Spains Finest
- Aimar
Origin:
NavarreseMeaning:
"home"Description:
A very old name with a fascinating history, Aimar is now most often used as a boys' name in the Basque country. Its status as a Top 100 name in Spain may also be related to the enduring popularity of retired Argentinian soccer superstar Pablo AImar.
- Aina
Origin:
Scandinavian and Finnish variation of Aino, Catalan variation of Anna, Japanese, Latvian, Kazakh, YorubaMeaning:
"always; grace; lover of green; sight; mirror; delivery had complications [umbilical cord twisted around neck]"Description:
A bright-sounding name with multicultural appeal, used regularly as a first name in Japan, Scandinavia, Latvia, and Spain.
- Ainhoa
Origin:
Basque place nameDescription:
The name of the French town where a vision of the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared, this name is in the Spanish Top 100 and was, until recently, virtually unheard of elsewhere. Now however it is familiar in Puerto Rico and Chile, and as of 2019, it has been a feature in the US Top 1000.
- Aitana
Origin:
Spanish place-nameDescription:
Aitana is the name of a Spanish mountain used by the poet Rafael Alberti for his daughter. He reportedly chose it because the mountain was his last glimpse of Spain when he went into exile after the Spanish Civil War. The name was popularized by Aitana Alberti's goddaughter and namesake, actress Aitana Sanchez-Gijan. It became one of the fastest-rising girls names in 2016, after entering the US Top 1000 in 2015, and is among the most popular Spanish names for girls in its native Spain and beyond.
- Alessandra
Origin:
Italian and Portuguese variation of AlexandraMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
This Italian and Portuguese variant of the classic Alexandra softens the classic name, while still maintaining its strength and dignity. Currently in the US Top 500, it also ranks in Brazil and Italy. Instead of Lexi, this form could get you to nicknames Essie or Alessa.
- Alvaro
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"elf warrior"Description:
Traditionally written with an accent (Álvaro), this is a well-used Spanish saint's name with a lot of flair that could definitely cross over to more general usage. It reached its peak in the United States in 1985, when it ranked Number 456. In Spain, Álvaro is a Top 20 boys' name.
- Amaia
Origin:
Spanish or BasqueMeaning:
"high place or end"Description:
This pretty and uncommon Basque name is all but unheard of in this country. Amaya is a spelling variation as well as a similar Japanese name meaning "night rain." With the newfound popularity of Amara and Amora, Amaia and Amaya are among the Spanish names for girls we'll be hearing a lot more of in the US.
- Andres
Origin:
Spanish form of AndrewMeaning:
"strong and manly"Description:
The Spanish form of Andrew is popular enough in the US to rank near the Top 200. As Andrew, Andy, and Drew feel less fresh, Andres is still up-and-coming, with a global feel that could travel well anywhere. Andres has been used in the US dating all the way back to when name data began to be kept, and has never fallen out of the Top 1000. Despite this, it has only been since the 90s that Andres has cracked the Top 200. Andre is a similar-sounding alternative that has French and Portuguese roots.
- Ariadna
Origin:
Spanish, Catalan, Russian, Polish variation of Ariadne, GreekMeaning:
"most holy"Description:
Romantic and elegant but tough and sparky at the same time, Ariadna is a variation of the Greek Ariadne, predominantly used among Spanish speakers. In Greek mythology, Ariadne was the daughter of King Minos of Crete who oversaw the labyrinth, where she later helped Theseus defeat the Minotaur.
- Arnau
Origin:
Catalan variation of Arnold, English from GermanMeaning:
"ruler, strong as an eagle"Description:
A name sometimes used by Latino parents, perhaps relating to the popular Spanish TV mini-series of that name.
- Aroa
Origin:
BasqueMeaning:
"era, time"Description:
Part of a group of lovely A-starting names popular in Spain, along with Ainhoa and Aitana. Spanish actress Aroa Gimeno introduced this one.
- Arrosa
Description:
Arrosa is a feminine name of Basque origin meaning "rose." The Basque language is one of Europe's oldest and is spoken in regions of northern Spain and southwestern France. Unlike many European languages that adopted the Latin-derived "rosa" for the flower, Basque developed its own distinctive form. Arrosa carries the same floral symbolism of beauty, love, and passion associated with roses across cultures, but with a unique linguistic heritage. The double 'r' creates a rolling sound characteristic of Basque pronunciation. While relatively uncommon outside Basque-speaking regions, Arrosa offers a distinctive alternative to more familiar rose-inspired names like Rose, Rosie, or Rosa, appealing to parents seeking a name with both natural beauty and unusual cultural roots.
- Asier
Origin:
BasqueMeaning:
"the beginning"Description:
This Basque name is quite popular in Spain, where it has long been in the Top 100 names. This is likely due to its pleasant meaning; the sound, dignified in Spanish and Basque, may not fare so well in English-speaking countries.
- Beatriz
Origin:
Spanish and Portuguese variation of BeatriceMeaning:
"she who brings happiness; blessed"Description:
Attractive translation of Beatrice, popular with Hispanic parents. Beatriz is currently a Top 10 girl name in Portugal.
- Belen
Origin:
Spanish place name and form of Bethlehem, HebrewMeaning:
"house of bread"Description:
Actually the Spanish name for Bethlehem, which means "house of bread," this name is high on Spain's popularity list and is rising in the US as well. Though this is one of the Spanish names for girls that has not for the most part crossed over to the English-speaking population, that could change thanks to its similarity to the popular Belle or Bella.
- Biel
Origin:
Catalan variant of GabrielDescription:
A Top 10 boys' name in Catalonia that will likely be associated with actress Jessica Biel in the US.
- Clarita
Description:
Clarita is a feminine name of Spanish and Latin origin, serving as a diminutive form of Clara, which means 'bright,' 'clear,' or 'famous.' The suffix '-ita' adds an affectionate quality in Spanish naming traditions. Popular in Spanish-speaking communities, Clarita conveys warmth and brightness while maintaining its classic roots. The name reached modest popularity in the United States during the early 20th century but remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries today. Clarita balances traditional charm with melodic appeal, making it attractive to parents seeking a name with Latin heritage that's recognizable but not overused. The name has cultural significance in Hispanic communities while offering cross-cultural appeal with its clear pronunciation and inherently positive meaning.
- Cordero
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"lamb"Description:
Sounds more like a car than a baby name. Some sources related it to the English surname Carter, which would be more stylish these days.
- Cristian
Origin:
Spanish, Romanian and Italian form of Christian, LatinMeaning:
"follower of Christ"Description:
Both Christian and Cristian rank in the US Top 500 names for boys, and while the classic "Ch" spelling is used more than four times as often, Cristian is still given to more than 1000 boys each year, and is often used in the Hispanic community.
- Cristobal
Origin:
Spanish variation of ChristopherMeaning:
"bearer of Christ"Description:
The first name of famed designer Balenciaga, was also the birth name of Christopher Columbus--aka Cristobal Colon. A name still well used in the Hispanic community.