My top Portuguese girl names

Beatriz

Spanish and Portuguese variation of Beatrice

"she who brings happiness; blessed"

Attractive translation of Beatrice, popular with Hispanic parents. Beatriz is currently a Top 10 girl name in Portugal. The original Latin form of the name, Beatrix, was in early sources spelled…

Betina

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…

Bia

Greek, Portuguese, Romanian

"force; blessed; white"

A bright and bouncy micro name, far rarer than Mia or Gia. In Greek mythology, Bia is the personification of force and raw energy. In Portuguese, it's a nickname for Beatriz, and in Romanian it's…

Catarina

Portuguese variation of Katherine

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.…

Dagmar

Norse

"Day maiden"

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…

Dalila

Arabic

"guide"

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.

Eduarda

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…

Eugenia

Feminine variation of Eugene, Greek

"wellborn, noble"

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. Eugenia has some interesting literary references, including the…

Filipa

Portuguese

"lover of horses"

Portuguese form of Philippa

Flor

Spanish

"flower"

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

Frederica

Feminine variation of Frederick, English from German

"peaceful ruler"

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. The name…

Gaia

Greek and Latin

"earth mother; rejoicing"

Floral, bright, and subtly powerful, Gaia is a name with two separate origins. In Greek mythology, it is the name of the earth goddess and the universal mother, who takes her epithet from the Ancient…