NomOrigine Background

Origin and meaning of the name Ixchel

What is the origin of the name Ixchel?

Ix Chel is a Mayan goddess and her name translates to "Lady Ix" or "White Lady," with Ix meaning "rain" or "not" and Chel meaning "woman" or "born of a cenote." The exact origin of the name may vary slightly depending on the specific Maya culture, but she is widely recognized as a major deity in pre-Columbian Mesoamerican cultures, particularly among the Yucatec Maya. Ix Chel was associated with fertility, childbirth, the moon, medicine, and midwifery. She was often depicted holding a serpent or mirroring her own image in water, symbolizing her connection to freshwater sources like cenotes.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the first name Ixchel

Unlock the Secrets of Your First Name Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your First Name Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my first name's origin now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the name Ixchel

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Ixchel

Ixchel is a Mayan name, specifically associated with the ancient Maya civilization that thrived in Central America from around 2000 BCE to the early 16th century CE. The name Ixchel translates roughly to "Lady Rainbow" or "She of the White Shell." In Maya mythology, Ix Chel was a goddess of fertility, medicine, childbirth, and the moon. She was often depicted as a woman with a snake in her hair or around her body, symbolizing her connection to serpents and healing. The name Ixchel has gained popularity outside of Mayan cultures, especially among those interested in ancient mythology or seeking unique names with cultural significance.

Character traits associated with the name Ixchel

Ixchel is a Mayan name traditionally associated with female deities, particularly the goddess of medicine, fertility, and weaving. Characteristics often attributed to individuals named Ixchel include strong spirituality, wisdom, and intuition. These individuals are believed to possess deep understanding of nature and the human condition, making them empathetic and nurturing. They may also exhibit creative talents, especially in artistic or healing pursuits, due to their association with weaving and medicine. Ixchel is often portrayed as a powerful and independent figure, reflecting traits of determination, resilience, and self-reliance. However, they are also known for their compassion and ability to provide comfort and healing to those in need.

Popularity of the name Ixchel

Ixchel is a Mayan goddess and a popular female given name, especially among individuals with Mayan heritage or those who appreciate ancient cultures. While not as common in Western societies, Ixchel has gained recognition beyond the Mayan community due to increased awareness of Mayan culture and mythology. In recent years, there has been an upward trend in the use of unique and ethnically-inspired names, contributing to a growing interest in Ixchel as a baby name. However, its popularity varies significantly across regions, being more common in certain parts of Latin America than others or within specific cultural circles worldwide.

Famous people with the name Ixchel

Ixchel is a Mayan goddess and a notable figure in Mesoamerican mythology. In Yucatec Maya culture, she is known as the Goddess of fertility, medicine, childbirth, and weaving. The name Ixchel has been carried by various individuals, although not widely known as famous in contemporary Western society. However, in the realm of art and literature, there are some notable figures:

1. Ixchel Ruiz (born 1982), a Mexican artist who uses her cultural heritage to explore themes of identity, migration, and feminism in her work.

2. Ixchel Tzotzil (born 1976), a Maya activist from Chiapas, Mexico, who advocates for Indigenous rights and language preservation.

3. Ixchel Peláez (born 1980), a Mexican photographer whose work focuses on the complexities of gender, identity, and cultural heritage.

Variations of the name Ixchel

Ixchel is a Mayan goddess associated with fertility, midwifery, medicine, and the moon. Her name has several variations in modern usage, reflecting different translations and regional pronunciations. Here are some common variants:

1. Ixcacao - meaning "she of the white house" or "she of the white shell."
2. Ixchel-Pop - a Yucatec Maya variation that combines her name with the title Pop, meaning "lady."
3. Ix-Chel - a variant using the more phonetic Mayan syntax, where 'ix' translates to "she" and 'Chel' remains the same as before.
4. Shéchill - an alternative spelling sometimes found in Spanish texts.
5. Yaxchel - meaning "first house" or "white house," which refers to her association with the first day of the Mayan calendar.
6. Yich'il - a variant used by the K'iche' Maya people from Guatemala, pronounced as "ee-chill."
7. Shey Cahl - another spelling variation in English, though not as common.

These variations showcase the enduring influence of Ixchel in contemporary culture and pay homage to her ancient roots.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 24 July 2025

Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends

Search the origin of a first name

Enter the first name you are looking for below:

Similar First Names

Ixcan (First name)

forenames > ixcan

Ixcan is a Mayan name of Indigenous origin that means "guardian of the forest" or "protector of nature" in English.