The Maya are one of the most fascinating indigenous civilizations in history. They were one of just five cultures to ever create a writing system and even made paper books (of which only four are left, unfortunately). They also invented chocolate and possibly basketball.
The Maya had built great cities that had schools, libraries, hospitals, and even sports arenas. These cities are popular destinations for tourism, as the stepped-pyramid architecture with elaborate decorations is a wonder to see.
Why the Mayans abandoned their great cities is still unknown. By the time the Spaniards arrived, the cities were overgrown and the remaining Mayan population lived in agricultural villages. Though indigenous Mayans in great cities are no more, Mayan descendants still exist today, with about 40% of Guatemalans being of Mayan descent.
Perhaps you are of Mayan descent yourself and would like to honor this great civilization. Or, maybe you’ve visited the ruins of these great Mayan cities and were awed and inspired. Whatever your story, there are a number of lovely Mayan names that you can use for your new baby.
You may be surprised to hear that the names Ian, Hugo, and Fabio are actually Mayan. These are perfect if you want a Mayan name that is also somewhat common. If you’re looking for something more unique, names like Akna or Itotia might be more your speed. Check out this list to find the perfect Mayan name for your newborn baby.
Aapo
Meaning: Father of many nations
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Boy
Abund
Meaning: Living in abundance
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Boy
Acan
Meaning: God of Wine and Intoxication
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Boy
Ahau-Kin
Meaning: God of the Underworld. He is also known as the Jaguar Lord
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Boy
Ah-Mun
Meaning: Gods in Mayan legends
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Boy
Ah-Puch
Meaning: God of Death, Regeneration and Childbirth
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Boy
Akna
Meaning: Goddess of fertility and childbirth; this name means “our mother”
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Girl
Babajide
Meaning: Father is returning home
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Boy
Bacabs
Meaning: Four Gods who support the sky from the four cardinal points
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Boy
Bembe
Meaning: Son of prophecy
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Boy
Cadmael
Meaning: War Chief
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Boy
Chaac
Meaning: God of Fertility
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Girl
Chimalmat
Meaning: Mother of giants
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Girl
Colel
Meaning: The bee goddess
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Girl
Cualli
Meaning: Good
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Unisex
Dacey
Meaning: Adored
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Boy
Eadrich
Meaning: A very wealthy monarch
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Boy
Eloy
Meaning: Famous warrior
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Boy
Eztli
Meaning: Blood
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Girl
Fabio
Meaning: Bean farmer
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Boy
Gabor
Meaning: The bravest man of God
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Boy
Hadwin
Meaning: To be strong
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Boy
Horado
Meaning: The one who keeps time
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Boy
Hugo
Meaning: Intelligent
Origin: German
Gender: Boy
Humberto
Meaning: Bright and intelligent
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Boy
Huracan
Meaning: Storm God
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Boy
Ian
Meaning: God is gracious
Origin: Gaelic
Gender: Boy
Itotia
Meaning: Dance
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Girl
Ixazaluoh
Meaning: Dawn
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Girl
Ixchel
Meaning: ‘Lady Rainbow’. She is the Goddess of medicine and childbirth
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Girl
Ixik
Meaning: Early goddess known to preside over the seas
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Girl
Izel
Meaning: Unique
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Girl
Kinich Ahau
Meaning: Sun God and is associated with medicine and healing
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Boy
Kukulcan
Meaning: Great plumed serpent deity from whom humans learned communication, trade, fishing, construction, and a wide variety of skills
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Boy
Nacon
Meaning: God of War
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Boy
Patli
Meaning: Medicine
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Boy
Tecumbalam
Meaning: Great bird in Mayan legend who was sent to break human beings who displeased God
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Boy
Xoc
Meaning: Fish. This name is associated with a Mayan Queen consort, Lady Xoc
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Girl
Xpiayoc
Meaning: A mysterious side
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Girl
Yolotli
Meaning: Heart
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Girl
Yum Kaax
Meaning: God of the Woods and was worshiped by hunters and farmers
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Boy
Zotz
Meaning: God of Bats
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Boy
Zuma
Meaning: The Lord frowns upon you in anger
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Girl
Zyanfya
Meaning: Forever, always
Origin: Mayan
Gender: Girl
