My Favorite Latina Names!
- Fifi
Origin:
French diminutive of Josephine, HebrewMeaning:
"Jehovah increases"Description:
Fifi is a perfect name -- for a French poodle. But Fifi may seem more child-friendly as names like Coco and Lulu rise. Fifi in its fluffiness also balances the seriousness of such full names as Josephine or Federica.
- Viva
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"alive, living, life"Description:
Viva la baby with this life-affirming name, one of the appealing group of girl names that mean life. Other related life-giving names on the rise: cousins Vida and Vita, and Vivian, Aviva, and even Zoe.
- Manuela
Origin:
Spanish, feminine variation of EmmanuelMeaning:
"God is with us"Description:
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.
- Franka
Description:
Franka is a feminine name with Germanic origins, serving as the feminine form of Frank. The name derives from the tribal name of the Franks, meaning "free one" or "free person." Popular throughout Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in Germany, Poland, Croatia, and neighboring countries, Franka carries a strong, independent spirit in its meaning. The name has a classic European sensibility while remaining relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. Franka offers a distinctive alternative to more common feminine names while still being easily recognizable and pronounceable. Its cross-cultural presence makes it an option for parents seeking a name with international appeal and a powerful meaning.
- Florencia
Origin:
Spanish, from LatinMeaning:
"flourishing, prosperous"Description:
A pretty elaboration on Florence used in Hispanic countries.
- Kahlo
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"bald"Description:
Contrary to popular belief, the name Kahlo has German origins, rather than Spanish. It derives from kahl, a German word meaning "bald." Mexican Artist Frida Kahlo was born to a German father, photographer Guillermo Kahlo.
- Pacifica
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"tranquil"Description:
When properly pronounced, has an alluring sound and harmonious meaning.
- Tornado
Origin:
Spanish word nameMeaning:
"tornado"Description:
Tornado first meant thunderstorm and only later came to mean whirlwind, the common modern meaning. More recently, Tornado is the first name of a tennis-playing teen whose sister is called the equally attention-getting Hurricane. Both names work for either gender, if you think you can withstand the storm jokes.
- Rosalina
Origin:
Variation of Rosaline, EnglishMeaning:
"rose"Description:
A feminine and fragrant member of the Rose family.
- Brisa
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"breeze"Description:
Brisa is commonly used in Latino families, all but unheard of in others.
- Consuelo
Origin:
Spanish from LatinMeaning:
"she who brings consolation"Description:
Consuelo is a chic, highly sophisticated Spanish name that works well with Anglo surnames. It was regularly on the U.S. popularity list through 1983, reaching as high as Number 339 in 1930.
- Verde
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"green"Description:
Verde is an uncommon color name with a Latinate accent, perfect for a spring baby.
- Tavia
Origin:
Spanish short form of OctaviaMeaning:
"eighth"Description:
Cute, distinctive diminutive for this regal-sounding name.
- Querida
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"dear, beloved"Description:
Loving choice.
- Norita
Description:
Norita is a feminine name with Spanish origins, developed as a diminutive form of Nora or Eleanor. The name carries the meaning "honor" or "light" from its root elements. While not extremely common in English-speaking countries, Norita has maintained steady usage in Hispanic communities. It has a melodic quality with its soft ending, giving it a gentle, graceful feel. Some parents choose Norita for its uniqueness while still having recognizable roots. The name saw modest popularity in the mid-20th century but remains relatively uncommon, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a distinctive yet accessible name with multicultural appeal.
- Juana
Origin:
Spanish, feminine variation of JuanMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Juana has not achieved the popularity in the U.S. of the male version Juan. Whereas Juan has made it almost to the Top 50 on the U. S. hit parade, sister Juana has barely entered the thousand most popular. It is nevertheless a popular choice in Mexico.
- Sancha
Origin:
Spanish, from LatinMeaning:
"sacred"Description:
Sancha of Leon was an 11th century princess who became Queen of Spain after her brother was killed by Ferdinand I, whom she then married. A twisted tale indeed, but Sancha is one of those names that is both historic and extremely rare -- no babies were named Sancha or Sancho in the US in 2021. Sancho Panza was the sidekick of the fictional Don Quixote.
- Diablo
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"devil"Description:
Diablo Cody, self-named (she's really Brook Busey) screenwriter of Juno, singlehandedly helped popularize not just her heroine's name and her own but all o-ending names for girls. You don't need us to tell you that it takes a brave parent, in every way, to name a baby Diablo. Diablo is one of the Spanish baby names that diverges furthest from the well-paved camino.
- Marita
Origin:
German and Spanish diminutive of MariaMeaning:
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"Description:
Derived from Maria, the meaning of which is uncertain. Theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea"); "bitter" (from Hebrew marah "bitterness"); and "beloved" (from the Egyptian root mr).
- Rosita
Origin:
Spanish, diminutive of RosaMeaning:
"rose"Description:
This spirited Spanish variation of Rosa was familiar in the mid-20th century, but is used more quietly now. Given to around 35 babies in the US each year, it could work as a fresh alternative to Roberta or Rosie.