Chicano naming practices formed out of the cultural pride that was established in theChicano Movement.[1][3] This motivated some Chicanos to adoptIndigenous Mexican names, oftenAztec (orNahuatl) in origin, for themselves and their children, rather thanSpaniard names,[1] which were first imposed onto Indigenous Mexico in the 16th century through theSpanish colonization of the Americas.[4] The other significant development in naming that emerged from the Chicano Movement was to inspire Chicanos not toanglicize their names, maintainingSpanish spellings and pronunciations.[1][3]
Prior to theSpanish colonization of Mexico,Indigenous peoples had their own naming conventions and names.[5] This was significantly altered in the 16th century, with the arrival ofSpaniards and the shift in balance to Spanish power in the region.[5]
Catholic baptisms and conversion ceremonies often accompanied the practice ofChristian missionaries changing Indigenous people's names toHispanic, and especiallyChristian names, such as Jose, Maria, Gonzalo, Francisco, Antonio, Jesus, Ana, and Magdalena.[5][6] According toJulian Segura Camacho, this was an attempt to destroy their culture and identity.[5]
Despite this public performance, many Indigenous people's often resistedHispanicization and maintained their traditions, even if only in their owncuallis (or homes).[5] This led to the survival of Indigenous names over hundreds of years.[5]
As a result of theChicano Movement, Chicanos who had pride in theirIndigenous Mexican roots sometimes adopted or named their childrenNahuatl names.[1] Although Chicanos may have roots from many different Indigenous peoples of Mexico, adoption of Nahuatl names is most common to create pride in one's heritage.[2][7][8]
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 theAztec calendar, being granted a name from anelder, or carefully selecting a name that reflects one's personality.[8][9] Some common names include:
Prior to theChicano Movement, theanglicization ofSpaniard names amongMexican 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 oranti-Mexican sentiment.[3][12] The Chicano Movement inspired Chicanos to keepSpanish spellings and pronunciations,[1] even as anglicization still continued among others.[12]