Spanish Names
- Salvadore
Description:
Salvadore is a variant spelling of Salvador, a masculine name with Spanish and Portuguese origins meaning 'savior' or 'rescuer.' The name has deep religious significance in Christian traditions, referencing Jesus Christ as the Savior. This alternative spelling with an 'e' at the end gives the name a slightly different visual appearance while maintaining its pronunciation and meaning. Salvadore has a romantic, Mediterranean quality and carries associations with passionate artistic expression, partly due to famous namesakes like the surrealist painter Salvador Dalí. While less common than the standard spelling, Salvadore appeals to parents seeking a name with spiritual significance, cultural richness, and a touch of distinctive flair.
- Graciela
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"grace"Description:
A sparky and feminine elaboration on Gracia, Spanish for "grace".
- Figueroa
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"fig tree"Description:
This surname ultimately derives from a Galician place name meaning "fig tree", but has spread all over the Spanish-speaking world. It's not certain if it's ever been used as a first name, but it could work - especially as it's reminiscent of the operatic character Figaro.
- Rey
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"king"Description:
Sounds exactly like Ray—but with an on-trend royal vibe. The central protagonist in the newest Star Wars trilogy is a woman named Rey.
- Andrés
Origin:
Spanish variation of AndrewDescription:
Has a nice flamenco flavor.
- Oliva
Description:
Oliva is a feminine name with Latin roots, serving as a variation of Olive or Olivia. Derived from the Latin word for the olive tree, 'oliva,' it symbolizes peace, fertility, and victory in classical traditions. While less common than Olivia, which has enjoyed significant popularity in English-speaking countries, Oliva is more frequently found in Spanish, Italian, and Scandinavian regions. The name carries the same gentle, natural elegance as its variations but with a slightly more distinctive edge. Its connection to the olive branch as a symbol of peace gives it a meaningful depth beyond its pleasing sound. The name offers the cute nickname option of Liv or Livvy.
- Lucho
Description:
Lucho is a warm, friendly masculine name of Spanish origin. It functions primarily as a diminutive of names like Luis (Spanish form of Louis) or Luciano. Popular throughout Latin America, especially in countries like Peru, Colombia, and Chile, Lucho carries a sense of familiarity and affection. The name has strong cultural associations with Spanish-speaking communities and often evokes a sense of closeness and informality. Despite its technical status as a nickname, many people are formally named Lucho on their birth certificates. The name has a strong, masculine sound while remaining approachable and unpretentious. In sporting contexts, particularly soccer, many famous Latin American athletes have been known by this name, adding to its cultural significance and appeal.
- Rufa
Description:
Rufa is a feminine name with ancient Roman origins. It derives from the Latin word 'rufus' meaning 'red-haired' or 'red-headed.' Historically, it was used as a descriptive nickname or cognomen in Roman times for women with reddish hair. The name has seen continued usage in Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese-speaking regions, though it remains relatively uncommon. Rufa has a classic, simple elegance with its two syllables and straightforward pronunciation. While never reaching mainstream popularity in English-speaking countries, the name has endured through centuries and maintains appeal for parents seeking a distinctive yet historically grounded name with Latin roots. Its connection to the natural trait of red hair gives it an organic, descriptive quality.
- Saula
Description:
Saula is a masculine name with diverse cultural origins. In Lithuanian contexts, it relates to 'saulė' meaning 'sun,' carrying associations with light and warmth. The name also appears in Finnish mythology and has variants in several Baltic languages. In some Spanish-speaking regions, it functions as a variant of Saul, the biblical king's name meaning 'asked for' or 'prayed for' in Hebrew. The feminine-appearing ending '-a' on a masculine name creates an interesting linguistic contrast in English-speaking contexts, though this pattern is common in many world languages. Saula has never been common enough to rank on popularity charts in English-speaking countries, remaining a distinctive choice. The name offers melodic quality with its flowing vowels while maintaining connections to ancient traditions, potentially appealing to parents seeking a name with both historical depth and uncommon status.
- 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.
- Isidoro
Origin:
Spanish; Portuguese; Italian, from GreekMeaning:
"gift of Isis"Description:
While Isidore feels bookish and stern, Isidoro has a more romantic sound, with its handsome -o ending.
- Tamás
Description:
Tamás is the Hungarian form of Thomas, a name with ancient Aramaic origins meaning "twin." Pronounced "TAH-mahsh," it features prominently in Hungarian culture and history, including notable bearers like Hungarian composer Tamás Vásáry. The name has been consistently popular in Hungary throughout the centuries and remains a common choice for Hungarian families today. While maintaining strong cultural roots in Hungary, it has limited international recognition beyond Central Europe. The distinctive accent mark over the 'a' (the acute accent) indicates the long vowel sound in Hungarian pronunciation. For Hungarian diaspora communities, choosing this name often represents a way to connect children with their cultural heritage while offering a name that balances uniqueness outside Hungary with traditional significance within it.
- Carlota
Origin:
Spanish, Portuguese variation of CharlotteMeaning:
"free man; Frenchman"Description:
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.
- Checo
Description:
Checo is a masculine name with Spanish and Latin American origins, most commonly used as a familiar diminutive of Sergio or Francisco. In Mexico and parts of Central America, it enjoys recognition as both a nickname and standalone name. The name has a friendly, approachable quality with its short, rhythmic sound pattern. Checo gained international visibility through Mexican Formula 1 driver Sergio 'Checo' Pérez, helping to introduce the name to a global audience. While not among the most common Spanish names, Checo offers cultural authenticity with a contemporary feel. It appeals to parents seeking a name with Latin roots that combines traditional origins with a modern, distinctive character.
- Izabella
Origin:
Variation of Isabella, Hungarian, Polish, and EnglishMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
While this might look like a modern spelling of the classic Isabella, it is also the Hungarian and Polish form, pronounced with an EE sound at the beginning. A Top 50 name in Hungary and a Top 200 name in Poland, this form is also popular in Latvia.
- Jayda
Origin:
Variation of JadaDescription:
A Jada alternative that has lost ground this decade after peaking around 2010.
- Graziella
Origin:
Italian, diminutive of Grazia or variation of GraceMeaning:
"grace"Description:
Graziella, an Italian form of Grace, is another Latin version that adds spice. Consider Graziella as a distinctive alternative to either Grace or Gabriella.
- Tete
Description:
Tete is an uncommon feminine name with multicultural origins. In various African languages, particularly in West African countries like Ghana and Togo, it can mean 'gift' or appear as a nickname or term of endearment. In French-speaking regions, it might be connected to 'tête' meaning 'head.' The name has a minimalist, modern appeal with its simple repetitive structure and easy pronunciation across languages. While not frequently found in mainstream Western naming, Tete offers cultural significance for families with relevant heritage connections. Its brevity aligns with contemporary trends toward shorter names, though its rarity gives it a distinctive quality that stands out in most communities.
- Olimpia
Description:
Olimpia is a feminine name of Greek origin, connected to Mount Olympus, the mythological home of the Greek gods. The name carries connotations of divinity, elevation, and celestial beauty. While the spelling 'Olympia' is more common in English-speaking countries, Olimpia is preferred in many European nations, particularly in Italy, Spain, and Eastern European countries. The name gained historical significance through notable bearers like Saint Olimpia, a 4th-century Byzantine philanthropist. Olimpia has an elegant, classical quality that evokes images of ancient grandeur while remaining distinctive in modern contexts. The name's connection to the Olympic Games also lends associations of achievement, excellence, and international unity, making it appealing for parents drawn to names with both cultural depth and aspirational qualities.
- Vieira
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"scallop"Description:
A vivacious Latin alternative to the superpopular Sierra.