Spanish Hispanic and Latin names
- Erendira
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"she who smiles"Description:
Erendira was the name of a Gabriel Garcia Marquez heroine and also a mythological princess. The name is best known in Mexico.
- Exechio
Description:
Exechio is an extremely rare masculine name with possible Greek or Italian influences. The name's origins are obscure, potentially representing a creative coinage or a very uncommon regional name. The 'echo' element may suggest a connection to the Greek mythological figure Echo or derive from similar linguistic roots. With its distinctive 'x' and melodic ending, Exechio has an exotic, mysterious quality. The name remains virtually unheard of in most naming records, making it an extraordinarily unique choice. Its unusual sound pattern combines a strong beginning with a flowing, artistic ending. Parents choosing this name would be selecting something truly distinctive with a Mediterranean or classical flair.
- Ezequiel
Origin:
Spanish and Portuguese form of Ezekiel, HebrewMeaning:
"God strengthens"Description:
Ezekiel and Ezequiel have both featured in the US Top 1000 since the 1980s , though it has been since the 2010s that they've become favorites. Joining Biblical or international style choices such as Gabriel and Raphael, Ezekiel is in the Top 100, while this Spanish and Portuguese variation sits comfortably in the Top 400.
- Florella
Description:
Florella is a delicate feminine name with Latin origins, derived from 'flora' meaning 'flower.' This charming elaboration adds the diminutive suffix '-ella,' creating a name that essentially means 'little flower' or 'flowering one.' Popular during the Victorian era when floral names were fashionable, Florella has since become quite rare, maintaining an antique, romantic quality. The name shares roots with Flora, Florence, and other botanical names while offering a more ornate and distinctive alternative. With its melodic three-syllable rhythm and flowing sound, Florella exemplifies the 19th-century preference for elaborate, nature-inspired feminine names. Though uncommon in contemporary use, Florella appeals to parents seeking a vintage name with natural associations and inherent femininity.
- Hilaria
Origin:
Latin, SpanishMeaning:
"cheerful"Description:
Hilaria, the ancient Roman form of Hilary also given to joyous festivals, is still used in Spain and Poland, while the intriguing Italian version is Ilaria. A notable current bearer is fitness expert and wife of Alec, Hilaria Baldwin, who was born Hillary.
- Iluminada
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"illuminated"Description:
A distinctive, rhythmic, and lovely Spanish name that suggests enlightenment.
- Inocencia
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"innocence"Description:
Inocencia is like Chastity or Immaculata. Few modern girls outside the Latino community -- or even in it -- would appreciate having to carry this name.
- Isla
Origin:
Scottish place-name or SpanishMeaning:
"island"Description:
Isla is a hit name throughout the English-speaking world but hasn't found the same popularity in other western countries, perhaps because its spelling and pronunciation don't make sense for those whose native language is not English. Think island without the final two letters.
- Jacinta
Origin:
Spanish for Greek flower nameMeaning:
"hyacinth"Description:
Jacinta, the Spanish word for hyacinth, is a lot softer and sweeter than the English version. The correct Spanish pronunciation is ha-SEEN-ta, though many English speakers would say ja-SIN-ta. Although the name is slightly different, Jacinta is largely associated at present with Australian-born actress Jacinda Barrett.
- Leonel
Origin:
Variation of Lionel, FrenchMeaning:
"young lion"Description:
A variation of Lionel that has made slow but substantial gains in recent years, perhaps helped by the resurgence of Leo. It is also the Spanish and Portuguese variant.
- Lumina
Description:
Lumina is a radiant feminine name derived from the Latin word 'lumen,' meaning 'light.' This elegant name carries connotations of brightness, illumination, and enlightenment across various cultures. Though rare in mainstream usage, Lumina has appeared in literature, video games, and as a character name in various media. The name has a magical, ethereal quality that appeals to parents seeking something uncommon yet meaningful. Its connection to light makes it symbolically rich, suggesting qualities of intelligence, hope, and guidance. The name flows melodically and has cross-cultural appeal, as variations of light-based names exist in many languages.
- Luminosa
Description:
Luminosa is a feminine name with Latin origins, meaning 'full of light' or 'luminous.' This evocative name derives from the Latin 'lumen' (light) and directly connects to concepts of brightness, radiance, and illumination. Popular in Italian and Spanish-speaking countries, Luminosa carries poetic connotations of someone who brings light or knowledge to others. The name has religious undertones in Catholic traditions, sometimes associated with 'Mary, Light of the World.' While uncommon in English-speaking countries, its meaning is easily understood across languages. Luminosa's four melodic syllables create a rhythmic, flowing sound that feels both elegant and warm. For parents seeking a name with clear positive meaning and a romantic, international flair, Luminosa offers a distinctive yet accessible option.
- Madre
Description:
Madre is an unusual feminine name derived from the Spanish word meaning "mother." This name carries profound significance, representing nurturing qualities and maternal connection across many Latin cultures. As a given name, Madre is extremely rare in English-speaking countries, making it a bold, distinctive choice. Its usage as a personal name may reflect familial importance or cultural heritage. The name has a warm, dignified quality despite its unconventional nature as a first name. Parents choosing Madre might be drawn to its simple pronunciation, meaningful associations, and cross-cultural recognition, though they should be aware of its primary meaning as a common noun in Spanish-speaking regions.
- Madrona
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"mother"Description:
A bit grown-up for a tiny baby.
- Mariposa
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"butterfly"Description:
Mariposa is a rare, romantic choice with an intriguing meaning.
- Marisol
Origin:
Spanish, contracted form of Maria de la SoledadMeaning:
"Mary of Solitude"Description:
Marisol is a favorite Spanish name for girls, and an excellent candidate to cross the culture line, a la Soledad and Paz.
- Mireya
Origin:
Spanish from LatinMeaning:
"admired"Description:
A pretty and unusual path to the nickname Mira. Mira is the main character in Nobel Prize-winner Federico Mistral's poem of the same name. Mireya Moscoso was Panama's first female president.
- Nemesio
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"justice"Description:
The meaning makes this name interesting, but the sound is too related to nemesis.
- Paquita
Origin:
Spanish, diminutive of FrancesDescription:
Sassy but slight nickname name.
- Pascua
Origin:
Spanish from HebrewMeaning:
"Easter"Description:
Occasionally used in the Latino community, another Easter-related name.