Spanish Names
- 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.
- Maurisio
Description:
Maurisio is a masculine name that appears to be a variant of Maurice or Mauricio. It has Latin roots, derived from 'Mauritius' meaning 'Moorish' or 'dark-skinned.' The name blends Spanish and Italian influences, with the unique spelling adding a distinctive touch. While less common than traditional forms like Mauricio or Maurice, Maurisio offers a slightly modernized alternative that maintains the name's classic heritage. The name carries connotations of dignity and strength that have been associated with the traditional forms throughout history. Maurisio remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking something familiar yet unique.
- Manuelo
Description:
Manuelo is a masculine name that serves as a variation of Manuel, which derives from the Hebrew name Immanuel, meaning "God is with us." This melodic name carries a distinctly Romance language influence, particularly Spanish or Italian, with the characteristic 'o' ending adding a traditional masculine marker. While Manuel has been consistently popular in Spanish-speaking countries, Manuelo remains a less common variant. The name carries historical depth through its biblical connections while maintaining a warm, approachable quality. Parents might choose Manuelo for its slightly distinctive take on the classic Manuel, its pleasant rhythmic sound, and its cross-cultural appeal in both Hispanic and Mediterranean communities.
- 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.
- Bartolomeo
Description:
Bartolomeo is a masculine Italian form of Bartholomew, derived from the Aramaic name Bar-Talmay, meaning 'son of Talmai' or 'son of the furrows.' The name gained prominence through Saint Bartholomew, one of Jesus's twelve apostles. Throughout Italian history, notable bearers include the navigator Bartolomeo Colombo (Christopher Columbus's brother) and the Renaissance painter Bartolomeo Veneto. While common in Italy, particularly in previous generations, its usage has declined in recent decades as shorter names have become fashionable. Outside Italy, it appears primarily in Italian diaspora communities. Bartolomeo carries a strong classical feel with its melodious four syllables and distinctive Italian ending, appealing to parents seeking a name with historical depth and Mediterranean flair.
- Mónica
Description:
Mónica is the Spanish and Portuguese form of Monica, ultimately derived from the Latin name Monicus, which may have North African Berber origins. The name gained international popularity through Saint Monica, the mother of Saint Augustine of Hippo. Mónica is appreciated for its melodious quality and classical roots. The name became particularly popular in Spanish-speaking countries during the 20th century, and gained wider recognition in the 1990s through cultural influences like the character Mónica Geller from the television show "Friends." Today, Mónica remains a timeless choice that balances traditional values with modern appeal, especially throughout Latin America and Spain.
- Ysabelle
Description:
Ysabelle is an elegant feminine name, representing a medieval French spelling variation of Isabel or Isabella. The name ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Elisheba, meaning 'God is my oath' or 'God's promise.' This particular spelling with 'Y' and double 'l' evokes a sense of antiquity and romantic sophistication. While the more common Isabella saw tremendous popularity in the early 2000s, Ysabelle offers a distinctive alternative with the same melodic quality and rich historical connections. The name carries associations with nobility throughout European history, including several queens and royal figures, lending it an air of timeless grace and dignity in its less common spelling variation.
- 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.
- Alameda
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"cottonwood grove"Description:
Common California place-name that could work for a girl.
- Tavia
Origin:
Spanish short form of OctaviaMeaning:
"eighth"Description:
Cute, distinctive diminutive for this regal-sounding name.
- Teodomiro
Description:
Teodomiro is a masculine name of Spanish and Portuguese origin, combining the Greek elements 'theos' meaning 'god' and the Germanic element 'mir' meaning 'famous, renowned' or 'peace.' Historically, it was borne by a Visigothic nobleman who ruled in southeastern Iberia during the early Muslim period of Spain's history. The name reflects the cultural blending that occurred in medieval Iberia between Germanic, Latin, and later Arabic influences. Though relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Teodomiro maintains a presence in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking regions. It offers the appealing nicknames Teo or Miro. The name carries a distinguished, historical quality while still being pronounceable in various languages.
- Rogerio
Description:
Rogerio is a masculine name of Latin and Portuguese origin, being a variation of Roger. Derived from the Germanic elements 'hrod' (fame) and 'ger' (spear), it literally means 'famous spearman' or 'renowned warrior'. Particularly popular in Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil and Portugal, as well as in Spanish-speaking regions where it's sometimes spelled Rogério with an accent. The name carries a melodic quality with its flowing syllables and has historical associations with strength and nobility. While less common in English-speaking countries, Rogerio has maintained steady popularity throughout Latin America, where it's appreciated for its classic yet distinctive sound.
- Omero
Origin:
Spanish form of Homer, GreekMeaning:
"security, pledge"Description:
Omero lifts Homer out of both The Simpsons and The Odyssey, making it a romantic name ala Romeo. Some sources give the meaning of Omero and Homer as "hostage".
- Ximens
Description:
Ximens is an uncommon masculine name with roots possibly deriving from Spanish or Portuguese origins. It may be a variant of Ximeno or Jimeno, which originated from the Basque name Semen, related to Simon, meaning 'he has heard' or 'listener.' This rare name carries an exotic and distinctive quality due to its unusual beginning with 'X' and its uncommon spelling pattern. Ximens has remained exceptionally rare throughout history, with very few documented usages in modern times. The uniqueness of this name makes it stand out in virtually any cultural context. Parents who choose this name for their child would be selecting a truly distinctive option that combines historical roots with an uncommon presentation. The scarcity of the name Ximens means there are few famous bearers to establish strong cultural associations.
- Ramira
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"judicious"Description:
Pretty and unusual, worth consideration.
- Pedra
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"rock"Description:
Pedra has never caught on with anything like the popularity of its male counterpart, Pedro. The Greek Petra sounds a lot cleaner and more refined.
- Bonita
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"pretty"Description:
Like Benita, had some popularity in the fifties.
- Niña
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"girl"Description:
Meaning "girl" in Spanish, this has occasionally been used as a name in the Philippines, but is not a usual Spanish name.
- Ebert
Origin:
German surname
- Ras
Description:
Ras is a concise masculine name with multicultural significance. In Ethiopian culture, particularly in the Amharic language, 'Ras' was a prestigious title meaning 'head' or 'chief,' historically given to nobility and regional governors. In Rastafarian tradition, the name connects to Ras Tafari (Emperor Haile Selassie), a significant figure. In Arabic, 'ras' means 'head' or 'cape' (as in a geographical feature). The name's brevity gives it strength and memorability, while its cultural connections provide it with depth and meaning. Though uncommon in Western countries, Ras offers parents seeking a short, powerful name with international significance a distinctive option that works well across cultural boundaries.