Spanish Names that Start With E

  1. Elena
    • Origin:

      Spanish, Italian, German, Greek variation of Helen
    • Meaning:

      "bright, shining light"
    • Description:

      Elena is at its most popular point ever in the US, thanks to its cross-cultural appeal and the overall popularity of El- names. It's more international than Ellen or Eleanor, but still accessible.
  2. Emilia
    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Emil, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "rival"
    • Description:

      Emilia is the feminine form of the Roman clan name Aemilius, which derived from the Latin aemulus, meaning "rival." In Shakespeare’s Othello, Emilia is the wife of Iago and confidante of Desdemona. Amelia, although homonymous, has a different root and meaning.
  3. Emilio
    • Origin:

      Spanish and Italian variation of Emil
    • Meaning:

      "rival"
    • Description:

      Dashing and suave, with a hint of poetry and gentleness, Emilio is an appealing and international choice. A solid favorite in Italy, it is also on the rise in the US, France, Austria, and the UK.
  4. Esmeralda
    • Origin:

      Spanish and Portuguese
    • Meaning:

      "emerald"
    • Description:

      Esmeralda came into use as an applied use of the Spanish word for emerald, esmeralda. In the 1831 Victor Hugo novel Notre-Dame de Paris, also known as The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, the heroine was born Agnes, but called La Esmeralda in reference to the jewel she wears around her neck. The name Esmeralda got increased visibility via the Disney version of the story.
  5. Elvira
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "white, fair"
    • Description:

      Before there was the campy TV Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, Elvira was the long-suffering wife of Don Juan, and remnants of those negative, gothic images still cling to it, though they are fading.

      Other references include the romantic film Elvira Madigan, based on a real person, and the main ghostly character in Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit, as well as appearances in several operas.

  6. Emiliano
    • Origin:

      Italian and Spanish variation of Emil
    • Meaning:

      "rival"
    • Description:

      Emiliano is an appealing Latinate version of Emil, with the same gentle sounds but additional flair. Popular in Chile and Mexico, where it ranks in the Top 20, Emiliano is also a rising name in the US.
  7. Esai
    • Origin:

      Short form of Esaias or variation of Esau, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "salvation of the Lord; hairy"
    • Description:

      An energetic and compact Spanish name, likely derived from Esaias or Esau, it is best associated with actor Esai Morales of American Family and Bad Boys fame. Pronounced as EH-sye in Spanish, it may also be said as ee-SYE in English.
  8. Eleanora
    • Origin:

      Latinate form of Eleanor, meaning unknown
    • Description:

      Eleanor is back, Nora is back, and, as predicted, Eleanora is back too.
  9. Esperanza
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "hope, expectation"
    • Description:

      Esperanza is a Spanish classic that's found its way onto the national popularity list in recent years. It came into the spotlight not long ago when jazz singer Esperanza Spalding "stole" the Best New Artist Grammy from favorite Justin Bieber. It's also the name of the main character in the novel The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros, about a young Latina growing up in Chicago.
  10. Esteban
    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Stephen, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "garland, crown"
    • Description:

      One of several Latino favorites on U. S. popularity list, Esteban sounds solid and strong. Esteban has ranked among the US Top 500 names for boys for half a century now, making it a familiar name that successfully crosses cultures.
  11. Elisa
    • Origin:

      Spanish and Italian, diminutive of Elizabeth
    • Description:

      Elisa is one of the most appealing of this contingent of Elizabeth-related names. In the US, Eliza is much more stylish these days, but Elisa is very popular internationally — especially in Europe and Latin America.
  12. Enrique
    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Henry
    • Description:

      This is an appealing name that could cross cultural borders, but it has lost ground in recent years.
  13. Ema
    • Origin:

      Variation of Emma, German, Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "universal; favor, benefit + flax"
    • Description:

      Streamlined and succinct, Ema is a multicultural choice with wide-reaching appeal and versatility.
  14. Estrella
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "star"
    • Description:

      Bright and vibrant but elegant too, Estrella is a rising star among Hispanic families that would make a good cross-cultural choice too. A Spanish word name that literally means "star", it is similar to other popular names with the same stellar meaning such as Esther and Stella.
  15. Elia
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Elijah, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah is God"
    • Description:

      A multicultural appellation, found in Hebrew, Italian, and Zuni, this likable name made famous by director Elia Kazan's only problem is the feminine a ending. But then again, that never hurt Joshua.
  16. Eloisa
    • Origin:

      Italian and Spanish variation of Eloise
    • Meaning:

      "healthy; wide"
    • Description:

      Eloisa captures a lovely name back from the spoiled little girl at the Plaza. Historical romance writer Eloisa James has helped make this antique name sound fresh and sassy again.
  17. Eduardo
    • Origin:

      Spanish and Italian variation of Edward
    • Meaning:

      "wealthy guardian"
    • Description:

      A stalwart of Latin nomenclature that could work just as well for Anglos. Proof lies with the celebrity birth announcement — Hilaria and Alec Baldwin named their fifth child Eduardo Pau Lucas in 2020. This doesn't seem to have much impact on other parents, though: over 900 boys received the name in 2021, but the number is steadily decreasing.
  18. Emala
    • Description:

      Emala is a delicate feminine name with several possible origins. It may be a variation of names like Emma or Amala, or could have roots in African or Pacific Islander naming traditions. In some cultures, names with the 'ema' sound relate to concepts of gentleness or nurturing. This uncommon name has a melodic quality with its alternating consonants and vowels creating a pleasing rhythm when spoken. Emala remains quite rare in most Western countries, making it an intriguing option for parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible in pronunciation. The name carries a soft, flowing quality that suggests warmth and grace. Its international feel and lack of specific cultural limitations allow it to work well across different backgrounds and traditions.

  19. Ernesto
    • Origin:

      Spanish and Italian variation of Ernest
    • Description:

      A Latin classic, widely used here and abroad, though in the U.S. it has fallen on the charts in recent years.
  20. Estela
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "star"
    • Description:

      This Spanish variation of the French Estelle and spelling spin on Estella is on the rise, along with most star-related names, even Starr (and Star) herself. Popular personality Ali Landry chose it for her daughter.

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