Hello all! 

I am here to speak about Spanish names; although this may seem like a rather simple subject, it is deceptively simple. Now you may be asking yourself "why it is important to learn the etymology of Spanish or any cultures names?" By doing so, not only are you ameliorating your pronunciation in that language, but you are learning the cultural practices of the people who speak that given language. Anyways, on to the lessons! 

• Although some names are feminine, they are sometimes used as second names of men (mother's last name) 

•  There are some names that are common among hispanophones that are not used in English ex. Jesús (Jesus), Domingo (Dominic) Socorro (help) etc. This is largely due to the Spanish conquest of Latin America; which brought with it Catholicism 

      Nicknames (Apodos); 

• Many nicknames come from personal characteristics ex. el exigente ( the demanding one), el gordo ( the fat one), el pecoso (the freckled etc.) 

In Spanish, there are unique combinations of names such as Marisa (María + Isabel); some names are also shortened or have diminutive endings as to add a tinge of endearment ex. Juanito (Johnny), Tere (short for Teresa) etc.    

Last names; 

In the Hispanic world, all official documentation regarding one's identity should have a paternal name first then the maternal last name Ex. Raúl Rodríguez Guzman 

*Note that in telephone books, the paternal name is used instead of the maternal last name*  


If a last name is very common and is used by a celebrity, both the maternal and paternal last names are used as to distinguish the person from others Ex. Enrique Miguel Iglesias Preysler  

The ending -ez:  

• Many last names have the suffix -ez at the end ex. Rodríguez (Son/Daughter of Rodrigo/Rodrick)

Now that you have a sense of how Hispanic names are derived, you can easily impress that mujer cubana de sus sueños ( Cuban woman of your dreams) or just expand your horizons; whatever you do with this knowledge just remember: stay calm, and just speak Spanish!