Note XXII-4 — Chapter XXII · MARCH OF ALVARADO TO GUATEMALA. 1522-1524.
Reading edition
According to Fuentes y Guzman, derived from Coctecmalan—that is to say, Palo de leche, milk-tree, commonly called Yerba mala, found in the neighborhood of Antigua Guatemala. See also Juarros, Guat., ii. 257-8. In the Mexican tongue, if we may believe Vazquez, it was called Quauhtimali, 'rotten tree.' Chronica de Guat., 68. Others derive it from Uhatezmalha, signifying 'the hill which discharges water;' and Juarros suggests that it may be from Juitemal, the first king of Guatemala, by a corruption, as Almolonga from Atmulunga, and Zonzonate from Zezontlatl. The meaning of the word would then be 'the kingdom of Guatemala.' Guat., i. 4; ii. 259-60.