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Aztec Baby Names
Though the population of the Aztec—or Mexica—people has decreased since the occupation of the 16th century, there are still well over a million people with Aztec heritage. At the height of their civilization, the Aztec rulers would have had around 6 million people in their population. Today’s numbers aren’t quite so large, but if baby is going to be one of the lucky descendants of these historically fascinating and strong people, then an Aztec baby girl, boy, or gender-neutral name will help them celebrate their family tree every day.
Explore Aztec Baby Girl and Boy Names
Where were the Aztecs settled?
The people known today as the Aztecs are actually more correctly called the Mexicas. This is the term the people call themselves, and they are the descendants of a people responsible for settling what is now known as Mexico City. The thirteenth century is generally when written knowledge of the Mexicas is found, and this is when they migrated to central Mexico from Aztlan. Some several decades later, the famous conquistador, Hernando Cortes, came to occupy the land and rule in the stead of the ruler in 1519. This was unsuccessful the first time around, and Cortes’ ruling lasted only until 1520. He returned later with one of the Mexica’s previous allies of the Triple Alliance, and from there, he named the area a new Spanish colony.
Who makes up the Aztec civilization?
To discern who makes up the Aztec civilization today, it’s vital to know who originally made up the population. The ancient Aztec civilization was made up of the people of Aztlan. Aztlan is a term for both a people and land that has somewhat been lost to legend. When translated to English, the name means “Land of White Herons,” which is said to be connected to their origins in northwestern Mexico. Upon migrating to today’s central Mexico, the people called Aztecs today called themselves Culhua-Mexica, combining their cultures with the Colhuacán people. But breaking down who made up the Mexicas, the people of Metzliapán and Tenochtitlán combine to unite as one people under the Culhua-Mexica banner.
What language do the Aztecs of today speak?
The Aztecs, as called today, are actually the Mexicas. They are still found dotted around the beautiful land of Mexico. These Mexicas keep their traditions alive by continuing to speak Nahuatl. The Nahuatl language has roots in both the Aztec and Toltec cultures, and thanks to their prolific work throughout the height of their civilization, there is an array of literature from the 1500s to help us study this language. Likely, as a result of this literature enabling the continuation of the proliferation of this culture, around 1.5 million people still speak Nahuatl.
