Quilla
KWIL-UH
Quilla is derived from the Quechua name Mama Quilla, the Incan moon goddess, whose name means moon or moon mother. In Incan religion, Mama Quilla was revered as the goddess of the moon, marriage, and the menstrual cycle, and was considered the sister-wife of Inti, the sun god. The name offers a rare celestial quality with roots in indigenous South American mythology.
At a glance
An exotic celestial girl's name drawn from Incan mythology, where Mama Quilla was the revered moon goddess.
Etymology & History
Quilla derives from the Quechua word 'killa', meaning moon. Quechua is the indigenous language family of the central Andes, spoken by millions in Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and beyond, and was the administrative language of the Inca Empire. In the Incan religious system, the moon was personified as Mama Quilla, a major deity associated with the calendar, agriculture, and women's lives. The anglicised spelling Quilla approximates the Quechua pronunciation, though the original 'killa' is the more linguistically accurate form.
Cultural Significance
Mama Quilla occupied a central place in Incan religion, worshipped alongside Inti (the sun) as one of the principal deities of the Inca pantheon. The Incan calendar was lunar, and Mama Quilla governed its cycles. Silver, considered the tears of the moon, was her sacred metal, and her image was kept as a silver disc in the Coricancha temple in Cusco. As a personal name, Quilla is extremely rare outside South America, giving it a distinctive, almost entirely unexplored quality in English-speaking naming. It belongs to the growing category of nature and mythology names with celestial themes, alongside Luna, Selene, and Lyra.
Famous people named Quilla
Mama Quilla
The Incan moon goddess, revered as the protector of women and marriage and represented by a silver disc in Incan art and religion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Names like Quilla
Cilla
“Venerable, lively British charm”
Cilla is a bright and cheerful feminine name, typically used as a short form of Priscilla, meaning "ancient" or "venerable." It has an upbeat, friendly energy that makes it feel both approachable and distinctive. The name carries a sense of warmth, liveliness, and enduring charm.
Kyla
“Graceful narrow strait”
Kyla is a sleek, modern name that became popular in English-speaking countries during the late 20th century as parents sought feminine alternatives to the then-trendy Kyle. It strikes a balance between contemporary style and a subtle Celtic heritage. The name is often chosen for its soft sound and elegant simplicity.
Luna
“Moon”
Luna is the Latin and Spanish word for moon. It connects directly to the Roman goddess of the moon, carrying associations with luminosity, cycles, and the quiet power of the night sky.
Selene
“Moon”
Selene derives from the ancient Greek word for the moon and was the name of the Greek goddess who personified it. It carries a sense of luminous beauty and celestial grace.
Where you'll find Quilla
Quilla shows up in these curated collections across Namekin.