Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • All Collections
      • Census & Voter Lists
      • Birth, Marriage & Death
      • Military
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2006-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Atlacoya

      Origin

      Indigenous Nahuatl, Mexico

      Meaning

      In the Place of the Atlacoya

      Variations

      Atlatonan, Atlacamani, Lacoya
      The name Atlacoya originates from the Indigenous Nahuatl language, which is spoken by various groups in Mexico. In Nahuatl, Atlacoya translates to In the place of the Atlacoya. This term refers to a mythological figure associated with drought and desolation. As a word, it embodies not only a specific geographical location but also carries connotations of environmental conditions and their impact on the communities that inhabit these lands.

      Historically, Atlacoya has been referenced in ancient Mesoamerican cosmology and is particularly linked to agricultural cycles and the challenges faced by Indigenous peoples. The figure of Atlacoya is often portrayed as a personification of drought, embodying the hardships wrought by the absence of rain. The name has appeared in various historical texts and oral traditions, highlighting the significance of water conservation and the reverence for nature among Indigenous cultures. This historical context underlines the deep-seated beliefs about the relationship between humanity and the environment in Nahuatl-speaking communities.

      In contemporary times, the term Atlacoya has seen a resurgence in discussions surrounding Indigenous rights, environmental justice, and water scarcity. Communities and activists use it to invoke traditional values and awareness about the consequences of environmental degradation. The name may also appear in cultural initiatives, art, and educational programs aimed at revitalizing Indigenous languages and practices. By drawing upon this heritage, modern usage of Atlacoya serves as a reminder of the past while promoting a sustainable and respectful relationship with nature in today's context.

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA

      Explore the origins of another name.