Spanish Names that Start With J
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Oct 01 2024
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- Jade
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"stone of the side"Description:
As a precious stone, Jade is known for its cool green hues, its importance in Chinese art, and its ability to transmit wisdom, confidence, and clarity. As a name, however, Jade is a 90s throwback in the UK, a Top 5 choice in France, and a returning gem in the US right now.
- Jago
Origin:
Spanish and Cornish variation of JacobMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
Jago is a dashing alternative to overused favorite Jacob.
- Jaime
Origin:
Spanish variation of JamesDescription:
A Hispanic classic that has lost some momentum in recent years. It could be misunderstood by some as Jamie -- which is how it's pronounced on Game of Thrones.
- Juan
Origin:
Spanish and Manx variation of JohnMeaning:
"the Lord is gracious"Description:
Juan, the Spanish version of John, is ubiquitous in the Spanish-speaking world, and is familiar internationally via such references as Don Juan and San Juan.
- Jorge
Origin:
Spanish and Portuguese variation of GeorgeDescription:
The classic Jorge is one of the most popular and classic Spanish names for boys in the US. Some Latine families pronounce it the same way as George.
- Javier
Origin:
Spanish variation of Xavier, BasqueMeaning:
"new house"Description:
One of the most popular Spanish names for boys in the US, Javier is embodied for many Americans in the magnetic persona of Spanish-born Oscar-nominated actor Javier Bardem.
- Julio
Origin:
Spanish variation of JuliusMeaning:
"youthful: downy-bearded; sky father"Description:
What with Paul Simon's classic lyric about Julio down by the schoolyard and several distinguished bearers, this livelier Spanish version of Julius is completely familiar to the non-Hispanic community and would make a great choice for a bicultural family. Popular in Brazil, it also ranks in the US Top 600 and given to more than 500 boys each year. NFL Atlanta Falcons star Julio Jones bears this name.
- Jacinda
Origin:
Variation of Jacinta, Spanish and PortugueseMeaning:
"hyacinth"Description:
Jacinda, a form of the lovely and unusual Spanish and Portuguese flower name Jacinta (for Hyacinth), was first popularized by the Australian actress Jacinda Barrett. Today, the girls' name Jacinda is most notable as the name of former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern, one of the first world leaders to give birth in office, widely credited with her strong and compassionate leadership during the coronavirus pandemic.
- Joaquin
Origin:
Spanish variation of JoachimMeaning:
"God will judge"Description:
Actor Joaquin Phoenix (brother of River, Rain, Liberty and Summer) highlighted this one, then Kelly Ripa began talking about younger son Joaquin on her daily TV show, and presto—it's now one of the hottest and most appealing multicultural baby boy names.
- Jacinta
Origin:
Spanish for Greek flower nameMeaning:
"hyacinth"Description:
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. Although the name is slightly different, Jacinta is largely associated at present with Australian-born actress Jacinda Barrett.
- Jose
Origin:
Spanish and Portuguese version of Joseph, HebrewMeaning:
"Jehovah increases"Description:
Jose is as widespread in the Hispanic community as Joseph and Joe are elsewhere in the U.S., though its numbers here are starting to decrease somewhat. Jose is one of those Spanish baby names that has never crossed over into the Anglo naming culture.
- Josefina
Origin:
Hebrew, Spanish, Portuguese, Swedish feminine form of Joseph, HebrewMeaning:
"Jehovah increases"Description:
Sweet and bright international form of Josephine, used in many European countries with various pronunciations of the initial J. A notable bearer is Josefina "Joey" Guerrero, a Filipina spy during World War II.
- Jada
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"jade"Description:
Long used in Spanish-speaking countries, this strong but feminine name was jump-started here by the rise of actress Jada Pinkett Smith. The Italian Giada is a popular variation. In the Bible, the name Jada was borne by a man and has a different root and meaning: It's Hebrew and means "he knows".
- Jerónimo
Description:
Jerónimo is a masculine name of Spanish and Portuguese origin, representing the Iberian form of Jerome. The name derives from the Greek Hieronymos, meaning 'sacred name.' Saint Jerome (Jerónimo in Spanish), a 4th-century scholar who translated the Bible into Latin (the Vulgate), significantly boosted the name's popularity throughout Christian Europe. In Spanish-speaking countries, Jerónimo has remained a consistent, though not overwhelming, presence in naming practices over centuries. The name carries connotations of scholarship, religious devotion, and classical education. In modern usage, Jerónimo offers Spanish-speaking families a name with historical depth and cultural significance. The name is recognized internationally but maintains its distinctive Spanish character through its pronunciation and accent mark over the second 'o.'
- Jadiel
Origin:
Spanish variation of YadielDescription:
Jadiel and Yadiel are Spanish versions of the Hebrew Yehudiel, the name of one of the archangels. It's been in the US Top 1000 since 2008, but still hovers towards the bottom.
- Jimena
Origin:
Variation of Ximena, SpanishMeaning:
"hearing, listening; son"Description:
A popular choice in Mexico, Spain, and Puerto Rico, Jimena has also appears in the Top 600 in the US. It was historically borne by Jimena Díaz, the wife of Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar (better known by the honorific El Cid), an 11th century ruler and warlord.
- Jacinto
Origin:
Spanish, PortugueseMeaning:
"hyacinth"Description:
Less familiar than the feminine Jacinta. Jacinto is a sweet floral boy name that was most popular in early 20th century Spain and Brazil.
- Jaime
Origin:
Spanish variation of JamesDescription:
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 as a variation of the French "J'aime" (meaning I love).
- Jordana
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"flowing down"Description:
A feminization used more before Jordan joined the girls' camp.
- Julieta
Origin:
Spanish variation of JulietMeaning:
"little Julia"Description:
The lovely Shakespearean Juliet is finding renewed interest as a baby name today, and Julieta is along for the ride, especially among Spanish families.
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