Spanish Word Names

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

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.

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

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

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.

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 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."

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

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.

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.

Ventura started life as a shortening of Bonaventura, Spanish for good luck or good fortune, but now stands on its own. It has a pleasant sound and the stylish 'V' ending, but Angelenos would associate it with the Valley's main stem--Ventura Boulevard, and others might think of Ace or Jesse Ventura.

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

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

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.

This name of a California desert town, used by Deborah Falconer and Robert Downey, Jr. for their son, makes a much livelier and more individual – not to mention more masculine – improvisation on the themes of India and Indiana.