Spain's Preferred Names for Infants: A Look at Lucía and Hugo's Transformation Over Time
In Spain, the most popular baby names for 2023 show a fascinating mix of tradition and contemporary trends. The top names for boys and girls reflect a rich cultural heritage, while also embracing modern influences.
For boys, Mateo, Izan, Santiago, and Thiago dominate the list. Mateo, a name absent from the top 100 until 2004, has risen steadily in popularity since then, with over 3,000 annual registrations since 2018. Izan, a Basque-origin name meaning "strong, firm; reliable mountain," has been a favourite for over two decades and is gaining international recognition as well.
The names Mateo, Santiago, and Thiago are widely favoured by Hispanic parents across Spanish-speaking countries, along with other popular names such as Liam and Mathías.
For girls, Elena, Isabel, Ximena, and Sofia are among the most popular three-syllable Spanish names. Elena, meaning "light or torch," symbolizing brightness in a life, remains a favourite. Isabel, Ximena, Elisa, Anahi, Jimena, Alondra, and Ramona are also popular choices, along with additional beloved names like Sofia, Angelica, Ana, Gracia, Esperanza, and Estrella.
In Ceuta, Mariam was the most common name for girls in 2023, while in Melilla, Amira took the top spot. In Spain, Hugo was the most common name for boys in 2023, with over 3,100 registrations.
Interestingly, some names have gained popularity due to cultural influences. For example, Luke, the iconic Jedi from Star Wars, has been chosen for over 330 boys with an average age of less than 16 years. Arya, the rebellious Stark house character from Game of Thrones, has already been given to over 1,800 girls in Spain, with an average age of around four years.
Other names, such as Leia, the rebellious princess from Star Wars, and Ariel, the little mermaid from the 1989 classic, have also seen an increase in popularity. Elsa, a classic name with registrations since before 1930, has significantly rejuvenated after the release of Frozen in 2013.
In summary, the most popular baby names in Spain for 2023 reflect a blend of tradition and contemporary trends, with names like Mateo, Izan, Santiago, Thiago, Elena, Isabel, Ximena, and Sofia dominating the lists for boys and girls respectively. The rise of names inspired by popular culture, such as Luke, Arya, Leia, and Elsa, also suggests a growing influence of media on naming trends in Spain.
- The average age of boys named Luke in Spain is less than 16 years, indicative of the impact of pop culture on modern lifestyles.
- In the realm of fashion-and-beauty, Arya, a name popularized by Game of Thrones, has been chosen for over 1,800 girls in Spain.
- Elsa's registration has seen a significant increase after the release of Frozen in 2013, showcasing the impact of education-and-self-development in shaping trends.
- The shopping preferences of Hispanic parents in Spain include traditional names like Mateo, Santiago, and Thiago, as well as contemporary choices such as Liam and Mathias.
- Average age of girls named Ariel in Spain is around four years, demonstrating the enduring influence of food-and-drink and entertainment on naming trends.
- Political and social influences can be observed in the contrasting popular baby names in Ceuta (Mariam) and Melilla (Amira), signifying the diversity within general-news and relationships in Spain.
