Citlalli as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Citlalli

What is the meaning of the name Citlalli ?

The baby name Citlalli is a Female name , 3 syllables long and is pronounced {'simplified': 'seet-LAH-yee', 'IPA': '/sitˈɬaʎi/'}.

Citlalli is Nahuatl in Origin.

Citlalli is a feminine given name of Nahuatl origin, from Classical Nahuatl citlālli/citlalin, meaning “star.” In Aztec cosmology the root appears in divine names such as Citlalicue (“Star Skirt”) and Citlaltonac, reinforcing associations with the night sky, radiance, and cosmic order. The characteristic tl cluster reflects Nahuatl phonology, and the -lli ending functions as a nominal suffix.

Use of Citlalli and its spellings expanded in Mexico in the late 20th century alongside renewed interest in Indigenous heritage, then spread to Mexican-American and broader U.S. communities. Common variants include Citlali (most widespread), Citlalli, Citlaly, Xitlali, and Zitlali; affectionate forms like Lali or Laly also occur. Orthographic differences mainly reflect Spanish-based spellings and variable rendering of Nahuatl sounds, but the core meaning remains “star.” The name is contemporary yet rooted, evoking luminous beauty and cultural continuity.