My Favorite Latina Names!
- Hermosa
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"beautiful"Description:
Hermosa, the name of a California beach town, means "beautiful".
- Iluminada
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"illuminated"Description:
A distinctive, rhythmic, and lovely Spanish name that suggests enlightenment.
- Isabella
Origin:
Spanish and Italian variation of Elizabeth, HebrewMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Isabella has been a Top 10 name for girls in the US for two decades now. The Latinate form of Isabel, a variation of Elizabeth which originally derived from the Hebrew name Elisheba, Isabella reigned as Number 1 in 2009 and 2010.
- Joaquina
Origin:
Spanish, feminine variation of JoaquinDescription:
As Joaquin enters the American mainstream, his sister might just follow.
- Juana
Origin:
Spanish, feminine variation of JuanMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Juana has not achieved the popularity in the U.S. of the male version Juan. Whereas Juan has made it almost to the Top 50 on the U. S. hit parade, sister Juana has barely entered the thousand most popular. It is nevertheless a popular choice in Mexico.
- Kahlo
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"bald"Description:
Contrary to popular belief, the name Kahlo has German origins, rather than Spanish. It derives from kahl, a German word meaning "bald." Mexican Artist Frida Kahlo was born to a German father, photographer Guillermo Kahlo.
- Leocadia
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"splendid brightness"Description:
Leocadia marries a mix of sounds: the strength of a lion, with a rhythmic Latin ending.
- 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.
- Lucia
Origin:
Italian, feminine variation of Lucius, LatinMeaning:
"light"Description:
Lucia is a lush, rich Latinate equivalent of Lucy, popular in Spain and throughout Latin America and also a cross-cultural favorite. You might be surprised to know that Lucia has ALWAYS ranked among the Top 1000 girl names in the US, though she's really taken off only since the turn of this century.
- Luvena
Description:
Luvena is a feminine name with possible derivation from Latin roots, potentially related to 'luv' or 'love.' It may be a variation of names like Lavinia or a creative formation based on the English word 'love' with a feminine ending. The name has a gentle, affectionate quality in its sound and implied meaning. Luvena has never been widely popular but maintains a quiet presence in naming records, particularly in some Southern American naming traditions. The name's soft consonants and flowing vowel sounds give it a melodic quality that appeals to parents seeking something unconventional yet pleasant-sounding. Luvena carries romantic connotations without being overly sentimental, striking a balance between uniqueness and accessibility. Its similarity to words for love in various languages gives it a universal appeal.
- Manuela
Origin:
Spanish, feminine variation of EmmanuelMeaning:
"God is with us"Description:
Manuela is one feminine form that's more energetic than the male original, and is worth considering if you're seeking an easily assimilated Spanish name.
- Marita
Origin:
German and Spanish diminutive of MariaMeaning:
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"Description:
Derived from Maria, the meaning of which is uncertain. Theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea"); "bitter" (from Hebrew marah "bitterness"); and "beloved" (from the Egyptian root mr).
- Mercedes
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"gracious gifts, benefits"Description:
Mercedes is one of the few names attached to luxury living that we can wholeheartedly recommend, it being a legitimate Spanish appellation stemming from one of the epithets given to the Virgin Mary--Santa Maria de las Mercedes, or Our Lady of the Mercies. The car, by the way was named after the eleven-year-old daughter of the Daimler company's French distributor in 1901.
- Mesa
Origin:
Spanish, ThaiMeaning:
"table; April"Description:
Mesa is both the term for a flat-topped mountain, derived from the Spanish word for "table", and the Thai variation of April.
- Miguela
Origin:
Spanish, feminine variation of MiguelDescription:
If you're looking for an unusual Michaela alternative, try this Spanish route.
- Natividad
Origin:
Spanish from LatinMeaning:
"nativity"Description:
Traditionally given to girls born on the September birth date of the Virgin Mary.
- Nazaret
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"of Nazareth"Description:
Occasionally heard Spanish name referring to Christ's native village.
- Ninetta
Origin:
Italian and Spanish diminutive of NinaMeaning:
"little girl"Description:
Might be carrying things too far -- little little girl? -- though could freshen up this favorite.
- Noelia
Origin:
Spanish, feminine variation of NoelDescription:
This name of an admired Puerto Rican pop singer has been picked up by hundreds of Hispanic parents.
- Norita
Description:
Norita is a feminine name with Spanish origins, developed as a diminutive form of Nora or Eleanor. The name carries the meaning "honor" or "light" from its root elements. While not extremely common in English-speaking countries, Norita has maintained steady usage in Hispanic communities. It has a melodic quality with its soft ending, giving it a gentle, graceful feel. Some parents choose Norita for its uniqueness while still having recognizable roots. The name saw modest popularity in the mid-20th century but remains relatively uncommon, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a distinctive yet accessible name with multicultural appeal.