Portuguese Names

Familiar as a Latin surname but has potential as a first.

A softer take on Joaquin or a quirkier version of Joachim, depending on how you look at it.

Intriguing twist on Jacob, but may be too strongly associated with Michael Jackson.

Standard Latin classic.

Jacinda, a form of the lovely and unusual Spanish and Portuguese flower name Jacinta (for Hyacinth), was first popularized by the Australian actress Jacinda Barrett. Today, the girls' name Jacinda is most notable as the name of New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern, one of the first world leaders to give birth in office, widely credited with her strong and compassionate leadership during the coronavirus pandemic.

Cristina is one case where the streamlined version feels more alluring.

Another culture's slant on Mark, sometimes associated with former president of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos and his shoe-collecting wife, Imelda.

Shortening Francisco somehow makes it sound even cooler. Cisco is also the name of a digital security company.

In Pierre Benoit's novel, Antinea is a beautiful and charming queen with a hideous secret: She has a cave wall with 120 niches carved into it, one for each of her lovers. Only 53 have been filled; when all 120 have been filled, Antinea will sit atop a throne in the centre of the cave and rest forever.

Macario is used in the modern US, the Spanish form of the ancient Greek Makarios or Latinized Macarius, the name of several early saints. Accessible and worldly, Macario can lead to the friendly nickname Mac.

Vanina is a name that is, at first glance, miles apart from its origin. But once you say it aloud and look for it, you can see the direct line from Evangelina to Vanina. Vanina could also be a good alternative for people who like the sound of Vanille or Vanilla, but can't bring themselves to use a flavor as a name.

Lighter Latin version of Anselm.

Dashing Latin classic, familiar and functional here.

Rolando, along with brother name Orlando, are among the most attractive and appealing of Latinate names. It has been in the US Top 1000 every year since 1946.

This possible word name, which rhymes with Maia, makes an even more distinctive alternative.

Paulo suffers in comparison to the richer and more authentic-sounding Paolo.