Catalan Names

  1. Laia
    • Origin:

      Catalan diminutive of Eulalia
    • Meaning:

      "sweet-speaking"
    • Description:

      Saint Eulalia was born in Spain and is the patron saint of Barcelona, so her name and its derivatives are popular throughout the land — especially in her native Catalonia.
  2. Jordi
    • Origin:

      Catalan variation of George
    • Description:

      To the American ear, Jordi seems like a nickname for Jordan, which means this popular name from Catalonia could certainly cross cultures.
  3. Nuria
    • Origin:

      Spanish, Portuguese and Catalan, Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "place between the valleys; light"
    • Description:

      Deriving from the Catalan title for the Virgin Mary, Nostra Senyora de Núria , meaning "Our Lady of Nuria", this distinctive name is a popular choice in Spain and Portugal.
  4. Ramon
    • Origin:

      Catalan variation of Raymond
    • Description:

      The Latin Ramon has been in the U.S. Top 1000 since the beginning of baby-naming time, i.e. the past 130+ years. Ramon is the perfect blend of worldly and familiar, with a rocker edge via The Ramones. A cool name classic, if there ever was one.
  5. Oriol
    • Origin:

      Catalan
    • Meaning:

      "golden"
    • Description:

      Intriguing name that's a Top 100 choice in Spain and virtually unknown outside that country. But has definitely possibilities for the adventurous baby namer.
  6. Monserrat
    • Origin:

      Spelling variant of Montserrat, Catalan place-name meaning "serrated mountain"
    • Meaning:

      "serrated mountain"
    • Description:

      Monserrat is a variant spelling of the Catalan name Montserrat. It is likely the better spelling in English-speaking countries given the correct pronunciation of the name.
  7. Mireia
    • Origin:

      Catalan form of Mireille
    • Meaning:

      "to admire"
    • Description:

      Popular name in Spain drawn from the Provencal Mireio, coined by the poet Frederic Mistral. Very pretty and, though difficult to spell and pronounce, simpler than the French version.
  8. Pol
    • Origin:

      Breton and Catalan form of Paul
    • Meaning:

      "small"
    • Description:

      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.
  9. Arnau
    • Origin:

      Catalan variation of Arnold
    • Description:

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

      Enric is a masculine name of Catalan origin, equivalent to Henry in English. Derived from Germanic elements meaning 'home ruler' or 'ruler of the household,' it combines strength and leadership qualities. This name has been particularly popular in Catalonia and other Catalan-speaking regions of Spain, carried by numerous notable figures including artists, politicians, and athletes. While maintaining a strong regional identity, Enric has a sophisticated European flair that travels well across borders. The name blends historical depth with a contemporary sound, making it both traditional and accessible. Though less familiar internationally than its equivalents Henry or Enrique, Enric offers distinction while remaining connected to a widespread naming tradition.
  11. Felip
    • Description:

      Felip is a masculine name representing the Catalan and Occitan variant of Philip. Derived from the Greek name Philippos, it combines 'philos' (friend, lover) and 'hippos' (horse), meaning 'lover of horses' or 'friend of horses.' This name has been used throughout European history, including by various kings and nobles in the Catalonia region of Spain. Felip carries a sophisticated European quality while being simpler and more concise than some variants like Philippe or Filippo. While common in Catalan-speaking regions such as parts of Spain, Andorra, and southern France, Felip remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. The name offers cultural connection to Catalan heritage while remaining intuitive in pronunciation for most Western language speakers. For parents seeking a name with historical depth and Mediterranean charm, Felip provides a distinctive yet accessible option.

  12. Benet
    • Origin:

      Catalan form of Bennett or Benedict, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "blessed"
    • Description:

      Benet is definitely an unusual route to Ben or variation of the popular Bennett or Benedict, which have a different root and meaning from Benjamin.
  13. Narcis
    • Description:

      Narcis is a masculine name derived from the Greek myth of Narcissus, a beautiful youth who fell in love with his own reflection. The name comes from the Greek word 'narke,' meaning 'sleep' or 'numbness,' which also gave rise to words like 'narcotic.' Narcis is particularly popular in Catalan, Romanian, and some Slavic countries as a variant of Narcissus. In Romania, it's associated with the spring flower narcissus (daffodil), symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings. The name carries a poetic quality while being shorter and more accessible than the full Narcissus form. Despite potential associations with narcissism in some cultures, Narcis maintains popularity in Eastern Europe where its classical roots and floral connections are more prominently recognized.

  14. Bernat
    • Description:

      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.
  15. Guillem
    • Origin:

      Catalan form of William
    • Description:

      An intriguing way to spin an old standard. Pronounced with a hard G: gee-yem.
  16. Cebrià
    • Description:

      Cebrià is a masculine name primarily used in Catalan-speaking regions of Spain, particularly Catalonia and Valencia. It is the Catalan variation of Cyprian, ultimately derived from Latin 'Cyprianus,' meaning 'from Cyprus.' The name carries historical significance through Saint Cyprian, a notable 3rd-century bishop and martyr. Despite its ancient origins, Cebrià maintains a distinctly modern feel in its Catalan form, with its accent on the final syllable giving it a rhythmic quality. While common within Catalan culture, the name remains quite rare internationally, making it distinctive outside its native regions. Cebrià reflects both cultural heritage and linguistic tradition, appealing to parents seeking a name with Mediterranean roots and a connection to Catalan identity.
  17. Nicasi
    • Description:

      Nicasi is a rare masculine name with likely Catalan or Mediterranean origins. It appears to be a variant of Nicasius (Latin) or Nicasio (Spanish), derived from the Greek 'nike' meaning 'victory.' Saint Nicasius was a 5th-century bishop and martyr of Rheims, France, giving the name religious significance in Catholic traditions. While uncommon globally, variants of this name maintain some usage in Catalonia, parts of Spain, and Latin America. Nicasi has a melodic quality with its soft consonants and vowel ending, unusual in many masculine naming traditions. The name's rarity offers distinctiveness while still connecting to historical and religious roots. Its brevity and pleasing sound could appeal to parents seeking an uncommon name with classical origins.

  18. Mateu
    • Description:

      Mateu is the Catalan form of Matthew, a name derived from the Hebrew name Mattathia, meaning 'gift of God.' Common in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and other Catalan-speaking regions, Mateu carries the same biblical heritage as its more familiar English equivalent. The name has remained consistently used in Catalan culture throughout history, though it's relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. Mateu has a warm, Mediterranean quality with its distinctive vowel ending, typical of many Catalan and Spanish names. For parents seeking a name with biblical roots but a distinctive international flair, Mateu offers a refined alternative to the more common Matthew while connecting to Catalan linguistic and cultural traditions.
  19. Vicenç
    • Origin:

      Catalan form of Vincent, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "conquering"
  20. Llogaia
    • Description:

      Llogaia is a rare feminine name with Catalan origins, derived from the male name Llogai (Saint Llogai or Eulogius in English). The name has deep historical roots in Catalonia, particularly in the northeastern regions of Spain. Llogaia honors Saint Eulogius, a 9th-century martyr from Córdoba. The distinctive double 'l' at the beginning is pronounced as a 'y' sound in Catalan, giving the name its unique phonetic quality. While uncommon even within Catalonia, Llogaia represents a strong connection to regional heritage and Catholic traditions. The name remains exceptionally rare outside of Catalan-speaking regions, making it a distinctive choice that carries cultural significance. Parents choosing this name often have family connections to Catalonia or appreciate its uncommon linguistic heritage.