• The origin of the name Yucatan has been the topic of much debate and speculation.

• Some stories, such as those citing Nahuatl or Chontal Tabascan terms, have no historical validity.

• Others, such as that which cites a misunderstanding of a Maya reply to Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba's
question regarding the land’s name, are also thought to be apocryphal.

• The Chilam Balam of Chumayel is cited in some sources as having the first written instance of the Yucatan
name; however, this may be attributed to its popularity in later years.

• It is possible that the word “Yucatan” was derived from Bernal Diaz de Castillo's account when
his expedition with Córdoba encountered Maya people who were attempting to explain they grew manioc or yuca via pantomime.

• Córdoba himself never used the term "Yucatan"; he gave it the official name “Santa Maria de los. Remedios” when he first landed there.