the Books of Chilam Balam. The Books of Chilam Balam are handwritten, chiefly 17th and 18th-centuries Mayan miscellanies, named after the small Yucatec towns where they were originally kept, and preserving important traditional knowledge in which indigenous Mayan and early Spanish traditions have coalesced.
The solar deity. (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 father of the Maya Hero Twins Ixbalanque and Hun-Apu by a virgin. this 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.
A solar deity represented by a macaw, patron of Izamal (Yucatan). (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).
A patron god of the Lacandon people. (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).
One of the thirteen creator gods who helped create humanity. Maize known in some English-speaking countries as corn, is a large grain plant domesticated by indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica in prehistoric times. The Olmec and Mayans cultivated it in numerous varieties throughout Mesoamerica, cooked, ground or processed through nixtamalization. Beginning about 2500 BC, the crop spread through much of the Americas. this 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.
Bird demon, severs arm of Hero Twin, wife is Chimalmat, sons are the demonic giants Cabrakan and Zipacna. (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).
This name means “a God of the Earth and fertility.” The name is Mayan mythology, part of Mesoamerican mythology, and taken from the Books of Chilam Balam. The Books of Chilam Balam are handwritten, chiefly 17th and 18th-centuries Mayan miscellanies, named after the small Yucatec towns where they were initially kept, and preserving essential traditional knowledge in which indigenous Mayan and early Spanish traditions have coalesced.
This name means “lightning god and patron of the harvest and the seeds.” The name is is linkrd to Mayan mythology, part of Mesoamerican mythology, and is taken from the Books of Chilam Balam. The Books of Chilam Balam are handwritten, chiefly 17th and 18th-centuries Mayan miscellanies, named after the small Yucatec towns where they were initially kept, and they preserved essential traditional knowledge in which they were kept indigenous Mayan, and early Spanish traditions have coalesced.
A god of medicine and healing. (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).
One of the thirteen creator gods who helped create humanity. Maize known in some English-speaking countries as corn, is a large grain plant domesticated by indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica in prehistoric times. The Olmec and Mayans cultivated it in numerous varieties throughout Mesoamerica, cooked, ground or processed through nixtamalization. Beginning about 2500 BC, the crop spread through much of the Americas. this 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.
This is one of two great gods of medicine and healing (with Cit-Bolon-Tun) known as the Lord of the Magic Tooth. The name is of Mayan mythology, part of Mesoamerican mythology and is taken from the Books of Chilam Balam. The Books of Chilam Balam are handwritten, chiefly 17th and 18th-centuries Mayan miscellanies, named after the small Yucatec towns where they were originally kept, and preserving important traditional knowledge in which indigenous Mayan and early Spanish traditions have coalesced.
This name means “lightning god and patron of the harvest and the seeds.” The name is is linkrd to Mayan mythology, part of Mesoamerican mythology, and is taken from the Books of Chilam Balam. The Books of Chilam Balam are handwritten, chiefly 17th and 18th-centuries Mayan miscellanies, named after the small Yucatec towns where they were initially kept, and they preserved essential traditional knowledge in which they were kept indigenous Mayan, and early Spanish traditions have coalesced.
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Mayan names developed within the Mayan language tradition. The naming traditions from regions where Mayan is spoken have evolved over centuries, shaped by migration, trade, religion, and cultural exchange. Today's Mayan names carry this history.
Mayan naming traditions reflect the values and beliefs of regions where Mayan is spoken. Names served multiple purposes: identifying individuals, honoring ancestors, expressing hopes for a child's future, and marking religious or cultural affiliation. These functions shaped which names became popular and how they were used.
Today, Mayan names appear far beyond regions where Mayan is spoken. Immigration, global media, and cultural exchange have made many Mayan names familiar worldwide. Parents choose these names to honor heritage, appreciate their meanings, or simply because they like how they sound. The 72 names in this collection range from ancient choices still popular today to names that have fallen out of use but retain historical interest.
Mayan naming traditions have developed their own patterns and preferences. Names may honor family members, reflect religious beliefs, describe hoped-for qualities, or commemorate significant events. These patterns explain which names stayed popular.
These traditional patterns still matter, but modern parents also mix things up. Some combine traditional and contemporary elements, pick names from other cultures, or create unique variations of classic names.
This collection breaks down to 90% masculine names (65) and 8% feminine names (6).
Mayan names follow the phonetic rules of their language of origin. English speakers may need to adjust their pronunciation for sounds that don't exist in English. Each name page includes a pronunciation guide to help.
When in doubt about pronunciation, listening to native speakers helps more than reading transliterations. Each name page has a pronunciation guide. If you're considering a Mayan name for your child, say it out loud and think about how others in your community will pronounce it.
The 72 Mayan names in this collection offer choices ranging from familiar options to rare discoveries. Each carries cultural meaning from regions where Mayan is spoken.
Mayan names for boys outnumber those for girls at roughly 10.8:1 in our database. This reflects historical naming patterns, though modern naming trends are shifting.
Current naming trends show renewed interest in heritage names, with parents seeking meaningful connections to cultural roots. Some Mayan names have crossed over to mainstream use, while others remain specific to Mayan-speaking communities.
Popular Mayan names for boys include Acan, Akna, Chac, Alom, Yaluk. Our database contains 65 Mayan names traditionally given to boys, ranging from classic choices to unique options.
Our collection includes 6 Mayan names for girls. Popular choices blend traditional sounds with meaningful origins. Use the feminine tab to explore options organized by popularity.
Mayan names carry meanings from the Mayan language tradition. Common themes in Mayan names include wisdom, divine, nature, new. Each name in our database includes its specific meaning and cultural context.
Mayan names follow the phonetic rules of their language. Each name page includes a pronunciation guide. When uncertain, listening to native speakers provides the most accurate reference.
This database contains 72 Mayan names: 65 for boys and 6 for girls. This represents documented names that have been used historically or are in current use. The actual number of Mayan names ever used is certainly higher.
Spelling difficulty depends on the specific name and your familiarity with Mayan phonetics. Some Mayan names have been adapted to English spelling conventions, making them straightforward. Others retain original spellings that may be unfamiliar. Consider how important easy spelling is to you when choosing a name.