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Portuguese Names that Start With A

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Oct 01 2024
  1. Adelina

    • Origin:

      Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Slavic variation of Adeline

    • Meaning:

      "noble, nobility"

    • Description:

      Adelina is back in the Top 1000 after an absence of nearly a century, thanks to the meteoric rise of her sister name Adeline -- along with Adelaide, Adele, and Ada.
  2. Andre

    • Origin:

      French and Portuguese variation of Andrew

    • Meaning:

      "strong and manly"

    • Description:

      Andre is one of the international forms of Andrew that has been familiar in the English-speaking world for decades without any need to be overly Anglicized - though round the world, it is more likely to be written as André.
  3. Ana

    • Origin:

      Variation of Hannah

    • Meaning:

      "grace"

    • Description:

      Confident and compact, Ana is a widely used variation of the Biblical Hannah. Favored in Spain, Slovenia, Bosnia, Portugal, and Croatia, this shorter spelling has the same substance and versatility of its longer counterparts.
  4. Alonso

    • Origin:

      Portuguese and Spanish variation of Adalfuns, German

    • Meaning:

      "noble and ready"

    • Description:

      Alonso is the Spanish and Portuguese diminutive version of Alfonso, itself deriving from an old Germanic name "Adalfuns" meaning "noble and ready." Although the Italian spelling Alonzo is more popular in the US, Alonso has its own strong history.
  5. Armando

    • Origin:

      Spanish, Italian and Portuguese form of Herman, German

    • Meaning:

      "soldier"

    • Description:

      Armando takes the flat-footed Herman and makes it romantic. This is another of the Latin names we expect to be seeing more of.
  6. Alfredo

    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Alfred, English

    • Meaning:

      "wise counsellor; elf counsel"

    • Description:

      Alfredo, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese variation of Alfred, is most familiar as the romantic lead in Verdi's evergreen opera La Traviata. On a less romantic note, Alfredo is also the name of a pasta sauce.
  7. Anselmo

    • Origin:

      Italian from German

    • Meaning:

      "with divine protection"

    • Description:

      Lighter Latin version of Anselm.
  8. Afonso

    • Description:

      Afonso is a masculine Portuguese and Galician form of the name Alfonso, which derives from Germanic elements meaning 'noble' and 'ready' or 'eager.' This name carries significant historical weight in Portugal and Spain, having been borne by numerous kings and nobles throughout the Iberian Peninsula. Afonso has remained consistently popular in Portugal and Brazilian communities, representing a strong connection to cultural heritage. The name has a dignified sound while maintaining approachability. Its distinctive spelling with a single 'l' marks it as specifically Portuguese rather than Spanish. Afonso projects qualities of leadership, dignity, and classical masculinity while still feeling relevant in modern contexts. Its rich historical associations give the name substance and character.

  9. Ambrosio

    • Description:

      Ambrosio is a masculine name of Greek origin, derived from the Greek word 'ambrosia,' which was the food or drink of the gods in Greek mythology, believed to confer immortality. The name essentially means 'immortal' or 'divine.' Ambrosio is the Spanish and Italian form of Ambrose, a name with significant historical presence through Saint Ambrose, a 4th-century bishop and doctor of the church. The name has maintained consistent usage particularly in Hispanic and Italian communities, though it has never been among the most common names. Ambrosio carries an air of classical dignity and religious significance while maintaining a melodious, romantic quality typical of Romance language names. The name suggests qualities of wisdom, spiritual depth, and timeless elegance, appealing to parents drawn to names with both historical weight and cross-cultural appeal.
  10. Antinea

    • Origin:

      French after the Greek name for the Queen of Atlantis

    • Description:

      In Pierre Benoit's novel, Antinea is a beautiful and charming queen with a hideous secret: She has a cave wall with 120 niches carved into it, one for each of her lovers. Only 53 have been filled; when all 120 have been filled, Antinea will sit atop a throne in the centre of the cave and rest forever.
  11. Aarão

    • Description:

      Aarão is the Portuguese form of Aaron, a name with ancient Hebrew origins. In Hebrew, Aaron (or Aharon) was the brother of Moses and the first High Priest of the Israelites, making it a name with significant biblical heritage. The meaning is somewhat debated, with interpretations including 'mountain of strength,' 'exalted,' or 'enlightened.' The Portuguese spelling Aarão maintains the name's essence while adapting it to Portuguese phonology and orthography, including the distinctive tilde over the final 'a.' This name is primarily used in Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil and Portugal. Aarão carries the gravitas of its biblical associations while connecting to Portuguese linguistic heritage. Though less known internationally than the Aaron spelling, Aarão provides cultural specificity and honors Portuguese naming traditions while maintaining its ancient spiritual connections.
  12. Alao

    • Description:

      Alao is a masculine name with West African origins, particularly common among the Yoruba people of Nigeria. The name carries the meaning of 'one who was born wealthy' or 'born into prosperity.' It reflects the cultural value placed on abundance and good fortune in Yoruba tradition. While primarily used in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa, Alao has spread to diaspora communities worldwide. The name remains relatively uncommon in Western countries but is respected within African communities for its positive connotations of wealth, success, and blessings. Alao is typically pronounced 'ah-LAH-oh' with emphasis on the middle syllable.
  13. Adão

    • Description:

      Adão is the Portuguese form of Adam, one of the most ancient names in recorded history. Derived from the Hebrew 'adamah' meaning 'earth' or 'ground,' it refers to the biblical first man created from earth in Judeo-Christian tradition. The distinctive tilde over the 'a' indicates the Portuguese pronunciation, which gives the name a warm, resonant sound. Particularly common in Brazil and Portugal, Adão carries the weight of biblical significance while maintaining a strong cultural connection to the Portuguese-speaking world. The name conveys connotations of origin, beginnings, and mankind's creation story. Parents might choose this name for its religious significance, its cross-cultural appeal, or to honor Portuguese heritage.
  14. Arnesto

    • Description:

      Arnesto is a masculine name that appears to be a variation of Ernest or Ernesto. The name ultimately derives from the Germanic element 'ernst,' meaning 'serious' or 'determined.' This variant spelling combines elements of the English Ernest and the Spanish/Italian Ernesto, creating a cross-cultural hybrid. While not widely used, Arnesto has found occasional usage particularly in Hispanic and Latino communities. The name carries the strong, dignified qualities associated with Ernest/Ernesto while offering a slightly different phonetic pattern. Arnesto provides a distinctive alternative that maintains the traditional name's essence of seriousness and resolve while presenting a unique orthographic identity.
  15. Adrião

    • Description:

      Adrião is a Portuguese masculine name derived from the Latin name Adrianus, which means 'from Hadria' (a town in northern Italy that gave its name to the Adriatic Sea). This distinctive Portuguese variation adds rich cultural heritage to the more familiar Adrian. Adrião carries an air of dignity and tradition while remaining relatively uncommon outside Portuguese-speaking countries like Portugal and Brazil. The name combines strength and refinement with its strong vowel sounds and the distinctive nasal ending typical of Portuguese names. Though potentially challenging for non-Portuguese speakers to pronounce correctly, its uniqueness makes it stand out while still having recognizable roots. Historically, it has been associated with respected figures in Portuguese culture, adding depth to its appeal.

  16. Abrão

    • Description:

      Abrão is the Portuguese form of Abraham, a name with profound biblical significance. Derived from the Hebrew name Avraham, it means 'father of multitudes' or 'father of many nations.' In the Bible, Abraham is a central patriarch who entered into a covenant with God. Abrão is primarily used in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Brazil and Portugal, where it carries the same spiritual weight as its Hebrew original. While less common than some other biblical names, Abrão maintains steady popularity in communities with strong religious traditions. The name conveys a sense of wisdom, leadership, and spiritual heritage, making it a meaningful choice for parents seeking a name with deep historical and religious roots.
  17. Agueda

    • Origin:

      Spanish, Portuguese, from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "good woman"

    • Description:

      Traditionally spelled Águeda, this is a Spanish & Portuguese form of Agatha.
  18. Alexio

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "defending men"

    • Description:

      Removing one letter from the somewhat intimidating Alexios gives you Alexio, a charming and more accessible variation.
  19. Affonso

    • Description:

      Affonso is a masculine name of Portuguese and Spanish origin, representing a traditional variant spelling of Alfonso or Afonso. The name derives from a Germanic source, combining the elements 'adal' (noble) and 'funs' (ready), essentially meaning "noble and ready" or "ready for battle." This spelling variation with the double 'f' is less common than Alfonso but maintains historical usage particularly in Portuguese-speaking regions. Affonso carries aristocratic associations, as it was borne by several Portuguese and Spanish monarchs throughout history. The name projects strength and dignity while maintaining a melodious quality with its flowing vowels. Though classical in nature, it has never completely fallen out of use, especially within Portuguese and Brazilian communities.
  20. Ailinn

    • Description:

      Ailinn is a feminine name with Gaelic origins, derived from Irish mythology and history. It's a variant of Aileen or Eileen, ultimately stemming from the Gaelic 'Eibhlín' or 'Aveline,' meaning 'desired' or 'pleasant.' The distinctive spelling with the double 'n' ending gives this ancient name a contemporary feel while preserving its Celtic roots. Though uncommon in mainstream usage, Ailinn has retained quiet popularity among families interested in Irish heritage and Celtic traditions. The name offers a blend of delicacy and strength, with its soft sounds but ancient warrior associations. Its relative obscurity makes it appealing to parents seeking names with historical depth that remain unique. Ailinn allows for natural nicknames like Aili while providing a full name with cultural significance.