WHAT IS THE MEANING OF GUANAJUATO? - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The meaning of Guanajuato by general consensus is mountainous place of frogs or hill of frogs. The name Guanajuato is believed to come from the Purépecha language of the Tarascan Indians, specifically from the term quanax-huato.

However, this seems to be a misnomer for an area that, because it is semi-arid, is not distinguished by having many amphibians. Thus, there are several theories regarding the meaning of Guanajuato.

Guanajuato, Mexico

On the other hand, Guanajuato is the name of one of the 32 federal entities of the Mexican nation. It is also the name of its capital city.

You may also be interested in the traditions and customs of Guanajuato.

Theories about the meaning of Guanajuato

Many etymologists seem to agree that the meaning of Guanajuato is related to the compound word quanashuato that comes from Tarascan.

Its two lexemes quanas and huato mean frogs and something hilly, respectively. When the particle to is added, it becomes a place where (something) abounds.

Hence the translation: mountainous place of frogs or where frogs abound. Over time, the word transformed into quanaxhuato, and then took its current form.

Others think that this term comes from the Tarascan quianax (frog) and huasta (hill). Therefore, its translation would be cerro de frogs. In any case, there is not much coincidence in the motivation for this particular denomination.

The most accepted versions are described below.

Frog-shaped rocks

Many defend that the word refers to the rock formations near the center of the city that resemble gigantic frogs.

Specifically, it is a mountain that surrounds the city of Guanajuato where two large rocks are found. These are shaped like frogs.

It is believed that religious rites were performed on this rugged site. This cult, in turn, led a Chichimeca group to settle in the place.

Kingdom of frogs

At present, throughout the length and breadth of the city of Guanajuato there are references to frogs. In this way, this animal appears in all kinds of crafts, sculptures and clothing.

In fact, one of its narrow alleys is called Calle de las Cantarranas. There is a popular belief that the Guanajuato Valley was once populated with these amphibians, and that's where its name comes from.

There is another similar version that states that thousands of frogs lived in the mountains.

Alternative theories

There are other less generalized theories about the meaning of Guanajuato.

One of them assures that when a group of indigenous people took a look at the land, they exclaimed: Nothing but frogs could live here! For this reason, the land was proclaimed The Land of the Frogs. And from there it derived the name.

Finally, there are those who maintain that the frog referred to is the god of wisdom in the Purepecha culture. This theory is somehow related to the Cerro del Chichimeca as a place of worship.

References

1. Meade, JD (2016). San Miguel de Allende: Including Guanajuato & Querétaro. London: Hachette UK.
2. Guanajuato state government. (s / f). Origins of Guanajuato. Retrieved on November 4, 2017, from guanajuato.gob.mx.
3. Meaning of Guanajuato. (s / f). In Quanaxhuato. Retrieved on November 4, 2017, from quanaxhuato.com.
4. Vazquez, P. (2016, January 13). The origin and meaning of the names of the States of Mexico. Retrieved on November 4, 2017, from culturacolectiva.com
5. Jacobs, D. and Fisher, J. (2007). The Rough Guide to Mexico. London: Penguin.
6. Origins of Guanajuato. (s / f). Retrieved on November 4, 2017, from mexicodesconocido.com.mx.
7. Bower, D. and Bower, C. (2006). Guanajuato, Mexico. Florida: Universal-Publishers.