The Best Mexican Names for Dogs

The time has come to decide what your home's new canine member will be called, and this isn't something to take lightly. Are you passionate about exotic cultures? Discover the Mexican names for dogs that best suit that furry friend with a charro's face.

Mexican Dog Names With Aztec and Mayan Origins

Two great pre-Columbian cultures coexist in Mexico. The Maya settled in the jungle region of the Yucatán Peninsula and its surroundings, while the Aztecs, a people of great warriors and conquerors, dominated the center of the country. They developed different customs and languages, so before choosing a Mexican name for your dog, you'll need to decide which origin you prefer.

What Aztec Name Is Ideal for a Dog?

The language used by the Aztecs was Nahuatl. One detail worth noting about its pronunciation is that the "x" is pronounced like "sh." The names mostly carry meanings tied to the natural world.

You can choose one related to physical traits or color, like Chichaua (meaning "strong") or Iztli (the name of obsidian stone, black in tone). You can also pick one inspired by its similarity to an animal typical of the region, like Coyotl (or Coyote). This name suits a German Shepherd, while Epatl (fox) fits better with a Spitz-type breed.

Other typical names include the following:

• Atletl: means "Fire of life."
• Citlali: means "Star."
• Iztacoyotl: means "White coyote."
• Cualli: means "Good."
• Cuetlachtli: means "Wolf."
• Cuauhtémoc: means "Descending eagle."
• Eréndira: means "Smiling princess."
• Huittzilli: means "Hummingbird."
• Imari: means "Corn."
• Icniuhtli: means "Companion."
• Mazatl: means "Deer."
• Meztli: means "Moon."
• Quetzalcoatl: means "Feathered serpent. God of the sky."
• Tecuani: means "Jaguar."
• Tenoch: means "Cactus on stone."
• Totonaco: means "One who comes from hot lands."
• Tecolotle: means "Owl."
• Teoiztac: means "Goddess of the sky."
• Tlilpotonqui: means "Feathered in black."
• Tlaloc: means "God of the earth."
• Tochtli: means "Rabbit."
• Yolcaut: means "Rattlesnake."
• Yolotzin: means "Heart."
• Miztli: means "Puma."
• Chichikuali: means "Red eagle."
• Xochipepe: means "Flower gatherer."
• Xochipilli: means "Flower prince."
• Yaotl: means "Warrior."

Choose a Mayan Name for Your Best Friend

Mayan culture is surrounded by mysteries. They disappeared long before the Spanish arrived, leaving behind the famous pyramids of the Yucatán Peninsula. Their names aren't as popular as Aztec ones, though their meanings sound more poetic:

• Zulia: means "River that spills over"
• Yatziri: "Flower of dew."
• Ixchel: "White Goddess of the Moon, love, and pregnancy."
• Amankaya: "Lily flower."
• Itzae: "Gift of god."
• Balam: "Jaguar shaman."
• Amaité: "Face of the sky."
• Itzel: "Evening star."
• Akbal: "Blue night."
• Lik: "Air."
• Ikal: "Spirit."
• Pixan: "Soul."
• Kaab: "Bee."
• Chichpán: "Pretty."
• Chichán: "Small."
• Nojoch: "Big, huge."
• Cenote: "Rainwater well."
• Itzamna: "God of the Maya."
• Kukulcán: "Feathered serpent," a deity equivalent to the Aztec Quetzalcoatl.
• Yaxkin: "New sun."
• Yumil: "Owner."
• Yum Kax: "Benevolent God."

Names of ancient Mayan cities are also a good option, such as:

• Tikal
• Tulum
• Chichen Itza
• Teotihuacan
• Uxmal

Which Breeds Suit a Native Mexican Name Best?

Setting aside the more obvious ones, like Chihuahuas or Xoloitzcuintles ("itzcuintle" means dog), there are many other breeds a Mexican name suits well. Sturdy breeds like the Bulldog, the Amstaff, the Pit Bull, the Rottweiler, or the Dogo Argentino are perfect for these names with strong roots and mystical meaning.

On another note, guard dogs can also be good candidates for this type of name. The Spanish Mastiff, the Dogue de Bordeaux, the Fila Brasileiro, the Bullmastiff, or the Presa Canario would look even more intimidating with a name like Tenoch, Coyotl, or Yolcaut.

How About a Name Influenced by Current Mexican Culture?

Beyond these lovely names from ancient civilizations, current Mexican culture can equally be a source of very original names. Here are some suggestions:

• Taco (or Taquito): if they're small and never stop surprising you, like this typical food.
• Cuate: for those furry friends who are true friends
• Chile or Tabasco: recommended for small breeds that feel like giants.
• Chapulín: if your dog is a bit clumsy, this Chespirito character's name suits it wonderfully
• Frijolito: very popular in Mexican cities.
• Charro: in Mexico, these are the equivalent of Mexican cowboys, so it's perfect for stylish, resilient dogs.
• Tequila or Michelada: two typical Mexican drinks that suit female dogs.
• Frida or Chabela: in tribute to two great Mexican artists, ideal for females with personality.

So, how do you think one of these exotic names would suit your dog? Do you know anyone whose companion has one of these fun Mexican names? Tell us about it in the comments.