By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 29 pages
of 29
Ysabella is an ornate variant spelling of Isabella, ultimately derived from Elizabeth, which has Hebrew origins meaning "pledged to God" or "God is my oath." This elaborate spelling with its initial…
Italian and Spanish variation of Celeste
"heavenly"
We are hearing more of such heavenly names as Celeste and Celia, which opens the door to the range of lovely variations rarely heard before. Celestina is one of them, though given the more accessible…
Spanish, from Latin
"flourishing, prosperous"
A pretty elaboration on Florence used in Hispanic countries.
Feminine variation of Amado, Spanish
"loved"
Amada is an unusual Spanish name that's becoming more famous thanks to Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes, who named their second daughter Amada Lee and their first Esmeralda Amada. Amada was also the name…
Spanish
"angels"
A spiritually significant name used in honor of the Virgin Mary. In Spanish, her title is Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles , meaning "Our Lady the Queen of the Angels."
Spanish, diminutive of Rosa
"rose"
This spirited Spanish variation of Rosa was familiar in the mid-20th century, but is used more quietly now. Given to around 35 babies in the US each year, it could work as a fresh alternative to…
Spanish, Portuguese variation of Charlotte
"free man; Frenchman"
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.
Basque place name
Basque name for a Spanish city where the Virgin Mary appeared in medieval times, now a popular girls' name throughout Spain.
Latin
"integrity"
Verena is pleasant but old-fashioned. Whether that's the outdated kind of old-fashioned or the so-out-it's-in-again kind is your call. St. Verena was a third century nurse; Verena Tarrant is a…
Spanish place-name
"covered in snow"
Named for its snowcapped mountains, Nevada is a state name which, unlike Carolina, Montana, and Dakota, has been relatively undiscovered. Warning: today's unvisited place-name could become tomorrow's…
Evelia is a feminine name with Latin and Spanish origins. It derives from the Latin name Evelius, which may be related to 'aevum' meaning 'age' or 'eternity.' The name is most prevalent in Hispanic…
Russian and Portuguese variations of Louisa
"renowned warrior"
Luiza livens up Louisa. The insertion of the letter "Z" adds a lot more pizzazz. Luiza Perote is a Brazilian model.
"butterfly"
Mariposa is a rare, romantic choice with an intriguing meaning. Uncommon but not unknown, Mariposa is an elegant entrant in the nature names category. And it comes with the adorable nicknames Mari or…
"fortunate one"
A name with several distinguished namesakes: the wife of ancient Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, a famous Italian opera singer, and two Catholic saints--making it both substantial and unusual.
Spanish variation of James
Though every Spanish student knows that the male classic is pronounced HY-me, for girls this is a straight homonym for Jamie, a favorite ambisexual 1970s nickname name. Another way to think of it is…
Italian, feminine form of Constantine
"constant, unchanging"
This version adds some Italian flair to the somewhat stolid Constance.
Mbama, Sanskrit, Latin, and Spanish
"love; lamp; heavenly; day"
A sweet and simple multicultural choice which has several different meanings and origins. Widely used in Africa, it means "love" in Lembaama. It's a variant spelling of Diya, an Arabic, Hindi and…
Spanish, feminine variation of Domingo
Nice for a little girl born on Sunday.
Spanish for Greek flower name
"hyacinth"
Jacinta, the Spanish word for hyacinth, is a lot softer and sweeter than the English version. The correct Spanish pronunciation is ha-SEEN-ta, though many English speakers would say ja-SIN-ta.…
Spanish, Thai
"table; April"
Mesa is both the term for a flat-topped mountain, derived from the Spanish word for "table", and the Thai variation of April.
