When you are looking for a name for your baby, you will be amazed by the beautiful rhythm a Portuguese name brings. Whether you're delving into your own history and culture or looking for a unique and different name, read on for -- and get inspired by -- our list of Portuguese baby names for boys and girls.

Portuguese Name Origins

Portuguese names are often influenced by Roman Catholicism, as it is the religion of the majority of those residing in Portugal. Many names are chosen from characters from the Bible as well as those of popular saints. For example, Maria (a form of Mary) is by far the most popular female name in the country, with João (a form of John) and José (a form of Joseph) being the most popular for boys.

Portuguese is one of the romance languages that developed from Latin and its unique beauty bestows itself on the names of those who speak it. Keep reading for some of the more popular Portuguese baby names today, along with their meanings.

Portuguese Boy Baby Names

Adão: Portuguese version of Adam, which was the name of the first man created by God

Alberto: Portuguese version of Albert, which means "nobly bright"

Alvaro: This is the Portuguese form of the name Albar, which means "elfin army"

Bastião: This is a shorter form of Sebastião, which is derived from a Latin name meaning "man from Sebastia"

Cyrilo: A Portuguese version of the Latin name Cyrillus, which means "lordly"

Dionysio: Portuguese version of the name of the Greek god of wine, Dionysos

Estêvão: This is the Portuguese version of Stephen, which means "crown"

Feliz: Portuguese version of the Latin name Felix, which means "lucky, happy"

Gonçalo: This is the Portuguese form of the Spanish name Gonzalo, which means "war combat"

Heitor: Portuguese version of Hektor, which means "steadfast"

Horacio: This name comes from the old Latin family name Horatius, which may mean "hour, time"

Inácio: This comes from a Latin name also, Ignatius, which may mean "fire"

Joãozinho: A version of the name John, it can also has other forms: João and Joãnico

Leão: This is the Portuguese version of Leo, which means "lion"

Maximiliao: Portuguese form of Maximilian, which is a Latin name

Othão: This is the Portuguese version of Othello

ROmao: This name is derived from the Latin name Romanus, which means simply "a Roman"

Simão: Portuguese version of Simon

Tonio: This is a shortened version of the name Antonio, and is sometimes bestowed as a first name

Get more Portuguese Boy Baby Name ideas here!

Portuguese Girl Baby Names

Anamaria: This popular name is a combination of the names Ana and Maria

Assuncão: This name references the assumption of the Virgin Mary to heaven after her death

Brites: This is the Portuguese version of an Irish name that means "strength"

Carmen: Meaning "vineyard or orchard," this is the Portuguese form of the name Carmel, and is usually given to a child in reference to the Virgin Mary

Conceição: This is the Portuguese form of the Spanish name Concepción, which again references the Virgin Mary

Eliana: Meaning "from the sun," this name has roots in Latin and Greek

Fortunata: This name also has Latin roots and means "fortunate, lucky"

Genoveva: This lovely name has uncertain meaning and has Celtic roots

Graca: This name is derived from the Portuguese word "graca" which means "graceful, elegant"

Hilarião: This is the feminine form of Hilario, which means "cheerful, glad"

Inez: This is the Portuguese version of the name Agnes, which means "pure, chaste, sacred"

Joquina: This is the feminine form of Joaquim, which means "God will establish, God gives strength"

Laurenza: This is the feminine form of Laurencho, which has the meaning, "man from Laurentum"

Maria: This very popular name is the Latin form of Mary, which references the Virgin Mary

Mariana: This is the feminine form of a Latin name derived from Marius, which is an old Roman family name

Neves: This name is actually a Portuguese word meaning "snow" and alludes to one of the titles of the Virgin Mary: "Maria das Neves."

Pia: This is a short form of the name Olimpia, which means "of Olympus"

Salomão: This is the Portuguese version of the name Salome, which means "peace" 

Get more Portuguese Girl Baby names here!

As you can see, there are tons of gorgeous names to choose from if you are seeking a Portuguese name for your baby. From names with Catholic roots to unique Portuguese names to Portuguese versions of popular names, this is a great place to start looking!

Get More Baby Name Ideas Here:

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