In the past year, these are the preferred names by parents of Latin American countries

Latin America today has a total population of more than 650 million, among which there are more births in Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru and Chile, in decreasing order. Religion greatly influences when deciding a name for the baby. They are also the familiar names, the traditions have proved to be of great weight at the time of the choice. One of the trends that have become strong in recent years are the names of boy or girl inspired by popular television series.

What is the trend in Latin America in terms of names for babies?

As far as names for girls are concerned, Sofía has remained in first place for several years. Coming from the Greek “Sophia”, it means wisdom. This is followed by the name of Isabella. Valentina is also among the favorites for girls this year.

Here is the list with the most popular names of this year, reported by portals that analyze trends in baby names to help parents pick:

1. Sofía
2. Isabella
3. Valentina
4. Emma
5. Martina
6. Lucía
7. Victoria
8. Luciana
9. Valeria
10. Camila

The names for the boys are less stable. Mateo has been the favorite for this year, while the previous year was Agustín. Santiago and Matías follow. There are also less common names such as Thiago, which in a few years is becoming one of parents’ favorites. 

The list with the most popular for the year is:

1. Mateo
2. Santiago
3. Matías
4. Sebastián
5. Benjamín
6. Martín
7. Thiago
8. Alejandro
9. Lucas
10. Diego

Do TV shows influence the names parents pick?

Now, television series have been so successful worldwide that future dads do not think twice and immortalize their favorite characters with the names of their children. Among the most popular names and that belong to television series are:

• Arya: Without doubt one of the series that has hit the most in recent years, Game of Thrones. Arya is one of its stars, its name means nobility and veracity.
• Athena: equally common is this name of Greek origin and “the goddess of war”. It is preferred by the biggest and lovers of animation series such as The Knights of the Zodiac.
• Khalessi: another original name that has had great reception. It is another character in Game of Thrones.
• Monica: It was one of the most used names in the ’90s due to the popular series Friends.
• Serena: this is the name of the protagonist of the American teen series Gossip Girl that was very successful among young people. Serena is an original and very beautiful name for a girl.
• Jesse, Skyler and Walter: there are 3 of the characters in the series Breaking Bad, also known to have very audacious fans.
• Logan: this is our last name and comes from nothing less than the comics, it is the character of X-men.

Latin American Post | Daniella Páez Otey

Copy edited by Laura Rocha Rueda