Where does “Quetzalcoatl” come from?

Quetzalcoatl is derived from Classical Nahuatl Quetzalcōātl, a compound of Classical Nahuatl quetzalli and Classical Nahuatl quetza, whose ultimate sense remains unclear.

Ancestry of “Quetzalcoatl”, step by step

Step	Language	Word	Meaning
1	Classical Nahuatl	Quetzalcōātl	quetzal feather serpent
2	Classical Nahuatl	quetzalli	A quetzal feather; Something precious
3	Classical Nahuatl	quetza	to raise, lift; to raise, lift, stand

Every word from Classical Nahuatl quetza →

Quetzalcoatl — Etymology, Origin & Word History | Etymology Explorer