Chichimeca was the name that the Aztecs generically gave to a wide range of nomadic groups that inhabited the north of modern-day Mexico.

Several interpretations have been given for the name. One of the most pervasive holds that it comes from the Nahuatl chi (dog) and mecatl (rope; which has survived as the modern Spanish mecate), thus meaning "lineage of dogs" or "descendants of dogs", in reference to their perceived barbarism. Another interpretation is "arrogant dogs". The term was, in any event, highly pejorative.