Popular in Catalonia Spain

The Spanish and Portuguese word for "sea" is a Top 100 name in Spain. In America, it's sometimes used as a nickname for names like Martina and Marina, but it could also plausibly stand on its own.

A top 200 name in Catalonia, Spain since 2004. There are several Catalan towns with the name, including Santa Coloma de Queralt and Rocafort de Queralt.

Diminutive of Candelaria, a name derived from candle and given in honor of the festival of Candlemas, which marks the presentation of Christ in the temple and the purification of the Virgin Mother.

Bernat is a Catalan and Occitan form of Bernard, derived from the Germanic elements 'bern' meaning 'bear' and 'hard' meaning 'brave' or 'strong.' This masculine name carries the powerful imagery of bear-like strength and courage. Popular in Catalonia, Spain, and parts of Southern France, Bernat has historical connections to medieval nobility, including Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. While not widely used in English-speaking countries, the name maintains steady popularity in its regions of origin, appreciated for its strong sound and cultural heritage.

An earthy rock'n'roll name with multiple origins. The Roc was a giant bird in Middle Eastern legend.

Spanish spelling of the Hebrew classic that might prove confusing to non-Spanish speakers.

A very common name in Catalonia, in the northeast of Spain, in no small part because it translates as "peace" in the Catalan tongue. Alec and HIlaria Baldwin used it as one of the middle names for their son Eduardo.

A short, succinct short form of the classic Helen and Helena along with the international variant, Elena, Elna was a popular choice in the 19th and early 20th century in the US, but has since fallen out of favor. Familiar in Spain, notably in Catalonia, and in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, it may make an intriguing, vintage alternative to other El- names.

Gentle, pleasant, and succinct, Layan is a popular choice across the Arab world and related to other well-loved Arabic choices, such as Alina, Leen, and Lina. Familiar in The UK, the Netherlands, Spain, and Belgium too, it has been on the rise in the US since the early 2000s and now sits just outside the Top 1000. With Leila, Lila, and Aaliyah already well known among English speakers, Layan could translate well. In sound, it is a little like Leanne, while in appearance it is reminiscent of Lainey and Layla - all of which makes it a friendly, cross-cultural choice with a nice meaning.

Although Malak can be used for both sexes, it's much more widely-used for girls in the US and throughout Europe, where it ranks on several popularity lists. More than 100 baby girls were named Malak in the US last year.

A name sometimes used by Latino parents, perhaps relating to the popular Spanish TV mini-series of that name.

Pol, pronounced as "pole," though a popular Breton name, would be an unusual form of a simple classic elsewhere. The Breton Saint Pol Aurelian was known as a slayer of dragons and a founder of monasteries.

An obscure medieval saint's name with a smooth liquid sound. The Latin version is Andeolus.

Carlota is the preferred version of Charlotte in Spain and Portugal, each where it ranks among the Top 50 most popular girl names. Carlotta, with two Ts, is the Italian spelling.

Very popular in Catalonia, in part because of its use by a number of pro athletes. English speakers, though, may interpret it as a "yoonek" spelling of Alex.

Basque soccer star Aritz Aduriz helped propel this distinctive name -- derived from "haritz," the Basque word for "oak" -- to the Top 100 Spanish baby names.

More colorful than Blanche, but blanker than Bianca.

This Catalan classic — spelled Nuria in Spanish — is the name of a valley in Catalonia with a shrine to the Virgin Mary, making this both a Marian name and simply a place name. Or maybe not so simply: during Franco's dictatorship, place names were a way to sidestep the rule that all names had to be Spanish, so Núria became popular as an act of Catalan patriotism. It is still in the region's Top 100 girl names.

This saintly choice is an example of the Catalan trend for short, streamlined names.

A Spanish boy name that is especially popular in the Canary Islands.