There are so many beautiful Spanish girls names but if you want something rare or even unique for your baby daughter or fantasy characters, it is worth going rooting for stunning but forgotten vintage finds.
Spain has a long history going back to the Romans but is home to a variety of languages and there are gorgeous girls names to be found not just in Spanish itself (Castilian) but also in :
- Catalan
- Galician
- Basque
- And Aranese.
So in this big guide to rare vintage Spanish girls names I have gems from all Spain's languages plus the names of princesses and beloved saints hiding in the stories of Spain's past.
Table of Contents
Spanish Princess Names
Spain's history can be split, roughly, into 3 key periods after the Roman Empire finally left Spanish lands :
- Visigoth Spain
- The Northern Kingdoms
- The Golden Age Of United Spain
Over these periods the languages of Spain and the fashions for girls names amongst royalty and aristocratic families changed greatly.
Visigoth Spain
Visigoth warriors came to Spain from Germany to defend the Roman colony. But stayed after Rome fell and after marrying into Spanish nobility, became Kings of a united Spain and Portugal.
Beautiful rare names from Visigoth Spanish princesses include :
- Egilona : (eh-hee-LOH-nah), Inspiring awe
- Eldara : (ehl-DAH-rah), Wise
- Endrina : (ehn-DREE-nah), Sloeberry
- Ermesinda : (ehr-meh-SEEN-dah), Always strong
- Glasiunda : (glah-syOON-dah), Shining strength
- Goiswintha : (goys-WEEN-thah), Strength of homeland
- Hildoara : (eel-doh-AH-rah), Wise
- Tarsila : (tar-SEE-lah), Courageous
The Northern Kingdoms
In 711 Spain was invaded by an Arabian caliphate that oppressed the south and pushed the Visigoth kingdom into the north. The occupation lasted 700 years.
Prestigious names borne by queens, infantas (princesses) and countesses of the Northern Kingdoms are still popular today :
- Estefanía : (ehs-teh-fah-NEE-ah)
- Mafalda : (mah-FAHL-dah)
- Mencia : (mehn-THEE-ah)
Others were popular until 100 years ago but now have a vintage feel :
- Aldonza : (ahl-DOHN-thah), Sweet and noble nature
- Berenguela : (beh-ren-GWEH-lah), Bear warrior
- Oria : (OH-ryah), Golden
- Petronila : (peh-troh-NEE-lah), Little rock
- Sancha : (SAHN-chah), Sacred
- Urraca : (oo-RRAH-kah), Magpie
- Violante : (byoh-LAHN-teh), Violet flower
Or for something really rare choose one of these once royal but now forgotten names of the Northern Kingdoms :
- Aragonta : (ah-rah-GOHN-tah), Of high estate
- Blanquina : (blahn-KEE-nah), Fair
- Nunilo : (noo-NEE-loh), Dedicated
- Oneca : (oh-NEH-kah), Goodly
- Velasquita : (beh-lahs-KEE-tah), Little raven, wise guardian
Golden Age Of United Spain
Much of southern Spain was rescued by the Northern Kingdoms in the 1200s but Spain was finally reunited by Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragorn in Granada in 1492. Unity initiated what became known as the Golden Age of Spain.
Royal names from the golden age still popular now include Belén (beh-LEHN) and Magdalena (mahg-dah-LEH-nah).
Rarer names now of the period include :
- Beltrana : (behl-TRAH-nah), Bright raven
- Brianda : (bry-AHN-dah), Exalted
- Dionisia : (dyoh-NEE-syah), Festive spirit
- Giralda : (hee-RAHL-dah), Weather vane
- Gregoria : (greh-GOH-ryah), Vigilant
- Jerónima : (heh-ROH-nee-mah), Sacred name
Spiritual Spanish Names
Christianity was suppressed under the occupation of the south and religious names became greatly valued after 1492. Names were inspired by :
- Spanish Saints
- Devotions for St Mary
- Christian Virtues
Spanish Saint Names
Spain, like the Celtic Kingdoms and France, had many of its own beloved local saints. Their names were common 100 years ago but are now pretty unusual for baby girls :
- Aurea : (OW-reh-ah), Golden
- Balbina : (bahl-BEE-nah), Gentle
- Bibiana : (bee-bee-AH-nah), Lively
- Casilda : (kah-SEEL-dah), Charity
- Engracia : (en-GRAH-see-ah), Grace
- Eulalia : (eh-oo-LAH-lee-ah), Sweet-spoken - a patron saint of Barcelona
- Leocadia : (leh-oh-KAH-dyah), Shining light
- Obdulia : (ob-DOO-lee-ah), Compassionate
- Vicenta (bee-THEHN-tah), Victorious
Other very rare girls names inspired by old Spanish saints choices are :
- Eurosia : (eh-oo-ROH-see-ah), Blooming rose
- Librada : (lee-BRAH-dah), Freedom
- Orosia : (oh-ROH-see-ah), Sweet
- Prisca : (PREES-kah), Virtuous
- Quiteria : (kee-TEH-ree-ah), Queenly
- Sperandea : (speh-rahn-DEH-ah), Hoping in God
Devotional Names For St Mary
Devotional names names for St Mary - invocaciones marianas - were very common up until the 19th Century. Those still popular in some Spanish speaking countries include :
- Amparo : (ahm-PAH-roh), Our Lady Of Protection
- Guadalupe : (gwah-dah-LOO-peh), Our Lady of Guadalupe
- Mercedes : (mehr-THEH-dehs), Our Lady Of Mercies
- Milagros : (mee-LAH-grohs), Our Lady Of Miracles
- Pilar : (pee-LAHR), Our Lady of the Pillar - a patron of Aragon
- Rosario : (roh-SAH-ryoh) Our Lady of the Holy Rosary
Others devotional names less common for baby girls today are :
- Angustias : (ahn-GOOS-tyahs), Our Lady of Sorrows
- Ascensión : (ahs-thehn-SYOHN), Our Lady of the Ascension
- Asunción : (ah-soohn-SYOHN), Our Lady of the Assumption
- Candelaria : (kahn-deh-LAH-ryah), Our Lady of Candlemas
- Encarnación : (ehn-kar-nah-SYOHN), Our Lady of the Incarnation
- Nieves : (NYEH-behs), Our Lady of the Snows
- Sagrario : (sah-GRAH-ryoh), Our Lady of the Sanctuary
Whilst these old devotional names are beautiful but very rare :
- Camino : (kah-MEE-noh), Our Lady of the Way, honouring the pilgrim route Camino di Santiago
- Marujita : (mah-roo-HEE-tah), Beloved Mary
- Pastora : (pah-STOH-rah), Our Lady, the Divine Shepherdess
- Pino : (PEE-noh), Our Lady of the Pine Tree, patron of Gran Canaria
- Valvanera : (bahl-bah-NEH-rah), From an ancient Marian shrine in La Rioja
- Vico : (VEE-koh), named for an old monastery apparition in La Rioja.
Virtuous Names
Dramatic, formal names associated with virtues were popular in Victorian-era Spain but fell largely out of use in the mid-20th century. The few exceptions still popular today are :
- Constanza : (kohn-STAHN-thah), Constance
- Esperanza : (ehs-peh-RAHN-thah), Hope
- Gracia : (GRAH-thyah) , Grace
Whilst these are less common and have a real feel of vintage Spain :
- Benigna : (beh-NEEG-nah), Kind-hearted, benevolent
- Fidelia : (fee-DEH-lyah), Faithful, loyal
- Modesta : (moh-DEHS-tah) Modest, humble
- Prudencia : (proo-DEHN-thyah) Prudence, wisdom
- Purificación (poo-ree-fee-kah-SYOHN) Purification,
- Socorro (soh-KOH-rroh) Succor, helpful
Or for something really rare you could choose from these forgotten names :
- Candelas : (kahn-DEH-lahs), Candlelit
- Clemencia : (kleh-MEHN-thyah), Clemency, mercy
- Emerita : (eh-MEH-ree-tah), Deserving, worthy
- Generosa : (heh-neh-ROH-sah), Generous
- Inocencia : (ee-noh-THEHN-thyah), Innocence
- Paciencia : (pah-THYEHN-thyah), Patience
Castilian
The Kingdom of Castile dominated united Spain and Castilian is the foundation of modern Spanish as spoken all over the world.
Some Castilian names from the 1920s and 1930s are making a real comeback just like English vintage names from the same period :
- Adela : (ah-DEH-lah), Noble
- Adelaida : (ah-deh-LYE-dah), Noble
- Delfina : (dehl-FEE-nah), Graceful
- Luz : (LOOTH), Light
- Olalla : (oh-LAH-lyah), Well-spoken
- Paz : (PAHTH), Peace
But there are still some lovely unusual Castilian names with a vintage feel :
- Adelina : (ah-deh-LEE-nah), Noble
- Águeda : (AH-geh-dah), Good and honorable
- Benita : (beh-NEE-tah), Blessed
- Enriqueta : (ehn-ree-KEH-tah), Ruler of the home
- Felisa : (feh-LEE-sah), Fortunate and happy
- Florencia : (floh-REHN-thyah), Blooming or flourishing
- Joaquina : (hoh-ah-KEE-nah), Established by God
- Palmira : (pahl-MEE-rah), Pilgrim
And plenty of forgotten vintage Castilian names that would make a rare or even unique choice for a baby girl or character :
- Agripina : (ah-gree-PEE-nah), Of remarkable and worthy birth
- Albina : (ahl-BEE-nah), White or fair
- Amada : (ah-MAH-dah), Beloved
- Amadora : (ah-mah-DOH-rah), Lover or affectionate
- Apolonia : (ah-poh-LOH-nyah), Belonging to Apollo
- Casimira : (kah-see-MEE-rah), Proclaimer of peace
- Celedonia : (theh-leh-DOH-nyah), Like a swallow
- Crisanta : (kree-SAHN-tah), A golden blooming flower
- Cipriana : (thee-pree-AH-nah), From Cyprus
- Desideria : (deh-see-DEH-ryah), Longed-for child
- Dominga : (doh-MEEN-gah), Belonging to the Lord
- Feliciana : (feh-lee-THYAH-nah), Fortunate or happy
- Filomena : (fee-loh-MEH-nah), Lover of song
- Herminia : (ehr-MEE-nyah), Earthly messenger
- Hilaria : (ee-LAH-ryah), Cheerful
- Leontina : (leh-ohn-TEE-nah), Brave as a lioness
Catalan
Catalan developed in north east Spain and is close to Occitan spoken in southern France. Both languages are close to the original Latin spoken by everyday people in Ancient Rome.
Traditional Catalan names still popular for baby girls today include :
- Aina : (EYE-nah), Grace or favor
- Elisenda : (uh-lee-ZEHN-duh), Noble way
- Mercè : (muhr-SEH), Our lady of Mercy
- Mireia : (mee-RAY-ah), To admire or marvelous
- Mariona : (mah-ree-OH-nah), Wished-for child
- Montserrat : (mon-sehr-RAHT), High mountain
- Roser : (roo-ZEH), Rose garden
Or for a rarer vintage Catalan girls name for your daughter or character you could choose from :
- Arsenda : (ahr-SEHN-duh), Strong protection
- Àuria : (OW-ree-uh), Golden
- Dolça : (DOHL-suh), Sweet
- Ermessenda : (ehr-muh-SEHN-duh), Strong pledge
- Gueraua : (gweh-RAH-wuh), Spear ruler meaning great leader in the future
- Gueralda : (gweh-RAHL-duh), Spear ruler
- Sança : (SAHN-suh), Holy or sacred
- Sibilla : (see-BEEL-yuh), Prophetess or wise woman
- Simfrosa : (seem-FROH-suh), Joyfulness
- Valença : (vuh-LEHN-suh), Valor
Galician
Galicia on the northwestern Atlantic coast is separated from Spain by rugged mountains. Until the 12th Century it was connected to Portugal and Galician - still widely spoken today - is closer to Portuguese Spanish.
The most popular Galician girls names today are all very short and sweet :
- Iria : (EE-ree-ah), From the ancient parish or place name Iria Flavia
- Lúa : (LOO-ah), Moon
- Olaia : (oh-LYE-ah), Sweet-spoken
- Sabela : (sah-BEH-lah), Pledged to God with love
- Uxía : (oo-SHEE-ah), Well-born
- Xela : (SHEH-lah), Messenger
Some vintage Galician girls names that had fallen out of fashion are now making or ready for a comeback :
- Aldara : (ahl-DAH-rah), High noble
- Branca : (BRAHN-kah), Fair
- Catuxa : (kah-TOO-shah), Pure
- Celtia : (thehl-TEE-ah), Of Celtic heritage - Galicia retained close links with the Celtic world.
- Sía : (SEE-ah), Divine
- Xenebra : (sheh-NEH-brah), White wave or fair phantom
- Xoana : (sho-AH-nah), God is gracious
For a rare traditional Galician name you could choose from :
- Adosinda : (ah-doh-SEEN-dah), Gentle path
- Estevoña : (eh-steh-BOH-nyah), Crowned or victorious
- Ilduara : (eel-DOW-rah), War guardian or battle protector
- Tareixa : (tah-RAY-shah), Harvester of good works
Basque
The Basque Country is isolated by two ranges of steep mountains, thick forest and the Atlantic Ocean and the Basque language is an "isolate" meaning there is no living language like it in the world!!
So if you want seriously rare vintage Spanish girls names, Basque is the place to look. Popular Basque girls names today include :
- Alaia : (ah-LYE-ah), Happy or joyful
- Amaia : (ah-MEYE-ah), End or resolution
- Eider : (EYE-dehr), Beautiful
- Miren : (MEE-rehn), Mary
- Nerea : (neh-REH-ah), My own
Plus traditional nature inspired names with a modern feel such as :
- Itziar : (eet-SEE-ahr), an old stone suggesting the strength of the past
- Izaro : (ee-THAH-roh), Island
- Nagore : (nah-GOH-reh), Meadow
- Oihana : (oy-HAH-nah), Forest
Basque girls names with a more vintage feel include :
- Aintzane : (eyent-SAH-neh), Glory
- Aiora : (eye-OH-rah), Hillside valley
- Arantza : (ah-RAHN-tsah), For the shrine of our Lady of Arantzazu
- Bakarne : (bah-KAHR-neh), Solitude
- Edurne : (eh-DOOR-neh), Snow
- Estibaliz : (eh-stee-BAH-leeth), Sweet like honey
- Garbiñe : (gahr-BEE-nyeh), Pure
- Lierni : (lee-EHR-nee), For the shrine of our Lady of Lierna
- Nekane : (neh-KAH-neh), a devotional for our Lady of Sorrows
Or for something rarer try :
- Andere : (ahn-DEH-reh), Lady
- Assona : (ah-SOH-nah), Noble lady
- Estebenia : (eh-steh-beh-NEE-ah), Crowned one
- Gaila : (GYE-lah), High noble
- Kattalin : (kah-ttah-LEEN), Pure
- Oneka : (oh-NEH-kah), Goodness
- Ortissa : (or-TEE-sah), Fortune
- Otsanda : (oht-SAHN-dah), a good one for characters rather than baby girls as it means She wolf!
- Usoa : (oo-SOH-ah), Dove
Aranese
Aranese is the smallest of the surviving Spanish languages and is spoken in one small snowy valley in the Pyrenees. It is a wonderfully different mish-mash within the Spanish family of languages - combining Catalan with the long extinct Aquitaine language from France - and so has its own special variations of Spanish girls names.
Popular Aranese names include :
- Aran : (ah-RAHN), Valley
- Clàdia : (KLAH-dyah), Lame
- Valeria : (vah-LEH-ree-ah), Strong
- Xènia : (SHEY-nyah), Hospitable
For less common Aranese names with a vintage feel choose from :
- Andrèua : (ahn-DREH-wah), Brave
- Azalais : (ah-zah-LAH-eess), Noble
- Bartonèla : (bar-toh-NEH-lah), Daughter of the land
- Bernadeta : (behr-nah-DEH-tah), Brave bear
- Gastoneta : (gah-stoh-NEH-tah), Welcome guest
- Jacometa : (zhah-koh-MEH-tah), May God protect
- Joaneta : (zhoo-ah-NEH-tah), Gracious
- Pètrina : (PEH-tree-nah), Rock
Or for a very rare Aranese style Spanish girl's name select from :
- Aulària : (ow-LAH-ryah), Eloquent
- Bèrtra : (BEHR-trah), Bright
- Brana : (BRAH-nah), Heather
- Garona : (gah-ROH-nah), River
- Gèra : (ZHEH-rah), Spear
- Guaidensa : (gwy-DEHN-sah), Leader
- Guillana : (gee-YAH-nah), Protector
- Monda : (MOHN-dah), Protecting hands
- Pèda : (PEH-dah), Rock
- Sinca : (SEEN-kah), Valley
And there you go, over 250 vintage Spanish girls names from Castilian, Catalan, Galician, Basque and Aranese that would make a wonderfully unusual or even unique choice for your baby daughter or characters.
