Quetzal

Meaning of Quetzal

Quetzal is a warm, unisex name of Nahuatl origin that sparks images of bright green feathers dancing in the sky. Pronounced keh-TSAHL in Spanish, it comes from quetzalli, meaning “precious plume,” and evokes the resplendent bird revered by the Maya and Aztecs. Tied to the feathered serpent deity Quetzalcoatl, it whispers freedom, wisdom and renewal. Though it’s rare—just five to eight babies each year since 2020, near the 940th spot in US charts—it’s on the rise. It’s perfect for parents seeking a touch of Latin heritage and a dash of inspiration, setting their child apart like a vibrant feather in a sunlit breeze. Kids might even joke they were named after a superhero bird.

Pronunciation

Spanish

• Pronunced as keh-TSAHL (/ke.'tsal/)

• Quetzalli
• Quetzali
• Quetzalcoatl
• Quetzaly
• Quetzaltzin
• Quetzalina
• Quetzalita