Baby Names

Choosing a baby’s name is one of the most important and difficult steps in a couple’s life, as there are tons of options for girls and boys, and it’s something that lasts a lifetime. The process of analyzing baby names can be quite lengthy, sometimes lasting for months and going right up to the moment of birth. How to decide? To help and inspire you, we’ve created a search tool with various names that allows you to filter by meaning, origin or theme, and you can even save favorites. Interested? For this, we interviewed 4,000 moms and dads and asked them their baby’s name and the reason for choosing it. See here the results of the study.

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Structure

You can search based on several filters like meaning, origin, theme, or popularity

Need Some Inspiration?

Not sure where to start? Get inspired here with different search methods, filters, and name meanings.

Most Popular Baby Names in Brazil

Expectant parents shared their preferences with us and, based on that, we discovered the most popular baby names right now in Brazil. If you want to pick a name that’s in style, this is the place to look.

See all 2017 favorites

Study on Name Choice

With the goal of identifying Brazilian parents’ patterns in baby name selection, Trocando Fraldas conducted a study with over 4,000 participants nationwide from August 18 to 23, 2017. Through a questionnaire on the website, parents freely and spontaneously answered the questions below.

Questions

• In which pregnancy month did you choose your baby’s name?
• Who chose the name?
• What influenced the choice of the name?
• Did you choose a composite name?

Results

For comparison purposes, the answers to questions 1 and 4 were converted into numbers, namely, from 1 to 9 and 0 and 1, respectively.

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Ranking of Mother’s Predominance in Name Selection by State
1.	Tocantins
2.	Acre
3.	Alagoas
4.	Amapá
5.	Ceará
6.	Maranhão
7.	Sergipe
8.	Bahia
9.	Goiás
10.	Mato Grosso
11.	Pernambuco
12.	São Paulo
13.	Minas Gerais
14.	Rio de Janeiro
15.	Paraíba
16.	Piauí
17.	Pará
18.	Rio Grande do Sul
19.	Mato Grosso do Sul
20.	Paraná
21.	Rio Grande do Norte
22.	Federal District
23.	Espírito Santo
24.	Rondônia
25.	Santa Catarina
26.	Amazonas
27.	Roraima

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Many parents were inspired by trendy names, used in soap operas, TV shows, or even their favorite movie. Others were motivated by their admiration for singers or band members and had decided even before getting pregnant. But no matter how beautiful or original the name, should we go just by emotion? Or is it worth considering the consequences a child might face in the future?

In the days of our grandfathers and grandmothers, it was very common to register unusual or, let’s say, rather strange names. Perhaps, due to lack of information or not realizing the embarrassment it might cause their children (who were not few), name choices were more peculiar. In large families with 10, 11, or 12 children, for instance, it was common for everyone to have the same initial, which led to increasingly complicated names, real tongue-twisters, like:

• Adalgamir
• Adegesto
• Aeronauta
• Aldegunda

Name choice is very personal and, beyond taste, also involves questions of religion, tradition, customs, and even, in some cases, the family line¹.

Name Choices by Indigenous Tradition

Brazil has indigenous peoples all over its territory. According to the latest research, there are about 700 tribes, each with their own traditions, language, and customs. In this context, we can highlight some names and meanings, usually connected to beliefs and nature:

• Iana – God is gracious
• Iara – mother of the waters
• Cauê – wise and good man
• Inaiê – lone eagle
• Iracema – honey lips
• Kaniela – divine judgment

In indigenous tradition, the baby’s name is only given at the time of birth and is chosen by the shaman, not the parents. The decision is made through intuitive revelations at the moment of birth, which indicate the name and also determine the child’s future.

Name Choices by Religious Tradition

In Brazil, it’s also very common for babies to be named after biblical characters, especially among Evangelical parents². Some choose simply because they like the name, others out of admiration for the story and hope their child will have the same strength and faith as the character, for example.

Catholics, on the other hand, usually give names linked to the saints they are devoted to, or to fulfill a promise or give thanks for a miracle. Among mystics, spiritualists, and spiritists, angel names are also common, believing in lifelong protection. For biblical names, the most chosen in recent years have been:

Girl	Boy	Catholic/Spiritist
Raquel	Samuel	Emanuel
Sarah	Isaac	André
Rebeca	Moses	Tiago
Esther	Lucas	Mateus
Ana	Pedro	Marcos

Although not very common in Brazil, there are Jewish families all over the world and it’s worth mentioning some of the most frequent names. For them, the choice is very important as it influences character formation, since it is through the name that the child receives the “Jewish soul.” For them, the name is a real spiritual calling, defining God’s plans for that child.

In Judaism, a baby’s name carries particular details and is considered something sacred³. It is common for it to honor deceased ancestors or men and women who lived according to the Torah (Judaism’s holy book).

Examples of Jewish names:

• Rachel
• Yonah
• Devorah
• Tamar

Names like Gabriel, Raphael, and other angels are also adopted in Jewish customs.

Name Choices by Family Tradition

It’s an old custom for babies to be named in honor of relatives, mainly grandparents. In the case of girls, only the name is passed down, but with boys, the name is often extended at the end: “son” if in honor of the father, and “grandson” if for the grandfather. For example: Eduardo Costa Filho or Eduardo Costa Neto.

It’s a tradition that has been losing strength over the years, being more common in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, but it still happens. Grandfathers with remarkable life stories or who have passed away but left a strong mark in the family are honored through the children, keeping the name of that special person alive.

There are also cases where a tradition has led to the same name being used for generations. In this way, the choice can be due to family pressure to continue the tradition, sometimes generating many fights and arguments between the couple. Ideally, an amicable agreement should be reached, but if one side doesn’t give in, why not include a second name so everyone is happy?

With very traditional or, we can say, even “old-fashioned” family names, it’s common for parents to use affectionate nicknames or abbreviations to make daily life easier. Benjamin, for example, can become “Ben”, Antônio as “Ton”, Francisco as “Chico” or “Fran”, and even double names like Carlos Eduardo, which turns into “Cadu”.

The important thing in choosing names is that it should be a moment of peace and happiness for the family, not a competition to see who has the final say. Let’s not forget it’s a unique and special moment that should be done with all your heart.

Choosing Famous and Trendy Names

Choosing a baby’s name due to celebrities or names considered “of the moment” is also quite common. We know that names have their “seasons,” when some become especially popular because they’re linked to artists who are highly visible, for example. In soap operas, you can find names of all kinds and styles, such as:

• Jade
• Latifa
• Isis
• João Lucas
• Ayla
• Eron
• Maya

Names of characters from movies or hit TV shows are also often a reason for the choice. Sometimes the name comes as a tribute to a singer the couple has liked for a long time. The choice of famous names explains why at certain times you find several Melissas, Pamelas, Lucas, Rafaels, and so on.

It’s also very common for people to be inspired by the names of celebrity children, especially the more unusual ones. What could sound “strange” ends up becoming popular or trendy thanks to media exposure. That’s the case for Noah or Noá, Sasha, Silas, Bento, and Liz, which are examples of celebrities’ children’s names in recent years.

Food names, brands, colors, and even sweets are used by celebrities when registering their babies. Some examples are Apple, Brownie, Blue, Mano, Vida, Morena, and Sunday. Just how far does the creativity of celebrities go?

What may seem odd now could be conventional a few years from now. Obviously, choosing a baby’s name should be done carefully and some points considered. Not that you should worry about people’s opinions, but it’s smart to think of things like spelling, pronunciation, and future impact for school and social life.

It’s common for parents to choose a name with immeasurable value for them, but in the child’s social life, especially when they reach their teens, it becomes a source of embarrassment or bullying. Cases are also frequent where, due to lack of information, a couple chooses a name without realizing its (often double) meaning. Because of this, in 1973, a law was created that states registry offices should only register chosen names if they meet “common sense” standards, avoiding children’s exposure and future trauma.

There is no official list of names banned by registry offices, but registrars can stop a choice if they consider it inappropriate or likely to cause embarrassment. The aim is to avoid possible embarrassment for the child at school, or even difficulties with pronunciation and literacy.

In turn, parents have the right to complain and file an administrative process against the registry office—at no cost! Among the names usually barred are those of cartoon or Japanese series characters, football teams, or names with overly “creative” spellings like “Dhayanny,” for example. This law aims to reduce the growing number of requests for name changes, as well as to reduce embarrassment and bullying involving children.

Tips for Choosing Baby Names

If your family isn’t bound by rules or traditions in choosing your baby’s name, nothing’s better than making a little list with options as a couple. Many couples facing indecision ask for help from older children or friends or even have fun by drawing names or holding a vote.

Some couples who can’t agree on the perfect name end up merging their names. For example, a dad named André and a mom named Luzia could come up with Andreluz. Obviously, some combinations turn out quite bizarre and would fit on the list of weird names.

There are also very determined parents who, when imagining and planning their child’s future, choose names they think would fit or go well with their dream profession. For example, hoping their child will become a doctor or lawyer, they already think of endless lists of names that would sound good before “Doctor.” Doctor Diego, Doctor Antonio, Doctor Marilia, Doctor Angela… Of course, names don’t determine professions, but for those naming, it might at least influence what they hope for in the future.

As for the most modern and current names, if you don’t handle comments well, like “that’s the same name as my dog,” stick to more traditional ones. But if you don’t mind meeting a pet with your child’s name, go for it and pick the one you like—after all, tastes can’t be argued.

Patricia Amorim: How I Chose and Suggestions

Oh, this topic is so controversial! Lol In my home, it was … And my friends tell me the same. Well, some couples manage to quickly reach a consensus, but for others, the decision takes time!

All moms usually have stories to tell about their child’s name, and choosing a baby name isn’t an easy mission—it’s a huge responsibility lasting a lifetime. Well, it was simple with Joana at my house; my husband chose it. At first she was to be called Ana Luiza, I’d already decided, when he asked me to use his grandmother’s name. At first I thought it was heavy, too strong for a baby, but now I can’t see my daughter with any other name! It suits her, and after she was born I saw lots of girls named Joana being born, so it was great—I pleased my husband, and she has a beautiful name.

With Luiz Eduardo, it was different, because as he’d chosen the older one’s name, he let me decide. Then, everybody gives their opinion! Of course, it’s normal, but it turned into a big argument, because many wanted Pedro Henrique, others wanted Miguel, others Matheus… In the end, it was the name I’d wanted all along.

Melissa was a name I loved from the first time I heard it. A close friend has a daughter named Melissa, and I’ve always liked it. When I found myself pregnant again, I confess I thought about Melissa, my Mel, but was worried if my friend would be upset. Well, when we confirmed that it really was a little girl, we began to think of a name and many options came up: Maria Eduarda, Camila, Clarisse, Maria Fernanda, Leticia, Nicole, Clara, Ana Clara, among others. But then, I gathered courage and asked my friend what she’d think if I gave my daughter the same name, and she loved it! She said it was a sign she had good taste and really encouraged me! So we decided on Melissa.

I think the baby’s name should reflect mom and dad’s personality and tastes. Family giving opinions? Sure, but only if the couple invites it. If you weren’t asked for your opinion, keep it to yourself to avoid bad feelings. There are moms and dads who choose different names, and some are beautiful! Recently, a friend picked Rafick for her son! Different, beautiful, and tasteful, as with celebrity kids’ names like Benício, Pérola, Vida, Apple, Suri, Blue Ivy, Zion, and others!

Some couples choose their baby’s name by its meaning, some because it’s biblical, and others to honor someone, for example. Some love different names, and others love the classics. Anyway, it doesn’t matter—just choose what feels right for you, because this name will follow your little one for their entire life! Lol Now it’s your turn. Tell me, how did you choose? If you’re still pregnant, how’s the process going? What unusual name do you think is beautiful? Are you torn between names?