My top Portuguese girl names

A feminine name heard most often in the Hispanic community. Surprisingly, Lorena was on the US Top 1000 list of girls' names for an impressive 130 years, from 1880 until falling off in 2011. We do not predict an imminent return.

Romantic, and classy, this variation heats up Caroline and modernizes Carol, adding a southern accent. A popular choice in Portugal, Spain, Mexico, and Italy, it recently entered the US Top 500.

This royal Danish name has long been used across Scandinavia, Germany and Slavic countries and somewhat in the US around the turn of the last century --it was #622 in 1888. There were two notable silent screen stars named Dagmar, one with Polish, the other with Danish roots.

This streamlined variation of Eleanor is common in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Portugal itself, where it has ranked among the Top 3 baby girl names for over a decade.

Attractive translation of Beatrice, popular with Hispanic parents. Beatriz is currently a Top 10 girl name in Portugal.

Eugenia, a name scarcely used at all since the 1980's, is another that flourished a century ago and could be due for a revival.

Frederica is an interesting possibility for the parent unintimidated by its old-fashioned formality, and who can appreciate the vintage charm and verve lurking beneath its stuffiness.

A top ten choice in Chile and a popular name throughout the Spanish-speaking world, Maite is a mighty-sounding name with a soft and sweet meaning. It is also found as a contracted form of María Teresa or María Esther.

One of the most popular names of all time in Portugal and Brazil, with a romantic, lively sound. The main risk is confusion with other names that sound similar: Catalina, Katrina, and so forth. Caterina, with an "e," is more common in Italy.

A bright and bouncy micro name, far rarer than Mia or Gia.

A truly international name with a multitude of origins.

Eduarda is a feminine name of Portuguese and Spanish origin, representing the female form of Eduardo (Edward). Derived from Old English elements 'ead' (wealth, prosperity) and 'weard' (guardian), it carries the noble meaning of 'prosperous guardian' or 'wealthy protector.' The name enjoys significant popularity in Brazil, Portugal, and Spanish-speaking countries, though it remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking regions. Eduarda combines feminine elegance with strength, featuring the fashionable '-a' ending while maintaining the distinguished history of the Edward name family. The nickname 'Duda' is affectionately used in Portuguese contexts. With four melodious syllables, Eduarda offers sophistication and international flair, appealing to parents seeking a name with cultural richness, historical depth, and a balance of strength and grace.

Names that sound and/or are spelled like Dalila exist in several languages, from the Swahili Dalili to the Arabic Dalil to the Hebrew Delilah. A beautiful cross-cultural choice.

Attractive Spanish name heard in the movie Spanglish. Roll that final r. Or say it the French way: Fleur.

A variant of Johanna.

Vitoria is a feminine name of Latin and Portuguese origin, being the Portuguese and Galician spelling of Victoria. Derived from the Latin 'victoria' meaning 'victory' or 'conqueror,' it carries strong connotations of triumph and success. This spelling variant is particularly common in Portugal, Brazil, and Spain (especially in the Basque Country, where Vitoria-Gasteiz is the capital city). While less familiar than Victoria in English-speaking countries, Vitoria offers a slightly exotic alternative that maintains the name's regal and powerful associations. The name has a melodic quality with its flowing vowels, and despite its foreign spelling, remains relatively intuitive to pronounce for English speakers. Potential nicknames include Viti, Tori, or Vita.

Luiza livens up Louisa. The insertion of the letter "Z" adds a lot more pizzazz. Luiza Perote is a Brazilian model.

Betina is a feminine name with multiple cultural connections, primarily functioning as a variant of Bettina, which itself developed as a diminutive of Elizabeth. The name has gained particular popularity in Croatia, Brazil, and other Latin American countries. Derived ultimately from Hebrew, the name carries the meaning "pledged to God" through its connection to Elizabeth. Betina offers a softer, more flowing alternative to Bettina, with the single 't' giving it a distinct character. The name blends a classic heritage with a modern, international feel. While never reaching top-tier popularity in English-speaking countries, Betina has maintained steady usage in South America and parts of Europe, appealing to parents seeking a name that works well across different languages and cultural contexts.

Portuguese form of Philippa

Pietra is a feminine name of Italian origin, meaning "rock" or "stone." It's the female form of Pietro (the Italian version of Peter), which ultimately derives from the Greek "petros" meaning "stone." In Portuguese-speaking countries, the name is also used with the same stone-related meaning. Pietra combines strength and elegance with its flowing two-syllable structure and graceful ending. The name has gained moderate popularity in Italy and Brazil, though it remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. Pietra appeals to parents drawn to Italian names with clear meanings and cultural connections, offering a sophisticated European alternative to more common names like Petra or Piper.