Baby names from Costa Rica are gaining attention worldwide, especially among parents in the United States who are looking for names that feel both unique and meaningful. Costa Rican names beautifully blend Spanish tradition, biblical roots, and modern cultural influences, making them stand out from the more common baby name choices.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most popular Costa Rican baby names for boys and girls, highlight unique and rare options, and look at the trending names. Whether you’re searching for a traditional name with deep roots or a fresh name with modern flair, this list will give you plenty of inspiration.
Popular Costa Rican Baby Names
Naming traditions in Costa Rica are deeply connected to Spanish heritage, Catholic influence, and family culture. Many names are inspired by biblical figures such as José or María, while others come from Spanish royalty or modern Latin-American trends. Parents in Costa Rica often choose names that carry strong cultural or religious meaning, and it is common to use two given names (for example, Juan Carlos or María Fernanda).
To give you a quick overview, here are the top 10 most common Costa Rican baby names that continue to be widely used:
| Baby Name | Gender | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Santiago | Boy | Saint |
| José | Boy | Add |
| Mateo | Boy | Gift |
| Daniel | Boy | Judge |
| Isabella | Girl | Oath |
| Valentina | Girl | Strong |
| Camila | Girl | Attendant |
| Mariana | Girl | Grace |
| Sofía | Girl | Wisdom |
| Luciana | Girl | Light |
These names represent a blend of traditional and modern choices that parents in Costa Rica love, and they are also becoming popular among U.S. parents who are seeking cultural variety in baby names.
Popular Costa Rican Boy Names
Costa Rican parents often choose timeless, faith-inspired names alongside modern names influenced by global culture and Latin-American trends. Below is a list of some of the most popular boy names in Costa Rica with their meanings:
| Boy Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Santiago | Saint James |
| José | God will add |
| Mateo | Gift of God |
| Daniel | God is my judge |
| Juan | God is gracious |
| Carlos | Free man |
| Andrés | Manly, strong |
| Gabriel | God is my strength |
| Alejandro | Defender of mankind |
| Luis | Famous warrior |
| Sebastián | Revered, honorable |
| Diego | Supplanter |
| Miguel | Who is like God? |
| Antonio | Priceless |
| Fernando | Brave traveler |
| Ricardo | Powerful ruler |
| Adrián | From Hadria |
| Eduardo | Wealthy guardian |
| Rafael | God has healed |
| Tomás | Twin |
| Julián | Youthful |
| Esteban | Crown |
| Marcos | Dedicated to Mars |
| Nicolás | Victory of the people |
| Leonardo | Brave as a lion |
| Pedro | Rock, stone |
| Cristian | Follower of Christ |
| Javier | Bright, new house |
| Martín | Warlike |
| Iván | God is gracious |
| Rodrigo | Famous ruler |
| César | Long-haired |
| Hugo | Mind, spirit |
| Manuel | God is with us |
| Joaquín | God will establish |
| Samuel | God has heard |
| Ángel | Angel, messenger |
| Álvaro | Guardian |
| Marcos | Warlike |
| Pablo | Small, humble |
| Vicente | Conquering |
| Ernesto | Serious, determined |
| Óscar | Divine spear |
| Mario | Of Mars |
| Julián | Youthful |
| Damián | To tame |
| Cristóbal | Bearer of Christ |
| Simón | He has heard |
| Felipe | Lover of horses |
| Guillermo | Strong protector |
| Ramiro | Wise, famous |
| Bruno | Brown, shield |
| Álvaro | Guardian, protector |
| Mauricio | Dark-skinned, Moorish |
These names show the strong Spanish and biblical influence in Costa Rica, while also reflecting modern choices that appeal to young parents.
Popular Costa Rican Girl Names
Costa Rican girl names often reflect Spanish heritage, Catholic influence, and modern Latin-American style. Many are elegant, melodic, and rich with meaning, making them attractive to parents both in Costa Rica and abroad.
| Girl Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Isabella | God is my oath |
| Valentina | Strong, healthy |
| Mariana | Grace + favor |
| Luciana | Light |
| Camila | Attendant |
| Sofía | Wisdom |
| Gabriela | God is my strength |
| Daniela | God is my judge |
| Martina | Warlike |
| Elena | Bright, shining |
| Adriana | From Hadria |
| Ana María | Grace + beloved |
| Victoria | Victory |
| Alejandra | Defender of mankind |
| Natalia | Born at Christmas |
| Emilia | Rival, eager |
| Juliana | Youthful |
| Fernanda | Adventurous, brave |
| Claudia | Enclosure |
| Laura | Laurel, honor |
| Bianca | White, pure |
| Teresa | Harvester |
| Lourdes | Virgin Mary reference |
| Josefa | God will add |
| Rosa | Rose, flower |
| Patricia | Noble |
| Estefanía | Crown |
| Catalina | Pure |
| Carla | Free woman |
| Paloma | Dove, peace |
| Antonia | Priceless |
| Inés | Chaste, pure |
| Beatriz | Bringer of joy |
| Ángeles | Angels |
| Consuelo | Comfort, consolation |
| Pilar | Pillar, support |
| Mercedes | Mercies |
| Alicia | Noble |
| Cecilia | Blind, musical patron |
| Noelia | Christmas |
| Mónica | Advisor |
| Paola | Small, humble |
| Regina | Queen |
| Dolores | Sorrows |
| Veronica | True image |
| Estela | Star |
| Josefina | God will add |
| Ramona | Wise protector |
| Francisca | Free one |
| Esperanza | Hope |
| Renata | Reborn |
| Alma | Soul |
Top Trending Costa Rican Baby Names
Like many countries, Costa Rica experiences new baby name trends influenced by pop culture, music, celebrities, and global social media platforms. Parents are mixing traditional Spanish names with modern global names, giving their children unique identities that feel both local and international.
Trending Boy Names
| Name | Why It’s Trending |
|---|---|
| Thiago | Popular in Latin music; short and modern |
| Gael | Inspired by actor Gael García Bernal; stylish and global |
| Liam | Global favorite thanks to Hollywood & pop culture |
| Dylan | English-origin name, gaining traction via music & TV |
| Enzo | Italian-Latin vibe, popular across Latin America |
| Aarón | Biblical classic seeing renewed popularity |
| Matías | Fresh alternative to Mateo |
| Luca | Modern, international appeal |
| Emiliano | Rising due to Mexican/Latin influence |
| Bruno | Boosted by Disney’s Encanto (“We Don’t Talk About Bruno”) |
Trending Girl Names
| Name | Why It’s Trending |
|---|---|
| Aitana | Influenced by Spanish pop singer Aitana |
| Mía | Short, sweet, popular on social media |
| Aria | Inspired by TV (Game of Thrones, Pretty Little Liars) |
| Zoe | Modern, global-friendly name |
| Salomé | Biblical roots, chic in Latin America |
| Miranda | Pop culture + elegant feel |
| Abril | Nature-inspired, meaning “April” |
| Luna | Boosted by Harry Potter & astrology trends |
| Amalia | Vintage revival, royal associations |
| Alma | Simple, soulful name meaning “soul” |
These names reflect how globalization and pop culture influence naming trends in Costa Rica. Parents are blending classic Spanish names with modern, global names to give their children identities that feel timeless yet trendy.
Unique & Rare Costa Rican Baby Names
Not every parent wants a top-10 name. Many families in Costa Rica choose unique and rare baby names that stand out while carrying deep meaning. These names are less common but beautiful, making them a great choice for parents who want something distinctive.
Unique Boy Names in Costa Rica
| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Elian | God has answered |
| Gael | Generous |
| Iker | Visitation |
| Dariel | Beloved |
| Thiago | Supplanter |
| Emiliano | Rival |
| Ezequiel | God strengthens |
| Alonso | Noble, ready |
| Mauricio | Dark-skinned |
| Esteban | Crown |
| Tadeo | Praise |
| Silas | Man of the forest |
| Dario | Possessor of good |
| Renato | Reborn |
| Lisandro | Liberator |
| Teo | Divine gift |
| Amaro | Everlasting |
| Benicio | Blessed |
| Fabian | Bean grower |
| Leandro | Lion man |
Unique Girl Names in Costa Rica
| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Amalia | Work |
| Abril | April |
| Celeste | Heavenly |
| Salomé | Peace |
| Nayara | Place of abundance |
| Jimena | Listener |
| Arlet | Altar of God |
| Paloma | Dove |
| Marisol | Sea + sun |
| Aitana | Glory |
| Florencia | Blooming |
| Alma | Soul |
| Renata | Reborn |
| Violeta | Violet |
| Esmeralda | Emerald |
| Lidia | Noble one |
| Noelia | Christmas |
| Malena | Tower |
| Coral | Coral stone |
| Leire | Reference to a Spanish monastery |
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Conclusion
Costa Rican baby names beautifully combine tradition, culture, and modern trends. Rooted in Spanish heritage and influenced by religion, nature, and global pop culture, these names offer parents a wide range of choices—from timeless classics like José and Mariana to modern favorites like Thiago and Aitana.
For parents seeking the perfect name, Costa Rica provides a rich blend of heritage and individuality. Whether you want a traditional name that honors faith and family, or a rare and unique choice that feels fresh and modern, you’ll find inspiration in this diverse list.
Embrace the cultural variety of Costa Rican names and choose one that carries meaning, beauty, and identity for your child’s future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the most common baby name in Costa Rica?
The most common baby names in Costa Rica include Santiago, José, Mateo, Isabella, and Valentina—all deeply rooted in Spanish culture.
Q2. What are unique Costa Rican baby names?
Some rare but beautiful Costa Rican names include Gael, Elian, Alonso, Aitana, and Nayara, offering modern yet meaningful choices.
Q3. Are Costa Rican baby names similar to Spanish names?
Yes, most Costa Rican names are derived from Spanish and Latin origins, though parents are increasingly adopting global names influenced by pop culture.
Q4. What baby names are trending in Costa Rica in 2025?
Trending names in Costa Rica include Thiago, Enzo, Liam, Luna, and Zoe, reflecting global influence from celebrities, music, and media.