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
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • 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
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Yucatan

      Origin

      Spanish, Yucatán Peninsula

      Meaning

      Region Name, Mayan Origin, Land of the Swallows

      Variations

      Yonatan, Aucaman, Gubatan
      The name Yucatán originates from the Spanish designation for the Yucatán Peninsula, an area in southeastern Mexico that is rich in cultural and historical significance. The etymology of Yucatán is often traced back to a misunderstanding during the early interactions between the Spanish conquistadors and the indigenous Maya people. While the isolated meaning applies to a geographical region, the name has evolved to symbolize the unique identity of the region, often interpreted as land of the swallows in the Mayan language, reflecting the local fauna and natural beauty.

      Historically, the Yucatán Peninsula has been a focal point of ancient Mayan civilization, characterized by remarkable architectural achievements and advancements in mathematics and astronomy. The region was home to powerful city-states such as Chichen Itza and Tulum, which thrived long before European contact. Following the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, the name Yucatán became synonymous with Spanish colonial rule and subsequent cultural transformations. The region played a pivotal role in the struggle for independence and regional politics, reflecting its complex history shaped by indigenous, Spanish, and later Mexican influences.

      In contemporary times, Yucatán refers not only to the geographic region but also to the state of Yucatán, one of the prominent states in Mexico known for its tourism, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant traditions. The name is frequently associated with popular attractions such as cenotes, Mayan ruins, and colonial cities like Mérida. It has become a brand that represents not just the physical territory, but also the unique blend of history, culture, and modernity that characterizes the region today. The Yucatán Peninsula continues to attract visitors worldwide, preserving its historical significance while embracing contemporary life and economic development.

      Based on our records...

      Brewer

      Brewer

      This is the most common surname associated with Yucatan.
      Joseph

      Joseph

      This is the most common name of those married to a Yucatan.
      John

      John

      This is the most common name for a child of a Yucatan.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      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
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1848 is when there were the most people born with the first name Yucatan.

      Explore the origins of another name.