User-created list
Unusual / Interesting names
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Mireia
Catalan form of Mireille
"to admire"
Popular name in Spain drawn from the Provencal Mireio, coined by the poet Frederic Mistral. Very pretty and, though difficult to spell and pronounce, simpler than the French version.
Naiara
Basque place name
Basque name for a Spanish city where the Virgin Mary appeared in medieval times, now a popular girls' name throughout Spain.
Rocio
Spanish
"dewdrops"
This name, which refers to Mary as the Virgin of the Dew, is all but unknown in the Anglo community, but popular enough in Hispanic families that it made the US Top 1000 until least until 2006. Also…
Yaiza
Spanish place name
Not strictly Spanish but Guanche, the original inhabitants of the Canary Islands, this place name became popular as a first in Spain via a trilogy by Alberto Vazquez Figueroa. The Guanche meaning of…
Irati
Basque
"fern field"
For the parent who genuinely wants something different, this nature choice is popular in Spain. Downside: connection to words irate and irritation.
Xabiera
Xabiera is an exotic feminine variation of Xavier or Javier, names with Basque and Spanish origins meaning 'new house' or 'bright.' The distinctive 'X' beginning gives the name a striking quality,…
Joska
Joska is a feminine name with Eastern European origins, primarily used in Hungary and neighboring countries. It evolved as a diminutive form of Josephine or József (Joseph), carrying the meaning "God…
Xuxa
Portuguese
Patxi
Basque variation of Francis
Basque alternative to Paddy or Pat
Nekane
Basque form of Dolores
"sorrows"
Nekane is the decidedly modern, upbeat-sounding Basque form of the sorrowful and dated Spanish Dolores. Basque names, largely unknown in English-speaking countries, offer a fresh lexicon of names,…
Jessenia
Variation of Yesenia, Spanish nature name
Jessenia and Yesenia are drawn from the Spanish name for a South American tree, making them new nature names .
Naia
Hawaiian, Greek, Basque
"dolphin; to flow; wave, sea foam"
A multicultural option that's equally intriguing but more unusual than Maia. Connected to water and the ocean, it is a Top 100 choice in Spain and Puerto Rico and has been rising up the charts in…
Aroa
Basque
"era, time"
Part of a group of lovely A-starting names popular in Spain, along with Ainhoa and Aitana. Spanish actress Aroa Gimeno introduced this one.
Calida
Spanish
"heated"
Unusual but accessible Hispanic choice with stylish sound.
Cayo
Latin, from the Roman family name Caius
"rejoice"
Cayo is a rare and rhythmic Spanish name, all but unknown in the English-speaking world, that would make a lively choice.
Arnau
Catalan variation of Arnold, English from German
"ruler, strong as an eagle"
A name sometimes used by Latino parents, perhaps relating to the popular Spanish TV mini-series of that name.
Anselm
German
"with divine protection"
A somewhat solemn appellation, Anselm is a saint's name, connected to the twelfth century archbishop of Canterbury, and in modern times tied to the German neo-expressionist painter Anselm Kiefer.
Rabanne
Spanish surname
A plausible unisex name, inspired by Basque fashion designer Paco (actually born Francisco Cuervo)--who was known for his 1960s "Unwearables "--metal-linked plastic dresses and designs for the…
Kahlo
German
"bald"
Contrary to popular belief, the name Kahlo has German origins, rather than Spanish. It derives from kahl , a German word meaning "bald." Mexican Artist Frida Kahlo was born to a German father,…
Tamayo
Japanese
"generation jewel"
Japanese name with a special crossover/creative touch via its association with the colorful paintings of acclaimed Mexican artist Rufino Tamayo.