The word Cihuatlán is compounded of two words of Nahuatl origin, a language spoken in central Mexico since the seventh century AD and the language of the Aztecs: Zihua, woman, and Tlán place; therefore in Cihuatlán means place of women.

The town was founded on the Marabasco River, and at the time of the Spanish conquest its population was about 500 women and only 20 men.

[attribution needed] The first Spanish expedition to the Jalisco coastal zone was led by Gonzalo de Sandoval.

By decree of the President of the Republic of Mexico, on December 16, 1825, the harbour Barra de Navidad was rebuilt in order to accommodate local and foreign trade.

[attribution needed] The Cihuatlán coat of arms is in a French style with cross-sectioning.