Spanish Soap Opera Actor & Actresses Names
- Maritza
Origin:
Spanish diminutive of MariaMeaning:
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"Description:
Used especially in Latin America, this would make a funky spin on Maria.
- Alexis
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"defender"Description:
This name leapt into the female column via vixen Alexis Carrington on 'Dynasty" in the 1980s. It's more popular for girls, but it's still a widely used boys' names and is one of the most popular unisex names in the US today.
- Chantal
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"stone, boulder"Description:
Though associated with a French saint noted for her holiness and strength of character, this name is somewhat dated and it might be better to look to one of the more modern names popular for little girls in France today: Oceane, Lea, Manon.
- Ximena
Origin:
Feminization of Ximeno, SpanishMeaning:
"hearing, listening; son"Description:
A popular choice in Mexico and a Top 200 name in the US, though usually for girls. Ximena has that stylish X- initial and a sunny feel. Alternative form Jimena is also in the charts and is far more popular in Spain itself.
- Guillermo
Origin:
Spanish variation of WilliamDescription:
As with Guillaume (see above), Liam, Willem, and Wilhelm, everyday Williams in their own countries, Guillermo is a captivating possibility here. Giermo, Gigermo, Gijermo, Gillermo, Gillirmo, Giyermo, Guermillo, Guiermo Guilermón, Guille, Guillelmo, Guillermino, Guillo, Guirmo, Gullermo, Llermo, Memo, Quillermo.
- Lorena
Origin:
Spanish variation of LorraineMeaning:
"from the province of Lorraine"Description:
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.
- Jaime
Origin:
Spanish variation of JamesDescription:
A Hispanic classic that has lost some momentum in recent years. It could be misunderstood by some as Jamie -- which is how it's pronounced on Game of Thrones.
- Galilea
Origin:
Feminine variation of Galileo, after "Galilee"Meaning:
"Galilee"Description:
Like the masculine form Galileo, Galilea is a variant of Galilee, a region in Northern Israel of great Biblical significance. Given the current popularity of soft Italian girls’ names, this name’s long historical roots, its beautiful sound and the potential for cute nicknames (Leia, Lil, Ally, etc) it’s no surprise that this name has been on the rise in recent years.
- Adela
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"noble"Description:
A vibrant variation of Adele, with a bit of extra flair from that "-a" ending. It could join the army of popular A girls' names, especially with its tie to the success of singer Adele.
- Rodrigo
Origin:
Spanish and Portuguese variation of RoderickMeaning:
"famous ruler"Description:
Rhythmically appealing international spin on the stiff original.
- Rene
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"reborn"Description:
Though it's used for boys, most non-French people would hear it as a girls’ name. Most would be surprised to learn that Rene has always charted in the US Top 1000 for boys.
- Eddy
Origin:
Diminutive of EdwardMeaning:
"wealthy guardian"Description:
Eddy, recently used by Celine Dion for one of her twin boys, was chosen to honor Eddy Marnay, who produced her first five records. Though less common a nickname for Edward than Eddie, Eddy is used more often on its own.
- Eleazar
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God helps"Description:
Eleazar is a distinguished Biblical name--in which it appears several times-- ripe for the picking following the stardom of Eli, Elijah, and other similar names.
- Karla
Origin:
German variation of CarlaDescription:
Both Karla and Carla are sliding down the ranks, though Karla remains far more popular in the USA than Carla.
- Alfonso
Origin:
Spanish and ItalianMeaning:
"noble, ready"Description:
Alfonso was a royal name in Spain as far back as the 7th century, but it is rarely heard outside the Hispanic community in the US.
- Mauricio
Origin:
Spanish variation of MauriceMeaning:
"dark-skinned"Description:
This Spanish version of Maurice has been on the US charts since the 60s. Mauricio peaked in the early 2000s, getting as high as #353 before falling again. With lively, "-o" ending names getting the attention they have got in recent years, Mauricio would be a great option. Mauricio Macri was a former president of Argentina.
- Laisha
Origin:
Invented name, combining La prefix with Aisha, Arabic and SwahiliMeaning:
"living, prosperous"Description:
Laisha made the US Top 1000 list for a few years in the early 21st century, thanks to its role on a Spanish soap opera. The name is a variation of the popular Arabic and Muslim name Aisha, which has many spellings and forms.
- Ricardo
Origin:
Portuguese and Spanish variation of RichardMeaning:
"dominant ruler"Description:
Richard is far from fashionable, but Ricardo is one of the most popular Spanish names for boys in the US. And it does sound far more appealing that the English version.
- Arleth
Origin:
Spanish variation of Arlette, FrenchMeaning:
"noble, honor"Description:
Arleth has made the US Top 1000 twice — in 2005 and 2021 — thanks to telenovela star Arleth Terán.
- Salma
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"safe"Description:
Mexican-born actress Salma Hayek lends a large dollop of glamour to this name that would otherwise resemble the middle-aged Selma.
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