Finding inspiration from the beauty and culture of Spain can add spark and fun to finding a unique baby name. With Spain’s vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and rich history, the country offers many possibilities for parents who want to use place names as baby names, or choose a name from their Spanish heritage. Here we will explore Spanish baby names inspired by notable places in Spain.

Alhambra

The Alhambra palace in Granada is an architectural masterpiece, reflecting the legacy of Moorish rule in Spain. Alhambra is derived from Arabic as “red house.” Alhambra itself can serve as a unique and captivating name, symbolizing beauty, artistry, and cultural richness.

Almeria

Situated along the Mediterranean coast, Almeria is known for its stunning natural landscapes and ancient history. Almeria is derived from Arabic and means “city of the watchtower.” For a baby girl, the name Alma, meaning “nourishing,” represents the purity and beauty found in this picturesque region. 

Avila

Avila is a city located along the Adaja River. It is notable for its medieval walls and Gothic churches. Avila is a beautiful name and it means “bird.” Avila can be an excellent alternative to the ultra-popular name Olivia.

Barcelona

Derived from the ancient settlement of Barcino, Barcelona is a city known for its art, architecture, and cosmopolitan atmosphere. You can also consider names like Antonella, inspired by the works of architect Antoni Gaudí, or Leo, reflecting the vibrant energy of the city.

Catalonia

A region with its own distinct culture and language, Catalonia borders France and the Mediterranean Sea. Catalonia offers names like Xavier, meaning “new house,” and Laia, a Catalan name meaning “blessed.”

Cuenca

Cuenca is a Latin word for “river basin.” The city of Cuenca is known for its Eagle’s Nest, which is a structure situated on the edge of a gorge.

Elche

Elche is an urban city located along the coast. Elche is known for its footwear but also its extensive palm grove, making Palma a lovely choice for a baby name. Elche would be a unique choice for a baby name for either gender.

The Spanish name Elche is derived from the Ancient Greek Ἑλίκη, the name of a nymph who took care of Zeus in his infancy on Crete.

Gijon

Situated along the Cantabrian Sea, Gijon is known as being a popular university town. It was originally known for its steel and naval industries. This is a beautiful name and reminiscent of the baby girl name Gidget, but more romantic and mellifluous. The name Gijon means “rock, stone” and is a notable surname.

Granada

The name Granada means “pomegranate” in Spanish. With its iconic Alhambra palace and the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains as a backdrop, Granada is a city of enchantment. The name Alba, meaning “dawn” captures the beauty and tranquility of this Andalusian gem.

Ibiza

Known worldwide for its vibrant nightlife and stunning beaches, Ibiza is a place of celebration and freedom. Luna, meaning “moon,” captures the mystical allure of the island and its famous parties. The Catalon name for Ibiza is Eivissa, which would also make an excellent choice for a unique baby name.

Madrid

As the capital of Spain, Madrid exudes elegance, history, and sophistication. For a baby girl, names like Sofia or Isabella pay homage to the royal connections associated with the city, while for a boy, a name like Mateo, meaning “gift of God,” captures the city’s spiritual essence. The name Madrid means spring, such as a body of water.

Malaga

As a coastal city in the Costa del Sol region, Malaga is synonymous with beaches, sun, and vibrant energy. The word Malaga was originally from the Phoenician “Malaka.” The name Marina, meaning “from the sea,” celebrates the coastal charm of Malaga and the joy it brings.

Mallorca

Mallorca, also known as Majorca, is a Baeleric island off of Spain, that offers picturesque beaches and charming villages. The name Paloma, meaning “dove,” embodies peace and tranquility, reminiscent of Mallorca’s serene beauty. The name Mallorca was derived from the Latin Maiorca, meaning “larger one.”

Murcia

Murcia is known for its Spring Festival (Fiestas de Primavera), which makes Primavera an excellent name choice to honor this beautiful city in southeastern Spain. Its original name may also make a beautiful Arabic name choice: Mursiyah. Murcia is often known as Europe’s orchard.

Oviedo

Oviedo is the capital city of the Asturias region of Spain. It is known for being a commerce hub. Oviedo could be a baby name alternative to the popular name Oliver.

Palencia

Palencia is located along the Carrion River in the Iberian Peninsula. It is known for its forest atop a plateau named Monte el Viejo, meaning “old mount.” The word Palancia is also defined as a communications center, such as where people would meet and communicate, such as a town square.

San Sebastian

To honor the city and the saint San Sebastian, the name Sebastian is a more popular choice for a baby name. The city is known for its tourism and its film festival each year. San means “saint” and Sebastian means “venerable.” Another name for this city is Donastia, which would make an interesting and beautiful baby name as well.

Salamanca

Salamanca is a picturesque city known for its architecture. Its name is derived from the town market. The name Salamanca would be a unique choice for both genders. Sal and Manca would be excellent diminutive names for Salamanca.

Sevilla

Seville is a city of flamenco, vibrant festivals, and stunning Moorish architecture. For a girl, the name Carmen, after the famous opera set in Seville, brings to mind passion and grace, while for a boy, Diego, inspired by artist Diego Velázquez, represents adventure and discovery.

Soria

Located on the Douro River, Soria is known for its architecture. Soria is an interesting name choice and can be used as a unique baby name alternative to Susan. It is possible that the name Soria is derived from the old Italian word for Syria.

Tarragona

Tarragona is situated along the Mediterranean shore. Although it sounds like the spice Tarragon, on its own, it has a lovely ring to it. If differentiation from the spice is desired, derivative baby names could be Terra and Aragon.

Tenerife

As the largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife boasts breathtaking volcanic landscapes and vibrant culture. It is thus not surprising that the meaning of Tenerife is “white mountain.” Choose a name like Naira, meaning “radiant” or “luminous,” to reflect the island’s natural beauty and joyful spirit.

Valencia

Known for its orange groves, paella, and beautiful coastline, Valencia evokes a sense of sunshine and vitality. The Spanish name Valencia means valor/strength. Valentina, a name derived from Valencia, is a popular choice, symbolizing strength and beauty.

Zamora

Zamora means “wild olives” and is a great alternative to Olive, Oliver, and Olivia. Zamora is a beautiful choice for a baby name and is reminiscent and an alternative to the popular name Zendaya. Zamora is situated along the Duero River and is known for its Romanesque churches.

Zaragoza

Also known as Saragossa in English, Zaragoza is situated along the Ebro River. It is known for its folklore, making this name choice a fanciful and playful choice.

Spain’s diverse regions and iconic landmarks inspire a multitude of captivating baby names. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant energy of Barcelona, the elegance of Madrid, or the mystical allure of Granada’s Alhambra, there’s a Spanish baby name that can reflect the beauty, culture, and heritage of this captivating country.

For more inspiration, view this full list of cities and towns in Spain from Brittannica.