Ixchel is a unique and captivating name of Mayan origin, derived from the goddess of the same name in ancient Maya mythology. The goddess Ixchel was revered as the patroness of medicine, textiles, and childbirth among other things.
The name Ixchel itself translates to "Lady Rainbow" or "Rainbow Woman" in English. This meaning is fitting given the goddess's association with weaving, which was considered a sacred art in Mayan culture and symbolized the connection between the human world and the divine realm.
In ancient Mayan civilization, Ixchel was often depicted as an elderly woman wearing a bird headdress, representing her role as a guardian of fertility and childbirth. She was also closely associated with the moon and water, further emphasizing her nurturing and life-giving aspects.
Today, the name Ixchel continues to be celebrated in Mayan communities and beyond, carrying on the powerful legacy of the goddess it honors. It remains a distinctive choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet meaningful name for their child.
The name Ixchel has been given to a total of 965 babies born in the United States between 1968 and 2023, according to the statistics provided.
In terms of popularity over time, the name saw its first significant peak in recent years, with 41 births recorded in 2020. This figure is notably higher than the majority of other years, suggesting that Ixchel has gained some traction as a popular choice for parents in recent times.
Prior to this spike, there was another notable peak in the early 2000s, with 39 births recorded in 2006 and 47 births in 2010. This indicates that the name may have experienced popularity among parents during these years as well.
However, it's clear from the data that Ixchel has not been a consistently popular name over time. In fact, many of the years between 1975 and 2000 saw fewer than 10 births with this name each year. For example:
* Only 6 babies were named Ixchel in 1980
* Just 5 births were recorded for the name in 1991
* And only 8 babies were given the name in 1994
While there have been fluctuations in popularity over time, it appears that Ixchel has seen a resurgence in recent years. It will be interesting to see if this trend continues and whether or not the number of births with this name remains high in upcoming years.
Overall, while Ixchel may not be one of the most common names given to babies born in the United States, it has nonetheless been chosen by a significant number of parents over the past several decades.