Spanish Baby Girl Names
- Laia
Origin:
Catalan diminutive of EulaliaMeaning:
"sweet-speaking"Description:
Saint Eulalia was born in Spain and is the patron saint of Barcelona, so her name and its derivatives are popular throughout the land — especially in her native Catalonia.
- Pilar
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"pillar"Description:
The fact that this Spanish classic, which honors the Virgin Mary, does not end in the conventional letter 'a' gives it a special sense of strength, elegance, and style, making it a worthy choice.
- Rosalia
Origin:
Spanish, Latin ceremonial nameDescription:
A name commonly used in Spain and Italy, it refers back to the annual Roman ceremony of hanging garlands of roses on tombs.
- Silvia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"from the woods"Description:
This original form of the name -- the more familiar Sylvia spelling came later -- seems more modern now.
- Vida
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"life"Description:
Like Vita and Viva, one of several similar life-affirming names, this one was chosen by Matthew McConaughey and his Portuguese-born wife Camila. Vida may also be a diminutive of Davida. Australian suffragette and human rights campainer Vida Goldstein is an notable bearer of this name.
- 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.
- Nuria
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"fire of the Lord"Description:
Nuria is popular in Spain and Portugal (top 50 in both countries) where it is deeply associated with the Virgin Mary.
- Belen
Origin:
Spanish place nameDescription:
Actually the Spanish name for Bethlehem, which means "house of bread," this name is high on Spain's popularity list and is rising in the US as well. Though this is one of the Spanish names for girls that has not for the most part crossed over to the English-speaking population, that could change thanks to its similarity to the popular Belle or Bella.
- Estrella
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"star"Description:
Rising star among Hispanic families that would make a good cross-cultural choice. A morepopular name with the same stellar meaning is Esther
- Raquel
Origin:
Spanish variation of RachelMeaning:
"ewe"Description:
Attractive name popular in the Latino community, long identified with half-Bolivian actress Raquel Welch. Similarly to the Hebrew form Rachel, Raquel is past its peak. Nonetheless, it retains a certain sparkle and would feel newly refreshing for a baby today.
- Luz
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"light"Description:
Pronounced LOOSE, this name that refers to the Virgin Mary—"Our Lady of Light"—is one of the most widely used Spanish name for girls. Its sleekness and stylish final z gives it a modern appeal, like sister name Lux. Nicknames and variations include Chitta, Lucecita, Lucelida, Lucelita, Lucha, Lucida, Lucila, Lusa, and Luzana.
- Beatriz
Origin:
Spanish and Portuguese variation of BeatriceMeaning:
"she who brings happiness; blessed"Description:
Attractive translation of Beatrice, popular with Hispanic parents. Beatriz is currently a Top 10 girl name in Portugal.
- Ainara
Origin:
BasqueMeaning:
"swallow (bird)"Description:
Ainara is among the Top 100 girls' names in Spain and is just starting to take off in the US.
- Celestina
Origin:
Italian and Spanish variation of CelesteMeaning:
"heavenly"Description:
We are hearing more of such heavenly names as Celeste and Celia, which opens the door to the range of lovely variations rarely heard before. Celestina is one of them, though given the more accessible options, it may be gilding the lily.
- Ximena
Origin:
Feminization of Ximeno, SpanishMeaning:
"son"Description:
Ximena, sometimes spelled Jimena, is a variation of boys’ name Ximeno. Spanish origins and popularity in the Latino community have boosted this name's popularity. Ximena Diaz was the wife of the Spanish national hero known as El Cid. Several well known Latin American actresses bear this name.
- Esperanza
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"hope, expectation"Description:
Esperanza is a Spanish classic that's found its way onto the national popularity list in recent years. It came into the spotlight not long ago when jazz singer Esperanza Spalding "stole" the Best New Artist Grammy from favorite Justin Bieber. It's also the name of the main character in the novel The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros, about a young Latina growing up in Chicago.
- 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.
- Soledad
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"solitude"Description:
This strong Spanish name that refers to the Virgin Mary (Our Lady of Solitude) has been made accessible by broadcaster Soledad O'Brien -- who shows how well it combines with an Anglo surname. Her birth name was Maria de la Soledad Teresa O'Brien.
- Soledad
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"solitude"Description:
This strong Spanish name that refers to the Virgin Mary (Our Lady of Solitude) has been made accessible by broadcaster Soledad O'Brien -- who shows how well it combines with an Anglo surname. Her birth name was Maria de la Soledad Teresa O'Brien.
- Martina
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"warlike"Description:
Tennis-related name popular throughout Europe that's never caught fire here.