Image: ShutterStock
Caribbean baby names could be your jam if you are drawn to tropical weather and vibrant cultures. The Caribbean, which consists of over 7,000 islands, is a gorgeous region in the south-eastern part of the United States. The Caribbean’s beautiful islands are a treasure trove of unique baby names for boys and girls. These names are exceptional and spicy, just like the tropical island itself. The names reflect the diverse heritage, blending influences from African, Spanish, French, Latin, Greek, and Indigenous cultures. We have compiled a long list of Caribbean baby names that sound beautiful and carry deep meanings and histories. Check them out!
1. Cuban Baby Names
Cuban Boy Names
Here are some joyful and happy names for your babies. Pick one and you will be proud of it for life.
1. Alvaro
A Cuban name with loads of flair, we believe Alvaro has the potential to cross over. It reached its highest in the US in the year 1985. Alvaro means ‘cautious’.
2. Anton
This Spanish version of Anthony is often associated with writer Anton Chekov. Al Pacino picked this name for his son. Anton means ‘priceless one’.
3. Bembe
This one’s the coolest spiritual name ever! Bembe means ‘prophet’ in Spanish and Cuban.
4. Camilo
In the United States, Camila and Camille are hugely popular, but Camilo is hardly used, probably because the ‘o’ isn’t enough to distinguish it from the female counterpart. But we think it’s cool, more so because of its namesake Camilo Cienfuegos, the revolutionary. Camilo means ‘young ceremonial attendant’.
5. Carlos
Carlos is a Spanish name meaning ‘free man’ or ‘strong.’ It is a variant of the name Charles and is commonly found in Spanish-speaking countries, including the Caribbean.
6. Cuba
If you have Cuban ancestry, how about honoring them by naming your son after the country? Cuba as a first name has been used a lot, take Cuba Gooding Jr. for instance.
7. Dalian
Dalian is the Cuban variant of Dal and means ‘valley’ – a thorough masculine name in our opinion.
8. Desiderio
Desiderio, meaning ‘desired one’, belongs to the Cuban bandleader and actor, Desiderio Alberto “Desi” Arnaz y de Acha III. A major plus point of this name is the nickname Desi.
9. Elian
Elian is a vibrant Spanish name imported from Cuba. It came into the mainstream via the news surrounding a Cuban boy named Elian Gonzalez. Elian means ‘the Lord is my God’.
10. Emeterio
This legendary Greek name, meaning ‘deserves affection’, indeed deserves love and more users.
11. Ernesto
This is a classic Latin name that’s used widely in Cuba and at several other places. It may have fallen a few places in the last few years, but still sounds fresh. Ernesto means ‘determined’.
12. Eterio
Eterio is also a Greek name and means ‘pure as heaven’. The correct pronunciation of Eterio is ih-thi-rio.
13. Gimoaldo
A melodic name for music loving parents, Gimoaldo is a Spanish name, meaning ‘confessor’.
14. Homero
A free-spirited name that traveled all the way from ancient Greek to become a surprise hit in Cuba. Homero is Spanish for Homero and means ‘security’.
15. Ireneo
Ireneo is a soothing Greek name, meaning ‘lover of peace’. It’s essentially the male version of Irene.
16. Juan
This Spanish version of John is tied with Juan Ameida Bosque, the Cuban revolutionary. It means ‘God’s gracious gift’.
17. Learco
This Cuban name, meaning ‘judge of his village’, is usually used by the aboriginals.
18. Maceo
This Spanish variation of Matthew was recently picked by Halley Berry for her son. Another notable namesake is Maceo Gajales, the Cuba guerrilla leader. Maceo means ‘gift of God’.
19. Miguel
If you’re looking for Puerto Rican baby names, Miguel may be a good choice. It’s a variant of the name Michael, which means ‘who is like God?’ in Hebrew.
20. Osvaldo
Meaning ‘God’s rule or divine power’, Osvaldo is borne by several important Cuban figures, which include Osvaldo Dorticós Torrado, the former President of Cuba and Osvaldo Fernandez, Cuban baseball player.
21. Pedro
Pedro is a Spanish name of Cuban origin, meaning ‘rock’ or ‘stone.’
22. Pirro
Pirro is one of the unique baby names from the Caribbean. It means ‘flaming hair’.
23. Ricardo
Ricardo is a Spanish name commonly used in Cuba, which means ‘powerful ruler’ or ‘brave ruler.’
24. Riel
Riel is the Spanish for Gabriel and means ‘God is my strength’. It would be tough for Riel to replace a Biblical favorite that has been reigning the charts for ages, but definitely not impossible. You can also use it as a pet name for the original.
25. Rodolfo
This variation of Rudolf distances it far away from the red-nosed reindeer. Meaning ‘bad wolf’ Rodolfo was steady in the top 500 name list for most of the 20th century but has begun slipping now.
26. Rogelio
No, Rogelio is not the Spanish for Roger. It’s a standalone name, dating back to antiquity. Rogelio means ‘request’.
27. Rolando
We find Rolando one of the most appealing and attractive variations of Roland. Meaning ‘famous throughout the land’, Rolando has consistently featured in the top 1000 name list since 1946.
28. Silverio
Image: IStock
This woodsy Portuguese variation of Silvain refers to the tree god Silvanus. It means ‘wood or forest’.
29. Tajo
Tajo, meaning ‘day’, would look great in the middle spot. It will work well as a nickname too!
30. Yasiel
This Hebrew name, meaning ‘whom God made’, is slowly gaining ground, thanks to Yasiel Puig, the Cuban baseball player.
Cuban Girl Names
31. Agathe
Agathe is a popular Cuban baby name of Greek origin and means ‘good and kind’.
32. Aleja
Aleja is the Spanish version of Alexandra and means ‘defender of mankind’.
33. Aymee
Aymee, the Cuban spelling for Amy, stands strong at the second spot in the top 100 Cuban name list. It means ‘beloved’.
34. Barbara
Barbara is a name with an interesting history. In America, it performed its best from 1937 to 1944. But in Cuba, it’s still one of the top 10. Barbara means ‘foreign woman’.
Trivia35. Benita
Benita, meaning ‘blessed’ would go well with trendy names Juanita and Anita. It has its namesake in Benita Hume, the English actress.
36. Camila
This Spanish name is pretty, sophisticated, meaningful, and has a European flair. Camila means ‘young ceremonial attendant’.
37. Carida
Carida is one of the popular saints in Cuba. This theological Virgin name, meaning ‘charity’, would make an interesting choice.
38. Clara
The European version of Claire has been speeding up the charts in the last few decades. Sitting pretty on the 98th spot, Clara is a colorful name that means ‘bright’.
39. Claudia
Claudia is a classic Hispanic name with a hint of Roman splendor. It means ‘enclosure’.
40. Delia
Delia is a popular name for girls in Spanish-speaking countries, including Cuba. It can be interpreted to mean ‘heavenly’ or ‘divine.’ The name is also associated with the Greek goddess of the moon, Delia.
41. Daniela
It’s great to see Daniela back on the charts after 20 years of absence. It means ‘God is my judge’.
42. Dunia
Dunia, the Arabic word for ‘world or life’ is the 39th most popular name in Cuba.
43. Edelira
A name apt for your little princess. Edelira is a Cuban name, meaning ‘noble heritage’. Lira would make a cute nickname for Edelira.
44. Ella
Singer Ella Fitzgerald gives a jazzy edge to this name. Ella means ‘fairy maiden’.
45. Evelyn
A soft and feminine name that is returning to favor with parents in a major way, Evelyn means ‘wished for child’.
Did you know?46. Gertrudes
The ‘s’ at the end of this name is not a spelling error. Cubans use Gertrude with an ‘s’. It means ‘strength of a spear’.
47. Gisele
This German name, meaning ‘pledge’, got the oomph factor via the supermodel Gisele Bundchen.
48. Hermosa
Also tied with a California beach town, Hermosa is a Spanish name meaning ‘beautiful’.
49. Iddure
This Cuban name, meaning ‘the Virgin Mary’, will subtly nod to your faith in the almighty.
50. Ines
Ignes, the Portuguese form of Agnes, has been at the forefront since the story of Queen Ines of Castro has been doing the rounds.
51. Ixtaro
A name with ‘x’ in it has to be cool. Ixtaro, a Spanish name, meaning ‘hope’ has begun to catch on with Cubans.
52. Jacqueline
Cubans are fond of French names as well! So much that Jacqueline took the third spot last year. It means ‘supplanter’.
53. Juanita
This feminine version of Juan is dominant in all the Spanish speaking countries and cultures, including Cuba. It means ‘Lord is gracious’.
54. Kenia
Surprisingly, this variation of Kenya is hugely used in Cuba. It appeared in the Social Security Administration list in the 1990s, but dropped off in 2008.
55. Liliana
Image: IStock
This melodious version of Lily has been a favorite not just with Cubans, but the whole of the Hispanic community. It means ‘lily flower’.
56. Lisandra
Lisandra is the Greek variation of Alexandra and means ‘defender of mankind’. This old-time, fantasy name would make a mellifluous choice for a modern girl.
57. Lur
Cute, sweet, with absolutely no option of further snipping, Lur is a Cuban name, meaning ‘Earth’.
58. Manuel
Manuel is a male name, but is used for girls in Cuba. It’s a Spanish variation of Emmanuel and means ‘God is with us’.
59. Maricela
Maricela, in its variation Marcella, was depicted as the most beautiful woman in Don Quixote. We’re glad that this name is being revived again. Maricela means ‘warlike’.
60. Mariposa
One of our favorites! This romantic and rarely heard name has a unique meaning ‘butterfly’.
61. Mirana
Mirana is a derivative of Miranda and means ‘wonderful or adorable’.
62. Monika
Instead of the Latin spelling Monica, its Scandinavian version is more popular in Cuba. This divine name means ‘advisor’.
63. Neoma
A rare Greek name that would also work as a variation of Naomi, Neoma means ‘new moon’.
64. Novia
If you want a name that’s less common than Nora and Nova, but something along the lines, Novia could be the one for you. It means ‘sweetheart’.
65. Ramira
This pretty and unusual name is definitely worth considering. It means ‘judicious’ in Spanish. The name sounds confident and influential.
66. Rosy
Cheery and lovable diminutive of Rose has been standing on its own for decades now. It means ‘rose’.
67. Safia
Baby name Safia, meaning ‘confidante’, is popular amongst the Muslim communities residing in Cuba. It may sound like Sophia to Western ears.
68. Samantha
A long popular feminine version of Samuel, Samantha means ‘told by God’.
69. Samara
Samara sounds much more exotic than Samantha and even Tamara. In Latin, Samara means ‘elm tree seed’ and in Hebrew, it means ‘under God’s rule’.
70. Silvana
We find this Spanish version of Silvia more exotic than the original. Meaning ‘from the forest’, this moniker sounds woodsy, sleek, and thoroughly modern.
71. Tasha
Tasha is a diminutive of Natasha and means ‘born on Christmas’.
72. Valeria
Valeria, which was once used only by the early Christians, is more popular than ever, especially in Cuba. It means ‘strength’.
73. Verita
If you want a virtue name beyond Faith, Grace, or Hope, Verita would be a fantastic choice, both in sound and meaning. Verita means ‘truth’.
74. Veronica
This Latin name, meaning ‘she who brings victory’ held the top spot in most popular baby girl names in Cuba.
75. Wendy
This moniker was invented by author James Barrier for the character of Peter Pan’s elder sister. It means ‘darling’.
76. Xiomara
A brief history in the naming charts of America, but one of the most loved names in Cuba. Xiomara is a Spanish name, meaning ‘renowned in warrior’.
77. Yanet
A sweet name with several cross-cultural ties, Yanet is the Cuban version of Jana and means ‘God is gracious’.
78. Yenifer
Yenifer is the Cuban for Jennifer and means ‘white shadow’.
79. Zamira
This lovely name means ‘song or nightingale’ in Hebrew and ‘thought’ in Arabic.
2. Bahamas Baby Names
Bahamas Baby Names For Boys
80. Kosmo
Kosmo is the Greek spelling for Cosmo and means ‘order or beauty’. After being limited only to the ‘Seinfeld’ series, the whole Caribbean now seems to be embracing this creative name.
81. Montez
Sensual and rhythmic Montez has the potential of taking over most of the nature inspired names. This beautiful name means ‘dweller in the mountains’.
82. Neo
It’s a pity that a name like Neo has failed to receive love from the masses. It sounds contemporary and ‘new’. Neo means ‘new’.
83. Rodrigo
A rhythmic, appealing Spanish and Portuguese variation of Roderick, Rodrigo means ‘famous rule’.
84. Romario
Image: IStock
Who knew even Romeo had a variation, a variation that sounds unlike the original. Romario means ‘pilgrim to Rome’.
Bahamas Baby Names For Girls
85. Bimini
Bimini is a warm and delightful name, just like the Bahamas island. It is the name of a place in the Bahamas.
86. Charo
We bet you’ve never heard a floral moniker as funky as Charo. This Spanish origin name is considered a nickname for ‘Rose’ in Hispanic countries.
87. Consuelo
This fashionable name has its namesake in Consuelo Vanderbilt, who was named Consuelo in honor of her Cuban grandmother. Consuelo means ‘she who brings consolation’.
88. Diega
Now that Diego has been a hot name for several years, it’s time for Diega to come to the fore. It is a Spanish variation of Jacoba and means ‘supplanter’.
89. Melissa
Melissa, meaning ‘honeybee’, is much more classic than you can even think. It has been in use in the Bahamas since the 18th century.
90. Teresa
Teresa was once used exclusively in Portugal and Spain, but it’s now expanding its territories. It means ‘to harvest’.
3. Dominican Republic Baby Names
Dominican Republic Baby Names For Boys
91. Alejandro
This Dominican boy name is a softer and smoother alternative to Alexander, Alejandro means ‘defender of mankind’.
92. Emilio
This dashing name is Spanish for Emil and means ‘rival’.
93. Usain
This moniker got a boost via Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest man. This name means ‘beautiful’.
Dominican Republic Baby Names For Girls
94. Dominica
This bubbly Dominican girl name will nod to the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean. It means ‘belonging to Lord’.
95. Irie
The meaning of this Dominican Republic is as sweet as your baby girl. It means ‘positive and powerful’.
96. Isla
This Spanish word for ‘island’ would make a beautiful name for your daughter.
97. Leta
Leta is one of the classic names of the Dominican Republic. It means ‘gladly’.
98. Oria
Oria is a Dominican version of Oriana and means ‘golden haired’.
4. Haitian Baby Names
Haitian Boy Names
99. Agewe
This Haitian boy name, meaning ‘spirit of the sea’, would be a lovely name for a Pisces or Cancerian baby.
100. Guerdy
This French version of Gerdi is borne by the renowned Haitian painter Guerdy Jacques Preval. It means ‘guardian or peace’.
101. Hennrick
This spelling version of Henrik has a long history of usage in Haiti. It means ‘estate ruler’.
102. Stalin
This Spanish moniker meaning is well known in Haiti. The name is a combination of steel and linen.
103. Toussaint
This charming name would honor Toussaint Louverture, the leader of the Haitian revolution, who freed the island.
Haitian Girl Names
104. Ayida
This attractive Haitian name for girls means ‘who is the spirit of love’.
105. Bijoux
Another super popular name in Haiti, Bijoux means ‘jewel’.
106. Brigitte
This French version of Brighid is associated with Brigitte Bardot, the sex symbol of the 1950s. It means ‘strength’.
107. Dayana
Dayana is the Hispanic name for Diana and means ‘luminous or perfect’.
108. Laurette
This evocative variation of Laura sounds feminine and delicate without being fussy. It means ‘laurel bay’.
109. Lourdes
Lourdes, the name of the French town, is preferred by Catholic Caribbean parents. It means ‘craggy slope’.
110. Mirlande
Image: Shutterstock
Mirlande is a Trinidadian version of Merle and means ‘blackbird’.
111. Violine
A name perfect for musically inclined parents, Violine is a variation of Violin and means the same.
5. Trinidad Baby Names
Trinidadian Boy Names
112. Jaden
Jaden is the popular spelling of the Biblical name Jadon and is symbolic of ‘God has heard’.
113. Kingston
This handsome and bold baby name comes with the fun short form King. It means ‘king’s town’.
114. Nikoli
Nikoli is the spelling variation of Nikolai and means ‘victory of the people’.
Trinidadian Girl Names
115. Anya
This dynamic version of Anna currently ranks #555 on the popularity list. It means ‘grace’.
116. Jade
This gemstone name, meaning ‘stone of the side’, has been rising in usage even since Mick and Bianca Jagger selected it for their son.
117. Mia
This appealing short form of Maria is enjoying a meteoric rise in Trinidad. It means ‘bitter’.
118. Naomi
While Neoma is popular in Trinidad, Naomi rules in the West Indies. This Old Testament name means ‘pleasantness’.
119. Sanaa
A simple, yet exotic name, meaning ‘brilliance’ has been on the US popularity list since 2003.
120. Steebeth
Steebeth is a name from Trinidad, meaning ‘great beauty’. Don’t you think it sounds like a combination of Stephanie and Elizabeth?
6. Barbados Baby Names
Barbados Baby Names For Boys
121. Hosea
Hosea is a distinctive Biblical name, meaning ‘salvation’.
122. Lyron
Lyron is a form of Hebrew name Leron and means ‘my song’.
123. Malik
Malik is an Arabic name, meaning ‘sovereign’.
124. Talin
Talin is a variation of Talon and refers to the claw of a large bird.
125. Vin
This shortened version of Vincent is more popular than the original. It means ‘prevailing or victorious’.
Barbados Baby Names For Girls
126. Ayanna
This African name, meaning ‘beautiful flower’, has been used by the people of Barbados since ages.
127. Lesia
An uncommon variation of Alicia, Lesia means ‘noble’.
128. Marissa
Pretty and not as overused as its cousins Maris or Melissa, Marissa means ‘of the sea’.
129. Raeni
Raeni is a name with a regal ring. It means ‘queen’.
7. West Indies Baby Names
West Indies Baby Names For Boys
130. Aman
This beautiful variation of Arabic name Amin is quite popular in West Indies. It means ‘honest’.
131. Azacca
Azacca, meaning ‘spirit guide of agriculture’, can be shortened to Zac for the nickname.
132. Bastian
Bastian is short for Sebastian and means ‘man from Sebastia’.
133. Cayman
Cayman, similar to Cameron and Cayden, would make a modern island name for you. It means ‘Cayman Islands’.
134. Damarae
There cannot be a name more apt for your bundle of joy than Damarae, which means ‘a joy of joys’.
135. Janiel
A well-known bearer of this name is Janiel Simon, the Antiguan soccer player. It means ‘God is my judge’.
136. Jorell
This West Indian name is probably inspired by Superman’s father’s name Jor-El.
137. Josue
Josue is the Caribbean version of Joseph and means ‘God will increase’.
138. Omeria
Omeria, an inspiring name, is the Caribbean version of Omar, and is tied with the maternal grandfather of Bob Marley. The name means ‘eloquent’.
139. Yari
Image: Shutterstock
This West Indian name is taken from a Taino word, meaning ‘small gold jewelry’.
West Indies Baby Names For Girls
140. Alpharita
Alpharita is a spelling variation of Alvarita and means ‘army of elves’.
141. Alvita
This moniker, meaning ‘lively’ is quite popular in Jamaica.
142. Amani
Amani is a Kiswahili name, meaning ‘peaceful’.
143. Anacaona
Anacaona, the name of the queen of Hispaniola, means ‘golden flower’.
144. Cedella
This moniker is best known for Cedella Booker, Bob Marley’s mother. It means ‘beautiful princess’.
145. Dorsey
This West Indies girl name is taken from the French word d’Orsay, which means ‘from Orsay’.
146. Gillain
This West Indian version of Gillian is associated with Gilliain Bery, the Jamaican model. It means ‘youthful’.
147. Jacinta
Jacinta, the Spanish for Hyacinth sounds a lot sweeter than the English version. The correct pronunciation of this name is ‘Ha-seen-ta’.
148. Nevis
Nevis, the name of a tranquil Caribbean island, would make a soft and feminine Caribbean girl name. This place name was recently picked by Nelly Furtado for her daughter.
149. Quito
Quito is a Spanish name with loads of energy. Since it means ‘fifth’, Quito would be an ideal option for the fifth child in your family.
150. Vea
A short and sweet Jamaican name, it means ‘seen’.
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How have Caribbean baby names evolved?
Various influences on the indigenous languages, including due to immigration from other parts of the world, have shaped the names used in the Caribbean region today. A diverse set of cultures have contributed to the region’s rich and varied naming tradition.
2. What are the benefits of giving Caribbean baby names?
Giving your baby a Caribbean culture-inspired name can have several benefits, including a connection to the culture, recognition of values, a unique identity, and celebration of diversity.
3. How do Caribbean baby names reflect their culture and heritage?
Caribbean baby names are diverse and often blend different cultural influences, a testament to the region’s unique colonial history and migration of people. Some vibrant names draw on the region’s indigenous cultures, while others reflect the influence of the Spanish, French, British, and African languages.
Naming a baby is a special occasion for every parent, and before narrowing it down to one name, parents often go through several trends and ideas. To help you find the perfect baby name, we have curated this list of Caribbean baby names that reflect the beauty of the tropical islands. So, explore these unique and lively names from Cuba, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, and other regions that honor cultural heritage, tell myriad stories, and represent different values. Go through their meanings and choose the one that touches your heart. Your child will carry the name for their entire life, so ensure your choice is suitable even when they grow up.
Infographic: Caribbean Names For Boys And Girls
The Caribbean region comprises scenic islands well-known for their food, musical and literary cultures. So, if these groups of islands inspire you and you want to give your baby a Caribbean name, dive into the list. We are sure you will find the right pick! Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Key Pointers
- Baby names in the Caribbean islands perfectly represent the region’s beauty, diversity, and rich culture.
- Caribbean names sound distinctive and lively and often blend Spanish, Latin, and Greek influences.
- The Cuban Alvaro, the Barbadian Talin, and the Dominican Isla are only a few examples of the variety found in Caribbean baby names.
Illustration: Strikingly Beautiful Caribbean Baby Names For Boys And Girls
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Looking for a unique name for your baby? Check out this video for Caribbean names! Get inspired and find the perfect name for your little one.
References
- Popular Baby Names (ssa.gov)
https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our nurturing community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with fellow parents.
Read full bio of Arshi Ahmed
Read full bio of Srija Chanda Burman
Read full bio of Angela Alex
