Baby Names HQ

Spanish baby names are often selected from a deceased family member as a gesture of commemoration. Usually given by the priest during a baptism, the catholic tradition of naming also involves the nomina of Catholic saints, where their surnames are used as first names. Spain also has a history of restricting the baby names that could be given to newborns. For example, Spanish legislation at one time outlawed any names that weren't of Christian and Classical origins. Dimunitives and colloquial variants which are difficult to pronounce or confuse a person's gender have also been restricted in the past. Today, although many of these restrictions are no longer valid, the law limits Spanish baby names that are insulting to an individual or the general public. Popular baby boy names include Alejandro, a form of the name Alexander, Enrique, a form of the name Henry, Javier, or "new house owner," and Salvador, meaning "savior." Baby girl names include Alva or "white," Elena, meaning "the bright one," Ines or "gentle," and Linda, meaning "pretty."

---