The Portuguese language is similar to Spanish but has distinct differences in spelling and pronunciation which can also be seen in names. For instance, the Spanish form of John, 'Juan' becomes 'João' in Portuguese and the name Julia, although spelt the same way in both countries, is pronounced 'Hulia' in Spanish and 'Julia' in Portuguese. The endings '-inho' or '-inha' meaning 'young' or 'small' are added to names as a diminutive form. Portuguese names are also used in former colonies such as Brazil, Angola and Mozambique.
Male
Diogo - form of Diego
Garcia
Gonçalvo
Javier - Xavier
Joreão
Venceslau - Wenceslas
Female
Aliuska
Branca
Cebria
Heila
Laocadia
Mafalda
Compounds
| José Claúdio | ||
| José Marcelo | ||
| José-Maria | Zemario | Joseph + Mary |
| Ana Flavia | ||
| Ana Maria | ||
| Ana Luiza | ||
| Ana Cristina | ||
| Maria Madalena | ||
| Maria do Carmo | ||
| Maria José | ||
| Tina Maria |
These are given names that I have only come across in Spanish and Portuguese speaking countries of South and Central America. Unusual name combinations are mostly from Brazil.
| Adelmar | |
| Aldomiro | |
| Altifício | |
| Anier | |
| Antenor | |
| Divino | |
| Elimilton | |
| Etelson | Etelvina and Nelson |
| Faical | |
| Helespôntico | |
| Ilhazul | |
| Itocravo | |
| Julcir | Julio and Cir (instead of Cri) for Cristina |
| Migdônio | |
| Miroel | Isabel and Valdomiro |
| Raymilson | Raynha and Vilson |
| Absidíola | |
| Alvodia | |
| Amordeiza | |
| Edileuza | |
| Eliana | |
| Geisa | George and Louisa |
| Helenice | Hélio and Beatrice |
| Himalaia | |
| Jurany | |
| Marlui | |
| Milamores | |
| Odolina | Odorico and Carolina |
| Osleidis | |
| Sinvat | |
| Yudalis |
This collection of names was compiled by Kate Monk and is ©1997, Kate Monk.
Copies may be made for personal use only.