Is Quetzal a boy's or girl's name?

Quetzal is primarily a girl's name. It is also used as a boy's name, with 69 recorded births.

When was Quetzal most popular?

Quetzal reached its peak popularity in 2006 with 8 births that year. It is not currently in the top rankings.

How popular is the name Quetzal?

Quetzal is not currently in the top rankings but has been given to 89 babies in the U.S. since 2004. Its peak was in 2006.

Quetzal

An uncommon Native American pick — distinctive and rare.

Girl's name| Also boysNative AmericanNot ranked recently

Rare name

Meaning & Origin

quetzal (bird)

Quetzal is a boy's and girl's baby name of Nahuatl origin, from the Nahuatl quetzalli meaning 'precious feather' or 'quetzal bird' — the resplendently plumed bird considered the most sacred in Mesoamerican civilization.

The quetzal bird, with its shimmering emerald tail feathers, was the symbol of freedom, wealth, and divinity in ancient Aztec and Maya culture — only royalty could wear its feathers. Quetzalcoatl, the great feathered serpent deity, takes his name from it. As a given name, Quetzal carries extraordinary cultural depth and natural beauty.

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Popularity Over Time

Quetzal has 14+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 2004.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Quetzal
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	19	#14610	▼
2010s	44	#15814	▲
2000s	26	#15951	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(14 years, 2004–2022)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Quetzal
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2022	5	#17185	-3 (-37.5%)
2021	8	#11938	+2 (33.3%)
2020	6	#14708	0
2018	6	#15226	0
2015	6	#15971	-1 (-14.3%)
2014	7	#14228	0
2013	7	#14266	+2 (40.0%)
2012	5	#18906	0
2011	5	#18919	-3 (-37.5%)
2010	8	#13185	+3 (60.0%)
2008	5	#19761	-2 (-28.6%)
2007	7	#15107	-1 (-12.5%)
2006	8	#13317	+2 (33.3%)
2004	6	#15617	—

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Quetzal as a Boy's Name

Quetzal is a true unisex name. As a boy's name, it has 69 recorded births since 2001.

#11952

Current rank

Total births

2023

Peak year

Compare Quetzal as girl vs boy

Frequently Asked

Can Quetzal be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Quetzal is used for both boys and girls. As a girl's name, it is not currently ranked. As a boy's name, it ranks #11952.

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (2004–2022) · Methodology