Else Beekman
Choosing a name for a baby can be a challenging task given the endless possibilities. Many parents are guided by current trends. A girl’s name that is currently particularly popular in Spain, with more than 10,000 registrations, is only three letters long.
In recent years, short and sweet names have become increasingly popular in Spain. Last year, the most popular girl´s names in Spain were Lucía, Martina and Sofía, with Lucía at the top of the list. In 2020, Lucía, Sofía and Martina were also registered as the top three names for girls, according to data from the Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE). Other popular names that year were Emma, Valeria and Julia. Previously, in the 80s and 90s, traditional names such as María, Cristina and Laura were very popular. These names were often chosen because of their classic and timeless character.
Three letter name
The name, of Hebrew origin, which is now gaining popularity, means ‘the chosen one’. This name, Mía, is a shortened form of María and has a melodious sound and a powerful meaning. The average age of all girls with this name is 4.0 years. That points to a recent rise in popularity.
Changes in girls’ names over time
The shift to shorter names such as Emma, Alma and Mía is a relatively recent phenomenon. Parents in Spain are increasingly choosing names that are simpler and easier to pronounce, yet remain powerful and meaningful. According to INE, there are almost 11,000 girls in Spain with the name Mía. The majority of these girls live in regions such as Catalonia, the Balearic Islands and the Comunidad Valenciana, but the name is also common in Galicia, Cantabria, Las Palmas and Málaga.
International popularity
Mía’s popularity is not limited to Spain. In several European countries such as Croatia, Malta, Switzerland and Estonia, Mía is also one of the most chosen names for girls. Parents are increasingly choosing unique names. This trend shows that parents want their children to stand out rather than blend in with the crowd.
Religious girl´s names by Franco
It was very different when girls were often given names like Soledad, Purificación, Encarnación Concepción or Inmaculada. During the dictatorship of Francisco Franco (1939-1975), parents in Spain were obliged to choose Catholic names for their children. This measure was part of the regime’s broader policy to promote and integrate Catholic values into daily life. Names without a Catholic meaning or not from the Bible were often not accepted by the authorities, so parents decided to err on the side of caution. However, the above-mentioned complicated-sounding names were often shortened to Sol, Puri, Enca, Conchi or Inma.
Also read: Number of registered births in Spain in 2023 was a record low