Portuguese Royal Baby Names

Luis has long been one of the most popular Hispanic names in America — it was in the Top 100 every year from 1980 to 2014, though it's dropped a bit in popularity. It's familiar, yet would add a worldly touch to a basic surname.

Can you hear the drums Fernando? Although 58% of Nameberries prefer Ferdinand to Fernando, the Iberian variant has a softer, more romantic feel that makes it a better fit with all those Javiers, Lorenzos and Matteos.

Incredibly handsome and super smooth, Duarte sounds like it came straight out of a romance novel. You almost wouldn’t believe it’s derived from Edward.

Pedro is one of the most familiar Spanish names for boys, via baseball star Pedro Rodriguez and many others.

Jose is as widespread in the Hispanic community as Joseph and Joe are elsewhere in the U.S., though its numbers here are starting to decrease somewhat. Jose is one of those Spanish baby names that has never crossed over into the Anglo naming culture.

Eugenia, a name scarcely used at all since the 1980's, is another that flourished a century ago and could be due for a revival.

Spanish and Portuguese form of Frances or Francesca

Portuguese form of Philippa

The Spanish version, with its -eena ending, takes the name out of the Oh My Darlin' realm, which for many American parents may be just the thing.

Mafalda is nearly unknown in the English-speaking world, despite an appearance in Harry Potter. Indeed, it does have a witchy feel. Matilda itself is preferable, or her French form Mathilde, Spanish Matilde, or abbreviation Maud.

With the current craze for ancient Roman names, variations of the Latin Augustus with its majestic meaning are becoming more popular in many cultures. Month name August, also drawn from the original Augustus, is the most popular form in the US, but Augusto may start showing up on international popularity lists.

This classic Spanish name is well-used throughout Latin America and easily crosses cultures, ranking in the US Top 1000 for over a century. Vicente is notable as the name of Vicente Fernandez, the king of mariachi.

Teodosio is a masculine name of Greek origin, derived from the elements 'theos' meaning 'god' and 'dosis' meaning 'giving,' creating the meaning 'gift of God' or 'given by God.' This name has deep historical roots, most notably carried by Roman Emperor Theodosius the Great who ruled in the 4th century. The spelling Teodosio represents the Italian and Spanish form of the name, while other variations include Theodosius (Greek), Teodósio (Portuguese), and Teodoz (Russian). The name remains moderately popular in Mediterranean countries, particularly Italy and Spain, as well as in Latin America. Teodosio projects dignity and classical heritage, appealing to parents drawn to names with historical significance and religious connotations. Its melodious quality and traditional character make it a timeless choice with international recognition.

A name that refers to a title of the Virgin Mary -- "Maria des Neves," or Maria of Snows.

Manuela is one feminine form that's more energetic than the male original, and is worth considering if you're seeking an easily assimilated Spanish name.

What's the difference between Alexander, the usual English spelling of this deeply classical name, and Alexandre, the French version? English speakers might find the proper French pronunciation challenging: a-lehk-SAHN-dreh, but that last syllable is barely pronounced. Americans might an an a or an ee on the end of the name, or simply pronounce it as Alexander, for better or worse.

One of the most popular names of all time in Portugal and Brazil, with a romantic, lively sound. The main risk is confusion with other names that sound similar: Catalina, Katrina, and so forth. Caterina, with an "e," is more common in Italy.

Berengaria was one of the medieval queens of England - married to Richard I (also known as Richard the Lionheart). She was originally from Navarre (in modern northern Spain) and despite being the Queen of England, she only lived in England after her husband had died. Despite its royal roots, Berengaria is one of the less attractive medieval names, although it gets points for having an unusually strong meaning for a feminine name.

The original versions of Micaela have morphed into all manner of "inventive" spellings -- Makayla, McKalla et al -- but we prefer the genuine international versions, like this one.

Baltasar is a masculine name of ancient Babylonian origin, representing a variation of Balthazar, one of the three Magi or Wise Men who visited Jesus according to Christian tradition. The name derives from the Babylonian 'Bel-shar-uzur' meaning 'Bel protect the king', with Bel being a title for the god Marduk. Baltasar remains particularly popular in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries, where it's often associated with Epiphany celebrations. The name carries an air of wisdom, mystery, and ancient nobility. In literature and art, Baltasar/Balthazar appears frequently, further enhancing its cultural significance. This heritage-rich name offers parents a distinctive option with substantial historical and religious connections spanning multiple cultural traditions.