Nahuatl symbol for xōchitl, a flower. Xochitl is one of the most common names adopted by Chicanos after the Chicano Movement.[1][2]
Chicano naming practices formed out of the cultural pride that was established in the Chicano Movement.[1][3] This motivated some Chicanos to adopt Indigenous Mexican names, often Aztec (or Nahuatl) in origin, for themselves and their children, rather than Spaniard names,[1] which were first imposed onto Indigenous Mexico in the 16th century through the Spanish colonization of the Americas.[4] The other significant development in naming that emerged from the Chicano Movement was to inspire Chicanos not to anglicize their names, maintaining Spanish spellings and pronunciations.[1][3]
Background
Prior to the Spanish colonization of Mexico, Indigenous peoples had their own naming conventions and names.[5] This was significantly altered in the 16th century, with the arrival of Spaniards and the shift in balance to Spanish power in the region.[5]
Despite this public performance, many Indigenous people's often resisted Hispanicization and maintained their traditions, even if only in their own cuallis (or homes).[5] This led to the survival of Indigenous names over hundreds of years.[5]
Name adoption often accompanies at least a beginner's knowledge of the Nahuatl language.[8][9] The name may reflect one's birth relationship to the Aztec calendar, being granted a name from an elder, or carefully selecting a name that reflects one's personality.[8][9] Some common names include:
Prior to the Chicano Movement, the anglicization of Spaniard names among Mexican Americans was the norm.[3] This was both imposed onto Mexican American children from Anglo institutions, most often schools, or from their parents who often believed anglicization of their names would bring their child less prejudice or anti-Mexican sentiment.[3][12] The Chicano Movement inspired Chicanos to keep Spanish spellings and pronunciations,[1] even as anglicization still continued among others.[12]