"moon goddess"
Ixchel
The rainbow moon goddess of the ancient Maya
Meaning & Origin
The Story of Ixchel
Ixchel (also spelled Ix Chel or Ixchel) is a name from the Yucatec Maya language, composed of ix meaning she or feminine and chel meaning rainbow. Ixchel was the supreme Maya goddess of the moon, medicine, weaving, and fertility, one of the most powerful deities in the Maya pantheon. Her sacred island of Cozumel (Isla de las Mujeres) was a major pilgrimage site in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica.
Ixchel has been rising steadily in Mexico and among Mexican-American communities as indigenous Maya names gain cultural pride and mainstream recognition. It represents a broader movement to reclaim pre-Columbian identity, similar to names like Xochitl and Citlali. It ranked in the top 100 for girls in some Mexican states by the 2010s.
Ixchel was one of the most powerful goddesses in Maya civilization, governing the moon, medicine, and the weaving arts. Her sacred site at Cozumel drew pilgrims from across Mesoamerica. Choosing this name is a powerful statement of Maya cultural heritage and indigenous pride.
Fun Facts
- Ixchel was the supreme Maya goddess of the moon, medicine, and weaving
- The island of Cozumel and Isla Mujeres were sacred pilgrimage sites dedicated to Ixchel
- Ixchel is among the fastest-rising indigenous names in Mexico as cultural pride grows
Ixchel in Other Languages
Famous People Named Ixchel
Ixchel Gonzalez
Athlete
Mexican Paralympic swimmer who has represented Mexico in international competitions
Ixchel Fictional
Religious
Supreme Maya goddess of the moon, medicine, weaving, and fertility, one of the most powerful deities of the ancient Maya...
Supreme Maya goddess of the moon, medicine, weaving, and fertility, one of the most powerful deities of the ancient Maya civilization
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #3,227
- Total SSA Count
- 49
- Cultural Origins
- Mexican Mayan Latin American
- Pronunciation
- Hard
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Low
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ixchel
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About the Name Ixchel
Ixchel is a girl name with Mexican, Mayan, and Latin American origins . The name means "moon goddess" in Mayan .
Ixchel is currently ranked #3,227 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Ixchel has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Ixchel include Ix, Chel, and Ixchi. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.