The name Tlaloc is of Aztec origin and has a rich history and significant meaning in Mesoamerican culture. It is derived from the Nahuatl word "Tlaloc," which means "who makes the year" or "the one who pours out the water." This name was given to the Aztec god of rain, lightning, thunder, and fertility.
Tlaloc was considered a dual-faced deity; he brought life-giving rains that sustained crops but could also be cruel and unpredictable, causing floods and droughts. He was often depicted with fangs, a frightful mask, and precious stones in his eyes, which symbolized the rain drops that nourish the earth.
In Aztec mythology, Tlaloc played an essential role in the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. He was one of the few gods who could cross the boundaries between the human world and the underworld. It is believed that he took the souls of those who died from lightning strikes or drowning to his paradise called Tlalocan.
Today, the name Tlaloc continues to evoke images of ancient civilizations, powerful deities, and the awesome forces of nature they represented. It is a unique and striking choice for parents looking for a distinctive name with a rich cultural heritage for their child.
The name Tlaloc has been steadily increasing in popularity in the United States over the past few decades, with a total of 257 babies given this name since 1977.
In the early years recorded, there were only five births each year for the namesake between 1977 and 1980. However, by the late 1990s, the number of babies named Tlaloc began to rise, with seven births in both 1998 and 1999.
The early 2000s saw a significant increase in popularity for the name, with peaks at 14 births in both 2004 and 2006. This trend continued throughout most of the decade, with high points including 18 births in 2007 and 13 births in 2017.
Despite a slight dip in popularity between 2013 and 2015, with only five to nine births each year, the name Tlaloc has seen a recent resurgence. In 2022 alone, there were seventeen babies named Tlaloc, marking one of the highest years on record.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate that while the name Tlaloc may not have been exceptionally popular in its earliest years, it has since gained significant traction and continues to be a favorite among parents in the United States today.