Spanish Word Names

This alluring Spanish word name has the quirky meaning "hazelnut". Avellana has a beautiful sound, although it may be misheard as the trending Avianna.

Somehow sounds even posher than Lavinia. A lushly beautiful name, in the trendy ancient style, marred only by a negative meaning.

Serafin and Seraphim are much less known and used in the US than the feminine forms Serafina and Seraphina, but just as appealing. An out-of-the-box Spanish option with a deep history and an animated meaning.

Charming alternative to the overused Grace.

As a term of endearment, maybe, but not as a proper name, where it would practically demand the refrain "Banana."

A distinctive, rhythmic, and lovely Spanish name that suggests enlightenment.

We've long been a fan of spice and herb names -- Saffron, Sage, Juniper -- and Spanish word names are starting to feel very right, so Canela has legs. It has a long history as a Latina first name, and Nell would be a great -- and easy -- nickname.

Among the least gimmicky, most appealing and colorful of all the names found in the atlas, Jamaica almost sings out the rhythms of the West Indies.

Less familiar and appealing than the feminine Jacinta.

Romero is one of the less common variations of the stylish family of Rome-related names. Only 32 baby boys were named Romero in the US last year, versus nearly 5000 named Roman and 1100 named Romeo.

The Latin word for love. Amor has strong potential for the middle name position.

A spiritually significant name used in honor of the Virgin Mary. In Spanish, her title is Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles, meaning "Our Lady the Queen of the Angels."

Tornado first meant thunderstorm and only later came to mean whirlwind, the common modern meaning. More recently, Tornado is the first name of a tennis-playing teen whose sister is called the equally attention-getting Hurricane. Both names work for either gender, if you think you can withstand the storm jokes.

The Spanish variation of the 80s and 90s American favorite Amber has an international flair.

Traditionally given to girls born on the September birth date of the Virgin Mary.

Opera star Domingo was responsible for giving this popular Latin name its green card. It was commonly used by early Christians to convey their serenity in the faith, and it was borne by several minor saints.