Spanish Names
- Rafaela
Origin:
Spanish and Portuguese version of Hebrew RaphaelaMeaning:
"God has healed"Description:
This euphonious and lovely name is an internationally appealing choice, that, like Gabriela and Isabela before it, is beginning to be drawn into the American mainstream. Also spelled Raffaella (Italian), Raffaela (German), or Raphaela (Hebrew), it was given to around 50 girls in the US in 2023.
- Festo
Description:
Festo is a masculine name with Latin origins, derived from 'festus' meaning 'festive' or 'joyful.' This uncommon name carries connotations of celebration, happiness, and liveliness. While rare in Western countries, it has some usage in parts of Africa, particularly in Tanzania and other East African nations. The name's association with festivity makes it symbolically rich, suggesting a cheerful and spirited personality. Its brevity and distinctive sound pattern (with strong consonants balanced by open vowel endings) give it a memorable quality. Despite its rarity, Festo offers parents seeking unusual names an option with positive associations and cross-cultural appeal, embodying celebratory qualities and an optimistic outlook on life.
- Faustino
Description:
Faustino is a distinguished masculine name with Latin roots, derived from 'Faustus' meaning 'lucky' or 'fortunate.' Popular primarily in Spanish and Italian speaking countries, it carries the essence of good fortune and prosperity. The name gained prominence through Saint Faustino, a 2nd-century Christian martyr from Brescia, Italy. While not extensively used in English-speaking countries, Faustino maintains steady popularity in Hispanic communities and Southern Europe. Those named Faustino are often associated with positive qualities such as optimism and felicity. The name offers melodic charm with its flowing syllables and distinctive ending, making it both traditional yet uncommon in global contexts.
- Fausto
Origin:
Italian and Spanish variation of FaustMeaning:
"fortunate one"Description:
While Faust, who sold his soul to the devil, was anything but fortunate, this Latinate variation is more commonly heard and accepted.
- 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.
- Chaco
Description:
Chaco is a masculine name with multiple cultural connections. It may derive from the Chaco region of South America (spanning parts of Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay), an area named from the Quechua word 'chacu' meaning 'hunting land.' Alternatively, it could relate to Japanese origins where it might be a variation of 'Chako.' The name has a strong, distinct sound with its two clear syllables. Chaco is rare as a first name in most Western countries, giving it an exotic and distinctive quality. It appeals to parents looking for a short, memorable name with cultural significance, particularly those with connections to South American heritage or an appreciation for names with geographical associations.
- Vicente
Origin:
Spanish variation of Vincent, LatinMeaning:
"conquering"Description:
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.
- Analia
Origin:
Combination name, Ana plus LiaDescription:
Analia is a melodic newcomer to the US Top 1000, a fresher spin on the Olde Worlde Anamaria. It charted in the US from 2009 to 2012, and then reentered the popularity list in 2015. El Rostro de Analia is a popular Spanish language telenova on the Telemundo channel, which probably greatly contributed to its initial entry to the US list in 2009 at Number 331 when it was unranked the previous year!
- Eloi
Origin:
French, Catalan and Spanish from the Latin EligiusMeaning:
"the chosen"Description:
From the saintly name Eligius, Eloi is popular in Catalonia but rarely used by English speakers. There's potential for confusion with Eli - and with the Aramaic word eloi, said to mean "my God", which appears in the bible.
- Leya
Origin:
Spanish; HindiMeaning:
"the law; lion"Description:
Leya is a simple, attractive multicultural choice, but with some teasing peril. The "Star Wars" princess spelled her name Leia.
- Naiara
Origin:
Basque place nameDescription:
Basque name for a Spanish city where the Virgin Mary appeared in medieval times, now a popular girls' name throughout Spain.
- Eldora
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"covered with gold"Description:
An unusual old school name which is made more modern by that fashionable El- beginning.
- Paz
Origin:
Hebrew; SpanishMeaning:
"gold; peace"Description:
Paz is an appealing Spanish name meaning "peace", derived from the Latin "pax". It's usually feminine in Spanish, but could also make an interesting literary choice for a boy, honoring the writer Octavio Paz.
- Lucilla
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"light"Description:
A delicate name with an ancient pedigree, more appealing to some than Lucille. It elaborates on Lucy and even Lucia and feels more distinctive than Lucinda.
- Rosario
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"rosary"Description:
Anglo parents are taking note of this Hispanic classic, thanks to actress Rosario Dawson and a character on Will & Grace. Poetic and powerful, it comes from the Spanish title of the Virgin Mary, Nuestra Señora del Rosario, or "Our Lady of the Rosary", Rosary referring to vocal and mental prayer in Catholicism, that reflect on the life of Christ and his Mother.
- Chelín
Description:
Chelín is a masculine name with Spanish origins. It possibly derives from a diminutive form of names like Marcelo or Miguel, carrying the affectionate suffix typical in Spanish naming traditions. The name may also relate to the historical Spanish currency 'chelín' (shilling). Chelín has a melodic quality with its stress on the second syllable, following Spanish pronunciation patterns. While uncommon internationally, it maintains some popularity in Spanish-speaking regions, particularly in certain Latin American communities. The name carries a distinctive charm with its combination of softness and strength, appealing to parents seeking a name with Hispanic roots that remains relatively unique.
- Laurentia
Origin:
Latin, feminine form of LaurenceDescription:
This pretty female form of Laurence originated in ancient Rome and is still sometimes heard in the Latino community. It is one of the many intriguing Latin names for girls worth consideration by modern parents, as a more distinctive spin on Laura or Lauren. The name's rhythm also makes it perfect for Ren or Wren as a nickname.
- Esteban
Origin:
Spanish variation of Stephen, GreekMeaning:
"garland, crown"Description:
One of several Latino favorites on U. S. popularity list, Esteban sounds solid and strong. Esteban has ranked among the US Top 500 names for boys for half a century now, making it a familiar name that successfully crosses cultures.
- Matilde
Origin:
Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese version of Matilda, GermanDescription:
The German Matilda has some European variations that are popular in their native countries. Matilde ranks in Italy's and Portugal's Top 10 for girls, while the French variation Mathilde ranks among the Top 100 girl names in France, Denmark, and Norway.