Etymology--Where the name and word came from to name this City, State
The word Guanajuato comes from the Tarascan "Quanashuato," which means "Mountainous place of frogs." Over time, the indigenous word was altered, changing first into "Cuanaxuato," later into "Guanaxuato," and finally "Guanajuato."
Guanajuato-- During the 15th century, the area of the city was thickly forested and not particularly accessible, having only limited contact with the Toltecs and the Aztecs as they passed through on their pilgrimages, and with the Chichimecas on their brief visits as they searched for a home.
In the 16th century, the Chichimecas fixed their eyes upon a mountain with outcroppings in the shape of a frog, an animal that was one of the numens they worshipped, a divine spirit they felt watched over them. In spite of being nomads, they settled in the area of the outcroppings.
The promise of fame and riches encouraged the growth of the mining industry and led to the first settlement of Spanish colonists on these lands. They settled in what is today known as Santa Ana, later giving rise to the town of Real de Minas, Guanajuato.
Post Script:
I know my third great-grandfather, Quirino Rodriguez worked in the Real(Ray-Al) de Minas aka Santa Ana, today. Imagine that, my ancestors were part of this historical place. Grandma Mattie
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