Spanish Names for Girls

Pervasive in all Spanish-speaking cultures, Juanita, like Juana, has not emigrated. 

Juanita

Used especially in Latin America, this would make a funky spin on Maria.

 
The meaning of Maria is uncertain, but theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea"); "bitter" (from Hebrew marah "bitterness"); and "beloved" (from the Egyptian root mr).

Maritza

Likely an elaboration of the multicultural Yara, an Arabic name well-used in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries meaning "butterfly" or "helper" (or possibly "water nymph" from its Tupi origins). A popular choice in Mexico, it has a stylish, zippy sound. 

Yaritza

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.
 Girls star Jemima Kirke named her daughter Rafaella Isreal--and her son Memphis.

Rafaela

A short form the Latin surname Casanova, a variation on Senovia, the Hispanic form of Zenobia, or an alternative spelling to Russian surname Sinova, this modern and international choice spiked in popularity in 2024, when it was given to 42 baby girls, compared to 9 the previous year. It is also the name of a dermatology and healthcare company. 




Sanova

Melisa is a feminine name with roots in Greek mythology, derived from 'melissa' meaning 'honey bee' or 'honeysuckle.' This sweet and melodious name carries connotations of industriousness, community, and sweetness, qualities associated with bees. Melisa serves as a variant spelling of the more common Melissa, offering a slightly different look while maintaining the same pronunciation in most language contexts. Popular throughout Spanish-speaking countries, Eastern Europe, and Turkey, this spelling variation has its own cultural presence. The name experienced peak popularity in the late 20th century but maintains steady usage worldwide. Melisa's cross-cultural appeal and natural connections make it both accessible and meaningful as a name choice.

Melisa

Spanish and Portuguese form of Frances or Francesca

Francisca

The fashion for elaborate girly-girl names, especially those that end with -ella or -ana, has put this distinctive Latin favorite into play.

Fabiana

A remix of popular Spanish names Yaritza and Yaretzi, Yatziri is a popular choice in Mexico where it ranked in the Top 200 in a recent year. It may relate to the Arabic Yara ("friend, helper"), the Tupi Iara ("water nymph") or Nahuatl Yaretzi ("you will always be loved"). 

Yatziri

This lively pet name has recently been associated with Mexican-born Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong'o, acclaimed for her role in the 2013 film Twelve Years a Slave.
The mother name Guadalupe, literally "valley of the wolves," relates to Our Lady of Guadalupe, revered in Latino culture as a protector of the Mexican people.

Lupita

Bold and distinctive, Yolanda is a floral name that doesn't sound frilly or delicate. Ultimately deriving from the Greek words ioles meaning "violet" and anthos meaning "flower", it appears in a variety of forms internationally, including Jolanda, Jolanta, Iolanthe, Iolanta, Iolanda, and Jolana.
 
While some may associate Yolanda with Quentin Tarantino's crime movie, Pulp Fiction or with reality TV personality, Yolanda Hadid, Yolanda has also been borne by several members of European royalty, and by activist Yolanda King, gospel singer Yolanda Adams, and presenter Yolanda Vega.

Yolanda

Has a pure, clean aura, but is also evocative. 

Neva

The fact that this Spanish classic, which honors the Virgin Mary, does not end in the conventional letter 'a' gives it a special sense of strength, elegance, and style, making it a worthy choice.
 The name originated in the legend of the miracle of the Virgin Mary's appearance over a marble pillar. It also is an allusion to her as a pillar of the church.
 Pilar is remembered as the valiant heroine of Hemingway's For Whom the Bell Tolls.

Pilar

Silvana is a feminine form of the Ancient Roman Silvanus, sharing the same woodsy meaning. A mix of elegance and energy, Silvana may appeal to those who enjoy Sylvie, Sylvia, Savannah, and Solana. 

Silvana

This name, which refers to Mary as the Virgin of the Dew, is all but unknown in the Anglo community, but popular enough in Hispanic families that it made the US Top 1000 until least until 2006. Also spelled Rocío, it remains popular in Spain and Chile, where it ranks in the Top 100. 
 
Though it has been out of the Top 1000 for more than a decade, Rocio is given to around 70 girls in the US each year.

Rocio

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 'Y' gives the classic name a distinctive, exotic flair while maintaining its regal associations and historical connections to queens and nobility across Europe. The 'Y' beginning evokes Spanish or medieval European influences, giving the name an antique, romantic quality. While less common than the standard Isabella, Ysabella appeals to parents seeking a unique twist on a beloved classic. The name allows for popular nicknames like Bella, Ysa, or Ysabel. Despite its unusual spelling, the name maintains the melodic flow and feminine elegance that has made Isabella a perennial favorite across many cultures.

Ysabella

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 options, it may be gilding the lily.

Celestina

A pretty elaboration on Florence used in Hispanic countries.

Florencia

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 of two characters played by Mendes and, not coincidentally, her grandmother's name.  In 2015, it was used for only 21 girls while brother name Amado was used for twice as many girls, but we predict the name will become more popular thanks to its new star power. Related names include the Latin saints' name Amatus, the musical Amadeo, and even Amy and Amanda.

Amada

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."

Angeles

Spanish girl names have never been more popular in the US than they are today. Spanish names for girls are especially well-used in Latin American and Hispanic communities, of course, but Hispanic names such as Gabriela and Isabella have crossed over in a huge way.

Nameberry visitors include people from Spanish-speaking countries around the world along with countries like the US where Spanish may not be the primary language but Spanish names are well-used.

 include Ana, Angelina, Elena, Jada, Liliana, Maya, Savannah, and Sofia. 

 in Spain include Lucia — also a favorite throughout Latin America — Maria, Martina, and Paula.

 we see becoming more prominent include Alba, Carmen, Laia, and Triana.

Many parents in the US and Latin America look for 

. In addition to Lucia and Sofia, baby girl names that work in both English and Spanish include Alicia, Eloisa, Isla, Julietta, Marisa, Paloma, and Viviana.

Our full list of Spanish girl names is below, ordered by their current popularity on Nameberry.

Spanish names for girls including top and unique baby girl names of Spanish origin such as Lucia, Isla, and Luz with meanings and popularity (Page 9)

Spanish Girl Names (With Meanings & Popularity)