Xochitl Gomez has just made her MCU debut in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The young actor has brought America Chavez to life, holding her own in scenes opposite stars like Benedict Cumberbatch and Elizabeth Olsen. But with fame inevitably comes the haters, with many stooping to making fun of her first name.
Xochitl (pronounced SOH-cheel) is a name taken from the Nahuatl (also known as Aztec or Mexicano) language spoken in Central Mexico. The name literally means “flower,” but Xochitl is also a day in the sacred Aztec calendar set aside for reflection, creation, and pleasure.
There’s a lot of indigenous pride in this, so those on social media are kicking back against any mockery. For example, one points out the double-standard of accepting a name like Schwarzenegger and not Xochitl:
Another says it’s a beautiful and significant name:
@wandafilmz calls out xenophobes:
Plus it simply sounds and looks cool:
And another says it’s very common in Latin America and that haters should zip it:
After this role, Gomez is likely going to go on to a long and successful career in the MCU and elsewhere. Judging by what she delivered in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness she’s a fine actor, so if you’re unfamiliar with her name now you’re going to have to get used to it very soon.
As for Gomez herself, she brushes off low blows by saying she’s all about positivity and doesn’t pay too much attention to what’s being said on social media. Seems like a smart move.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is now in theaters.