Awesome Portuguese Names
- Isabela
Origin:
Spelling variation of IsabellaDescription:
One fewer L makes this name much less popular than the more traditional spelling.
- Inês
- Jaime
Origin:
Spanish variation of JamesDescription:
A Hispanic classic that has lost some momentum in recent years. It could be misunderstood by some as Jamie -- which is how it's pronounced on Game of Thrones.
- Joana
- Jordana
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"flowing down"Description:
A feminization used more before Jordan joined the girls' camp.
- Josefina
Origin:
Hebrew, Spanish, Portuguese, SwedishMeaning:
"god will add"Description:
Sweet and bright international form of Josephine, used in many European countries with various pronunciations of the initial J. A notable bearer is Josefina "Joey" Guerrero, a Filipina spy during World War II.
- Juliana
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"youthful or sky father"Description:
Long common in Europe, the elegant and regal Juliana, also spelled with two n's, has invaded these shores, in tandem with the more classic Julia. Together with Julian, the name derives from Julius, a Roman family name. Its origin is shrouded in history, but possible roots include Latin iuvenis, meaning "youthfu"; Greek ioulos, meaning "downy-bearded"; or Jovis, a form of Jupiter, which means "sky father".
- Julio
Origin:
Spanish variation of JuliusDescription:
What with Paul Simon's classic lyric about Julio down by the schoolyard and several distinguished bearers, this livelier Spanish version of Julius is completely familiar to the non-Hispanic community and would make a great choice for a bicultural family. NFL Atlanta Falcons star Julio Jones bears this name.
- Júlia
- Lara
Origin:
Russian, diminutive of Larissa or LarisaMeaning:
"citadel"Description:
This is an alternative to Laura or Lauren made romantic by Dr Zhivago, and badass by video-game heroine Lara Croft.
- Laura
Origin:
English from LatinMeaning:
"from Laurentum or bay laurel"Description:
Laura is a hauntingly evocative perennial, never trendy, never dated, feminine without being fussy, with literary links stretching back to Dante. All this makes Laura a more solid choice than any of its more decorative counterparts and one of the most classic girl names starting with L.
- Leandra
Origin:
Feminine variation of Leander, GreekMeaning:
"lion-man"Description:
With the rise of many once-dated leonine names, from Leona to Lionel to Leonora, Leandra is an unusual choice that might be looking at a comeback..
- Leandro
Origin:
Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian variation of LeanderMeaning:
"lion-man"Description:
Leandro is the Portuguese, Italian, and Spanish variant of the English name Leander. A blend of two Latin words (Leo "lion" and Andro "man"), Leandro is a name that suggests its bearer has strength and power. Despite this very masculine meaning, Leandro also has a long romantic history, beginning with the myth of Hero and Leander (Ero et Leandro in Latin) to being an important figure in the history of the beautiful Spanish city of Seville.
- Lena
Origin:
English, Scottish, Dutch, German, and Scandinavian, diminutive of various names ending in lenaDescription:
This pet form of Helena and other ena-ending names, long used as an independent name, is attracting notice again as an option both multicultural and simple. Lena was a Top 100 name from 1880 to 1920.
- Lia
Origin:
Diminutive of names ending in -lia or Italian, Portuguese and Greek variation of LeahMeaning:
"weary"Description:
Short, sweet, and clear, Lia is used throughout Europe, across America, and in some areas of Asia and Africa, making it a truly international and versatile choice.
- Liana
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"to climb like a vine"Description:
Liana is a pretty and graceful name — it's a flowering tropical vine — making a quiet comeback. Its connection to nature is one plus, and many parents like this kind of nonspecifically international name.
- Liliana
Origin:
Italian and Spanish variations of LilianMeaning:
"lily, a flower"Description:
Frilly and fit for a princess, but with plenty of spark and flair, Liliana holds international appeal and a modern glamor. Joining Lily and Lillian in the US Top 100 for the first time in 2022, Liliana is a fast-rising choice for girls.
- 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.
- Lurdes
- Letícia