Spanish Hispanic and Latin names
- Ainhoa
Origin:
Basque place nameDescription:
The name of the French town where a vision of the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared, this name is in the Spanish Top 100 and was, until recently, virtually unheard of elsewhere. Now however it is familiar in Puerto Rico and Chile, and as of 2019, it has been a feature in the US Top 1000.
- Crisanta
Origin:
Spanish from GreekMeaning:
"golden flower, chrysanthemum"Description:
Crisanta, while not related to Christine, would make a pretty and highly unusual alternative to that tried-and-true name. Because of its relationship to the chrysanthemum, the flower of the month of November, it's one of the recommended names for Scorpio babies as well as names for November babies. Crisanta might also give you a fresh route to nicknames like Cris, Crissy, or Cristie.
- Erendira
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"she who smiles"Description:
Erendira was the name of a Gabriel Garcia Marquez heroine and also a mythological princess. The name is best known in Mexico.
- Cleanto
Description:
Cleanto is an uncommon masculine name with classical roots, likely derived from Greek origins. It may be related to the Greek name Cleanthes (Κλεάνθης), which combines elements meaning "glory" and "flower" or "bloom." Alternatively, it could be a variation of Cleante, the Italian form of this classical name. With its melodic ending in "o," Cleanto carries a Mediterranean or Latino flair while maintaining connections to ancient Greek tradition. The name has remained extremely rare throughout history, potentially appealing to parents seeking something with classical origins yet virtually unique in modern usage. Cleanto has a certain scholarly or philosophical association, perhaps reflecting its connections to ancient Greek culture, while its flowing sounds give it a certain poetic quality.
- Viridiana
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"green"Description:
Viridiana is a frillier version of the medieval name Viridis, meaning green. Viridiana briefly made it into the top 1000 in the US in the 1990s.
- Querida
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"dear, beloved"Description:
Loving choice.
- Mariposa
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"butterfly"Description:
Mariposa is a rare, romantic choice with an intriguing meaning.
- Hilaria
Origin:
Latin, SpanishMeaning:
"cheerful"Description:
Hilaria, the ancient Roman form of Hilary also given to joyous festivals, is still used in Spain and Poland, while the intriguing Italian version is Ilaria. A notable current bearer is fitness expert and wife of Alec, Hilaria Baldwin, who was born Hillary.
- Ezequiel
Origin:
Spanish and Portuguese form of Ezekiel, HebrewMeaning:
"God strengthens"Description:
Ezekiel and Ezequiel have both featured in the US Top 1000 since the 1980s , though it has been since the 2010s that they've become favorites. Joining Biblical or international style choices such as Gabriel and Raphael, Ezekiel is in the Top 100, while this Spanish and Portuguese variation sits comfortably in the Top 400.
- Zafiro
Description:
Zafiro is a masculine name derived from the Spanish word for 'sapphire,' referring to the blue precious gemstone. The name carries connotations of luxury, beauty, and rarity. In various cultures, sapphires symbolize wisdom, nobility, and divine favor. Zafiro has a melodic quality with its flowing sounds and distinctive 'z' beginning. While not among the most common names in English-speaking countries, it enjoys occasional use in Spanish-speaking regions. The name offers a unique option for parents seeking something with both exotic flair and a recognizable meaning. Its gemstone association gives it a touch of natural elegance and splendor.
- Xalbador
Description:
Xalbador is a rare masculine name of Basque origin, traditional to the distinctive language and culture found in the region spanning northern Spain and southwestern France. The name is a variant of Salvador, ultimately derived from Latin 'salvator' meaning 'savior,' but adapted to Basque phonology and spelling conventions. The initial 'X' is pronounced with a 'sh' sound in Basque. Xalbador gained some recognition through the famous Basque poet and improvisational singer Fernando Aire 'Xalbador' (1920-1976). The name remains extremely uncommon outside Basque communities, making it a distinctive choice that strongly connects to Basque cultural heritage and independence. Its unusual spelling and pronunciation may present challenges outside the Basque Country.
- Arantxa
Origin:
BasqueMeaning:
"thornbush"Description:
Basque names, indeed the entire Basque language, are unrelated to any other. Arantxa is a diminutive of Arantzazu. This obscure choice was made known by tennis player Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario.
- Zerlina
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"beautiful dawn"Description:
Zerlina is a variation of Zerlin, meaning "beautiful dawn". Zerlina is most famous as the wily, clever servant girl in Mozart's opera Don Giovanni, where she is the only character to seemingly get her way.
- Madrona
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"mother"Description:
A bit grown-up for a tiny baby.
- Columba
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"dove"Description:
Columba is an early saint's name that rhumbas to a modern beat. While the original St. Columba is male, the name sounds more appropriate for a girl in the modern world. Leave variations Colm and Callum for the boys.
- Benicia
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"blessed one"Description:
There are several fine Ben-beginning boy's names, such as BENJAMIN and BENEDICT, but girls names like this and BENJAMINA don't fare as well.
- Unai
Origin:
BasqueMeaning:
"cowherd"Description:
Popular name in Spain's Basque country, thanks to cowboyish meaning, virtually unknown elsewhere.
- Alamo
Origin:
Place-name, SpanishMeaning:
"poplar tree"Description:
The unique O-ending makes this name memorable, especially for someone with ties to Texas.
- Caridad
Origin:
Spanish word nameMeaning:
"charity"Description:
Caridad is a theological Virgin name, representing Our Lady of Charity, and a popular saint's name in Cuba. Would make an interesting choice, in the manner of the more familiar Soledad, Our Lady of Solitude.
- Absalón
Description:
Absalón is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, derived from the biblical Absalom (אַבְשָׁלוֹם), meaning 'father of peace' or 'my father is peace.' In the Bible, Absalom was the third son of King David, known for his remarkable beauty and tragic rebellion against his father. The Spanish form Absalón maintains the biblical roots while adapting to Hispanic phonology. Despite its rich historical significance, the name remains relatively uncommon in modern usage. Those named Absalón might be perceived as carrying a name with gravitas and historical depth. In some Latin American countries, particularly among traditional families, the name occasionally appears as a distinctive choice that reflects religious heritage.
