Moctezuma
Meaningangry lord · Nahuatl
Moctezuma is a Mexican boy name meaning “angry lord”, with Nahuatl roots. Nahuatl was the language of the Aztecs, and its names often honor nature, the sky or the seasons. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's a longer name that leaves plenty of room for nicknames, and it pairs well with a short middle name.
Did you know?
- Scrabble scoreIf names were allowed in Scrabble, Moctezuma would score 24 points, thanks largely to the Z (worth 10). A high-scoring name!
- GenerationMoctezuma peaked in 1997, which makes it a Gen Z name. The typical Moctezuma you'd meet today is about 28 years old.
- HistoryMoctezuma first shows up in US birth records in 1993, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 32 years since.
US births per million boys, 1993–2025
Similar names
Save adds it to your list. Vote moves it up the top voted names.
Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Moctezuma
Moctezuma is a boy name of Mexican origin meaning “angry lord”. With 4 syllables it has a flowing, lyrical sound, and plenty of room for a nickname, so a short middle name balances it nicely. It's a fresh, modern name that only arrived in US birth records in recent decades. It's rarely heard today, so it stands out while still being a real, established name.
Origin:Mexican names
More Mexican boy names
- Boy name: Liam · resolute protector
- Boy name: Oliver · olive tree
- Boy name: Mateo · gift of God
- Boy name: Lucas · man from Lucania
- Boy name: Benjamin · son of the right hand
- Unisex name: Elias · my God is Yahweh
- Unisex name: Luca · man from Lucania
- Boy name: Sebastian · venerable
Questions about the name Moctezuma
What does the name Moctezuma mean?
Moctezuma means “angry lord” and comes from Nahuatl.
What is the origin of the name Moctezuma?
Moctezuma is Mexican in origin, and its meaning traces back to Nahuatl. Other Mexican names to consider are Liam (“resolute protector”), Oliver (“olive tree”), Mateo (“gift of God”) and Lucas (“man from Lucania”).
Is Moctezuma a boy or girl name?
Moctezuma is a boy name.
How popular is the name Moctezuma?
Moctezuma is rare: fewer than 5 US boys got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 1999. It peaked at #8,110 in 1997, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What should I know before naming my baby Moctezuma?
Moctezuma is a Mexican boy name meaning “angry lord”, with Nahuatl roots. Nahuatl was the language of the Aztecs, and its names often honor nature, the sky or the seasons. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's a longer name that leaves plenty of room for nicknames, and it pairs well with a short middle name. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.