It is not unusual for Portuguese girls to have many names, but the majority of these are surnames. It is standard to have one or two first names, as you find in most English-speaking cultures.
However, it is common practice for a child to share the surnames of at least their parents, if not their grandparents, meaning they could have up to six surnames! With that in mind, it is important to find a first name that works well with the string of surnames following it.
Many popular Portuguese names are based on the Bible or orthodox Christianity. The most popular is Maria, originating from Mary, the Mother of Jesus. It is so popular that it is often used in conjunction with another name, almost as a prefix, like Maria Andreia. Girls so named are generally referred to by their second name, in this case, Andreia, meaning “warrior.”
Other names referring to God include Manuela, meaning “God accompanies us,” and Belinha, “promise of God.” Many Portuguese families have a strong Christian faith that is reflected in names like these.
If you are in Portugal or plan to register your baby’s birth there, it is important to note that given names must conform to standard spelling practices by law. Modern parents in other parts of the world like to create unique names for their children by changing the spelling but this would not be accepted in Portugal.
Agueda
Meaning: Good
Origin: Portuguese
Aline
Meaning: Fair and good looking
Origin: Portuguese
Andreia
Meaning: Warrior
Origin: Portuguese
Aurora
Meaning: Dawn or sunrise
Origin: Portuguese
Beatriz
Meaning: She who brings joy
Origin: Portuguese
Belinha
Meaning: Promise of god
Origin: Portuguese
Carolina
Meaning: A song of joy or happiness
Origin: Portuguese
Cassandra
Meaning: One who shines upon mankind
Origin: Portuguese
Catia
Meaning: Chaste or pure
Origin: Portuguese
Chica
Meaning: Little girl
Origin: Portuguese
Cintia
Meaning: One who is born on Mouth Cynthus
Origin: Portuguese
Clarissa
Meaning: Bright and clear
Origin: Portuguese
Diana
Meaning: Heavenly or divine
Origin: Portuguese
Dores
Meaning: A lady of sorrows
Origin: Portuguese
Doroteia
Meaning: Gift of God
Origin: Portuguese
Edite
Meaning: Grace
Origin: Portuguese
Efigenia
Meaning: Sacrifice
Origin: Portuguese
Estela
Meaning: Star
Origin: Portuguese
Evora
Meaning: Yew tree
Origin: Portuguese
Filomena
Meaning: Loved one
Origin: Portuguese
Francisca
Meaning: The free one
Origin: Portuguese
Fryda
Meaning: Tranquil leader
Origin: Portuguese
Gabriela
Meaning: God is my strength
Origin: Portuguese
Genoveva
Meaning: Woman of the race
Origin: Portuguese
Gloria
Meaning: Glory
Origin: Portuguese
Helena
Meaning: Light
Origin: Portuguese
Inez
Meaning: Pure, holy or virginal
Origin: Portuguese
Iolanda
Meaning: Violet flower
Origin: Portuguese
Iria
Meaning: Colourful, rainbow, and peace
Origin: Portuguese
Isabel
Meaning: God is my oath
Origin: Portuguese
Julinha
Meaning: Soft hair
Origin: Portuguese
Leonor
Meaning: Light
Origin: Portuguese
Lorena
Meaning: Laurel tree
Origin: Portuguese
Luzia
Meaning: Light of the day
Origin: Portuguese
Manoela
Meaning: God is with us
Origin: Portuguese
Margarida
Meaning: Daisy flower
Origin: Portuguese
Mariana
Meaning: Of the bitter sea
Origin: Portuguese
Mariazinha
Meaning: Rebellious woman
Origin: Portuguese
Marissa
Meaning: Little Mary
Origin: Portuguese
Matilde
Meaning: Mighty in war
Origin: Portuguese
Nelinha
Meaning: God accompanies us
Origin: Portuguese
Neves
Meaning: Snow
Origin: Portuguese
Renata
Meaning: Reborn
Origin: Portuguese
Rita
Meaning: Pearl
Origin: Portuguese
Rosana
Meaning: Graceful or rose
Origin: Portuguese
Sabina
Meaning: From the Sabine tribe
Origin: Portuguese
Samara
Meaning: Guardian or protected by God
Origin: Portuguese
Sofia
Meaning: Wisdom
Origin: Portuguese
Tatiana
Meaning: A person who takes care of the home
Origin: Portuguese
Teresinha
Meaning: Harvester or reaper
Origin: Portuguese
