Spanish Word Names
- Rosario
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"rosary"Description:
Anglo parents are taking note of this Hispanic classic, thanks to actress Rosario Dawson and a character on Will & Grace. Poetic and powerful, it comes from the Spanish title of the Virgin Mary, Nuestra Señora del Rosario, or "Our Lady of the Rosary", Rosary referring to vocal and mental prayer in Catholicism, that reflect on the life of Christ and his Mother.
- Jamaica
Origin:
Native American place nameMeaning:
"rich in springs"Description:
Among the least gimmicky, most appealing and colorful of all the names found in the atlas, Jamaica almost sings out the rhythms of the West Indies.
- Santos
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"saint, holy"Description:
The Spanish and Portuguese variation of the all-saints name. Santos is a name that has appeared in the US Top 1000 every year except for two: 1913 and 1915.
- Tierra
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"earth"Description:
Earthy but ethereal Spanish word name that sounds a lot fresher than its sister Sierra.
- Fortuna
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"luck"Description:
The Roman goddess Fortuna personified luck and ruled over fortune and fate. She is often depicted as blindfolded, and remains an important figure in Italian culture today, where a common saying translates to "Luck is blind."
- Aleta
Description:
Aleta is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Greek, it's a variation of Alethea, meaning "truth," while some sources connect it to Spanish origins as a diminutive of Alicia. The name also appears in mythology as one of the Nereids, sea nymphs from Greek legends. Aleta enjoyed modest popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century but remains relatively uncommon today. The name has a melodic, flowing quality with its simple three-syllable structure and soft sounds. Aleta strikes a balance between familiarity and distinctiveness—recognizable without being common. Its classical roots give it timeless appeal, while its slight exoticism adds interest. Parents might choose Aleta seeking a name with historical depth that still feels fresh and underused in contemporary contexts.
- Poema
Origin:
English elaboration of Poem, Portuguese, Spanish, TahitianMeaning:
"poem; pearl of the deep seas, pure, clean pearl"Description:
Poema is a a multicultural word name, working as an elaborate form of Poem in English, but as a direct word name in Spanish, Portuguese, and more. In an English speaking context, this may make it feel lean more "name-y", blending the sounds of classic Emma with the playful 'Poe' sound.
- Fausto
Origin:
Italian and Spanish variation of FaustMeaning:
"fortunate one"Description:
While Faust, who sold his soul to the devil, was anything but fortunate, this Latinate variation is more commonly heard and accepted.
- Milagro
Description:
Milagro is a feminine name of Spanish origin meaning 'miracle.' This beautiful name carries profound spiritual significance in Hispanic culture, often given to children whose births were considered miraculous or particularly blessed. Milagro is also associated with religious miracles in Catholic tradition. While relatively uncommon in the United States, the name maintains steady popularity in Spanish-speaking countries and communities. Its melodic quality and meaningful background make it a powerful choice for parents seeking a name with depth and cultural significance. The name's four syllables create a rhythmic, flowing sound that embodies its celebratory essence. Milagro may also be chosen to honor Hispanic heritage or express gratitude for a child seen as a blessing.
- Melisa
Description:
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.
- Abril
Origin:
Spanish and Catalan variation of AprilDescription:
This Spanish month name has been quietly used for several years now in the US.
- Pacifica
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"tranquil"Description:
When properly pronounced, has an alluring sound and harmonious meaning.
- Toro
Description:
Toro is a masculine name with multicultural roots and meanings. In Japanese, 'toro' can relate to terms meaning 'to melt' or refer to prime cuts of tuna. In Spanish and Italian, it means 'bull,' symbolizing strength and courage. The name also appears in Finnish tradition with different etymological roots. Toro's powerful simplicity makes it distinctive in Western naming contexts while being recognizable across several cultures. The bull association gives it connotations of determination, power, and masculinity in Latin traditions. This short, impactful name has an international quality that works well across language boundaries. Its bold sound and cross-cultural presence make it appealing for parents seeking a name that combines simplicity with strength.
- Rubi
Origin:
Spanish, Portuguese, JapaneseMeaning:
"ruby; precious gemstone, lapis lazuli + beautiful"Description:
The Spanish and Portuguese form of popular Ruby is another addition to the list of attractive gem names for girls, that might sometimes be used by English speaking parents who want their child's name to stand out when written down. Rubi is also of Japanese origin, and associated with another gemstone: the lapis lazuli.
- Gracia
Origin:
Spanish variation of GraceDescription:
Although Gracia is the literal Spanish translation of Grace and is used as the Grace equivalent in Spanish-speaking countries, where it's pronounced grah-see-ah or grah-thee-ah, it's also a long-time if unusual Grace variation pronounced gray-sha. You might consider Gracia if Grace is getting too commonplace for you.
- Garbo
Origin:
Italian nicknameMeaning:
"polite, kind"Description:
Patricia Arquette and Nicole Richie named their daughters Harlow, so why not consider this other great early screen icon?
- Paz
Origin:
Hebrew; SpanishMeaning:
"gold; peace"Description:
Paz is an appealing Spanish name meaning "peace", derived from the Latin "pax". It's usually feminine in Spanish, but could also make an interesting literary choice for a boy, honoring the writer Octavio Paz.
- Tornado
Origin:
Spanish word nameMeaning:
"tornado"Description:
Tornado first meant thunderstorm and only later came to mean whirlwind, the common modern meaning. More recently, Tornado is the first name of a tennis-playing teen whose sister is called the equally attention-getting Hurricane. Both names work for either gender, if you think you can withstand the storm jokes.
- Bonita
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"pretty"Description:
Like Benita, had some popularity in the fifties.
- Lago
Description:
Lago is a distinctive masculine name with roots in multiple languages. In Spanish and Italian, 'lago' means 'lake,' connecting the name to natural imagery and tranquility. In Portuguese and Galician cultures, it may derive from the name Tiago (the equivalent of James). With its simple two-syllable structure and evocative meaning, Lago offers a modern, nature-inspired choice that works across cultural boundaries. The name remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries but has seen modest use in Spain, Italy, and Latin American nations. Its association with water suggests qualities of depth, reflection, and calm. The simplicity and melodious sound of Lago, combined with its meaningful natural connection, appeals to parents seeking distinctive yet accessible names.