Published on 8/12/2020 15:00 By Zachary Macpherson;Sarah Hallam
Edited by Sarah Hallam | Fact-checked by
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Cuba is one of the most beautiful and unique countries in the world, and this identity is reflected in the amazing names that can be found on the Caribbean island.
If you’re looking to take inspiration from some of the names that are found in Cuba, you’ve come to the right place. Cuban names are famous for being different and against the norm and can be a great place to find inspiration for your own baby names.
Names deriving from the Spanish colonial period are still popular in Spanish-speaking Cuba, especially among the older generations. However, the anti-imperialist and multicultural nature of Cuban society has meant that it has become more common for Cuban names to move away from the colonial past, often in the direction of completely new and unusual names.
For instance, many Cuban names are combinations of both parents’ names, which are used to form a brand new name. They can also be reversed versions of a parents’ name.
If you’re looking for a completely unique name for your baby, take an inventive leaf out of the people of Cuba’s book. Baby names that are combinations of parent’s names include “Elian” (Elizabeth and Juan) and Cuban girl names such as “Daneisys” (Daniel and Daisy).
This is a clever way of coming up with a brand new name for your baby.
In addition, many Cubans have names beginning with Y; the reasons for this are not certain, but it is first thought that the influence of the Soviet Union, where names that start with Y are more common, as well as the island’s unique history, have contributed to a sense of innovation when it comes to baby names.
Cubans born in the ’70s and ’80s are even collectively referred to as “Generation Y” due to the large number of baby names beginning with Y during this period.
Names beginning with Y are sometimes variations of more common names, such as “Yaniel” (Daniel) or “Yenifer” (Jennifer).
So take a look at the following baby names from Cuba, whether you’re in need of names for boys or girls, and you might just find the name you’ve been looking for!
Popular Cuban Names For Girls You Won’t Want To Miss
Cuba is one of the world’s leading countries in terms of gender equality. This is often reflected in the free-spirited nature of Cuban girls’ names. Take a look at this list of baby names for girls to find the perfect inspiration for naming your little señorita.
Acindina (Greek), which means “safe”.
Adoncia (Spanish), which means “sweet”.
Aleja (Spanish), which means “defender of mankind”. This is the Cuban twist on the English baby girl’s name “Alexandra”.
Aymee (Spanish), which means “beloved”. This is the Cuban equivalent of the English baby name “Amy”.
Benita (Spanish), which means “blessed”.
Dalila (Spanish), derived from the biblical name Delilah.
Damasia (Spanish), which means “of the Adriatic Sea”.
Delfina (Spanish), which means “dolphin”.
Dunia (Arabic origin), which means “world” or “life”.
Edelira (Cuban origin), which means “noble heritage”.
Floramaria (Spanish), which means “flower of Mary”.
Gertrudes (Spanish), which means “beloved warrior women”.
Gisele (German origin), which means “pledge”.
Hermosa (Spanish), which means “beautiful”.
Isabel (Spanish), which means “consecrated to God”.
Itxaro (Spanish), which means “hope”.
Liliana (Spanish), which means “lily flower”.
Lisandra (Greek), which means “defender of mankind”.
Lur (Spanish), which means “earth”.
Maricela (Spanish), which means “of Mars”.
Mariposa (Spanish), which means “butterfly”.
Marquesa (Spanish), which means “works like a hammer”.
Mirana (Spanish), which means “wonderful” or “adorable”.
Neoma (Greek), which means “new moon”.
Novia (Spanish), which means “sweetheart”.
Quillen (Spanish), which means “woman of the heights”.
Ramira (Spanish), which means “judicious”.
Safia (Arabic origin), which means “sincere friend”.
Samara (Hebrew origin), which means “under God’s rule”.
Silvana (Spanish), which means “from the forest”.
Tranquila (Spanish), which means “tranquil”.
Urbana (Spanish), which means “city dweller”.
Xiomara (Spanish), which means “renowned warrior”.
Yandra (Spanish), which means “mother”.
Yanet (Cuban origin), which means “God is merciful”. This is the Cuban equivalent of the English baby girl name “Janet”.
Yenifer (Cuban origin), which means “white shadow”. This is the Cuban equivalent of the English baby girl name “Jennifer”.
Yoselin (Cuban origin), which means “joyous”.
Zamira (Arabic origin), which means “thought”.
Popular Cuban Names For Boys
Cuban boys’ names are influenced by the Greek and Spanish heritage of many Cubans, as well as indigenous Cuban groups. These baby boy names are unusual and exciting, with plenty of personality.
39) Alejandro (Spanish origin), which means “defender of mankind”. This is the Cuban version of the English baby boy name “Alexander”.
40) Bembe (Spanish origin), which means “prophet”.
41) Castilo (Greek origin), which means “beautiful”.
42) Cordaro (Spanish origin), which means “little lamb”.
43) Dalian (Spanish origin), which means “valley”.
44) Desiderio (Spanish origin), which means “desired”.
45) Elian (Spanish origin), which means “the Lord is my God”.
46) Emeterio (Greek origin), which means “deserves affection”.
47) Euquerio (Greek origin), which means “sure-handed”.
48) Euxenio (Greek origin), which means “born into royalty”.
49) Férnan (Spanish origin), which means “daring” or “adventurous”.
50) Filiberto (Spanish origin), which means “brilliant”.
51) Francisco (Spanish origin), which means “from the country of France”.
52) Geraldo (Spanish origin), which means “excellent spearman”.
53) Gimoaldo (Spanish origin), which means “confessor”.
54) Ireneo (Greek origin), which means “lover of peace”.
55) Javiero (Spanish origin), which means “owner of a new house”.
56) Julio (Spanish origin), which means “full of youth”.
57) Learco (Greek origin), which means “judge of his village”.
58) Macario (Spanish origin), which means “blessed” or “happy”.
59) Maceo (Spanish origin), which means “gift of God”. This is the Cuban version of the English baby boy name “Matthew”.
60) Martez (Spanish origin), which means “warlike”.
61) Mendo (Spanish origin), which means “offers sacrifice to God”.
62) Montez (Spanish origin), which means “of the mountains”.
63) Nestor (Spanish origin), which means “wise traveller”.
64) Paz (Spanish origin), which means “peace”.
65) Pirro (Spanish origin), which means “flaming hair”.
66) Placido (Spanish origin), which means “serene”.
67) Reinaldo (Spanish origin), which means “advisor to the king”.
68) Reinier (German origin), which means “wise army”.
69) Silverio (Spanish origin), which means “wood” or “forest”.
70) Tajo (Spanish origin), which means “day”.
71) Vicente (Spanish origin), which means “victor” or “conqueror”.
72) Yago (Spanish origin), which means “supplanter”.
73) Yasiel (Hebrew origin), which means “whom God made”.
74) Yudel (Spanish origin), which means “praise”.
Popular Cuban Names For Boys That You’ll Love
Cuban boys’ names are influenced by the Greek and Spanish heritage of many Cubans, as well as indigenous Cuban groups. These baby boy names are unusual and exciting, with plenty of personality. If you’re looking for baby names for boys, look no further than this vibrant list.
Alejandro (Spanish), which means “defender of mankind”. This is the Cuban edition of the English baby boy name “Alexander”.
Bembe (Spanish), which means “prophet”.
Castilo (Greek), which means “beautiful”.
Cordaro (Spanish), which means “little lamb”.
Dalian (Spanish), which means “valley”.
Desiderio (Spanish), which means “desired”.
Elian (Spanish), which means “the Lord is my God”.
Emeterio (Greek), which means “deserves affection”.
Euquerio (Greek), which means “sure-handed”.
Euxenio (Greek), which means “born into royalty”.
Férnan (Spanish), which means “daring” or “adventurous”.
Filiberto (Spanish), which means “brilliant”.
Francisco (Spanish), which means “from the country of France”.
Geraldo (Spanish), which means “excellent spearman”.
Gimoaldo (Spanish), which means “confessor”.
Ireneo (Greek), which means “lover of peace”.
Javiero (Spanish), which means “owner of a new house”.
Julio (Spanish), which means “full of youth”.
Learco (Greek), which means “judge of his village”.
Macario (Spanish), which means “blessed” or “happy”.
Maceo (Spanish), which means “gift of God”. This is the Cuban twist on the English baby boy’s name “Matthew”.
Martez (Spanish), which means “warlike”.
Mendo (Spanish), which means “offers sacrifice to God”.
Montez (Spanish), which means “of the mountains”.
Nestor (Spanish), which means “wise traveller”.
Paz (Spanish), which means “peace”.
Pirro (Spanish), which means “flaming hair”.
Placido (Spanish), which means “serene”.
Reinaldo (Spanish), which means “advisor to the king”.
Reinier (German origin), which means “wise army”.
Silverio (Spanish), which means “wood” or “forest”.
Tajo (Spanish), which means “day”.
Vicente (Spanish), which means “victor” or “conqueror”.
Yago (Spanish), which means “supplanter”.
Yasiel (Hebrew origin), which means “whom God made”.
Yudel (Spanish), which means “praise”.
Traditional Cuban Baby Names For Your Little Newborn
Traditional names from Cuba are often influenced by Spanish culture and the Catholic Church. There are many popular names across the Spanish-speaking world that are also often found in Cuba. Here are some of our favourite traditional baby names for Cubans that could just be the perfect name for you whether you need names for boys or girls.
Agathe (Greek), which means “good” or “kind”.
Alvaro (Spanish origin), which means “cautious”.
Anton (Spanish origin), which means “the priceless one”.
Barbara (Greek origin), which means “foreign woman”.
Carida (Spanish), which means “charity”.
Clara (Spanish), which means “bright”. This is the Cuban version of the English baby girl name “Claire” or “Clare”.
Claudia (Spanish), which means “enclosure”.
Edmundo (Spanish), which means “prosperous protector”. This is the Cuban equivalent of the English name “Edmund”.
Elisa (Spanish), which means “consecrated to God”.
Estefania (Spanish), which means “crowned with laurels”.
Ezmeralda (Spanish), which means “emerald”.
Federico (Spanish), which means “peaceful ruler”. This is the Cuban version of the English baby boy name “Frederick”.
Godalupe (Spanish), which means “of the Mother Mary”.
Guillerma (Spanish), which means “determined guardian”.
Gutierre (Spanish), which means “army ruler”.
Hilario (Spanish), which means “cheerful”.
Jacqueline (French origin), which means “to supplant”.
Juan (Spanish), which means “God’s gracious gift”.
Juanita (Spanish), which means “God is gracious”.
Lola (Spanish), which means “sorrowful”.
Luis (Spanish), which means “well-known warrior”.
Manuela (Spanish), which means “God is with us”.
Rodolfo (German origin), which means “famous wolf”.
Rolando (Spanish), which means “renowned throughout the land”.
Samantha (Spanish), which means “told by God”.
Valeria (Spanish), which means “strength”.
Verita (Spanish), which means “truth”.
Names From Famous People In Cuba To Make Your Baby Stand Out
As one of the world’s only remaining socialist states, Cuba has had a larger global influence than most of its Caribbean neighbours. Famous people from Cuba include the heroes and leaders of the socialist revolution, as well as celebrities who have found fame in the United States.
Take a look at some of these names of famous people from the Spanish-speaking country.
Camila (Spanish), which means “young ceremonial attendant”. This name is the name of Cuban-American singer Camila Cabello.
Camilo (Spanish), which means “young ceremonial attendant”. In Cuba, this name is linked to Camilo Cienfuegos, who is seen as a hero of the revolution in the country.
Celia (Spanish), which means “heavenly”. This girl’s name is remembered as the name of loved Cuban singer Celia Cruz.
Cuba (Spanish), which means “from Cuba”. Famous people with this name include the American actor Cuba Gooding Jr.
Ernesto (Latin origin), which means “determined”.
Osvaldo (Spanish), which means “divine power”. This boy’s name is well-known for being the name of Osvaldo Dorticós Torrado, the former president of Cuba.
Raul (Spanish), which means “wolf counsel”. This name is famous in Cuba for being the name of Raul Castro, an important figure in the revolution and one of the current leaders of the country.
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