Have you been looking for a baby name with historical significance? Instead of choosing a baby name taken from a European or an American history book, why not look at our own Latino heritage for some very unique names? Check out some of the ideas we came up with for baby names based on some of the greatest Latinos and Latin Americans of all times.
Read more ¿Qué más?: 10 Indigenous baby names to reconnect with your roots
BOYS:
1. Simón: As in Simón Bolivar, the Venezuelan military and political leader responsible for liberating so many Latin American countries from the claws of the Spanish Empire. It's a strong name with so much history and it can easily be pronounced in English and Spanish.
2. Martín: As in José de San Martín, Bolivar's Argentinean counterpart who fought for and achieved the independence of the southern part of South America. Another masculine name that anyone can pronounce in either language.
3. Benito: As in Benito Juárez, the Zapotec Indian from Oaxaca who was the first indigenous national to serve as president of Mexico. He successfully fought the French occupation of Mexico–you can thank him for the Cinco de Mayo celebration! He is revered for being a progressive reformer who changed the course of Mexican history.
4. Ernesto: As in revolutionary Ernesto "Che" Guevara, another argentino, best known for his ties to Fidel Castro and his involvement in the Cuban Revolution. Some will disagree that this is the name of a Latin American hero, but I guess it depends on whom you ask.
5. César: As in César Chávez, the farm worker who became a civil right activist and whose slogan, "Sí se puede" is so widely used by Latinos today. Chávez was the leading voice for migrant farm workers and he dedicated his life to improving their treatment. I don't see how it wouldn't be an honor to carry his name!
GIRLS:
1. Eva: As in María Eva Duarte de Perón, the beloved Argentinean first lady, wife of president Juan Perón, know for her tireless charitable work and her instrumental role in passing the law that granted women the right to vote.
2. Juana: As in Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, the self-taught Mexican scholar, poet and nun who was an early proponent of women's rights. She was a brave woman who didn't accept that only those who were lucky enough to be born males had the right to an education.
3.Minerva, Patria or Maria Teresa: As in the Mirabal sisters, the Dominican siblings who opposed the Trujillo dictatorship until their assassination in 1960. Their relentless work trying to store democracy in their country and to expose the abusive ways of the dictator made them true heroes.
4. Dolores: As in Dolores Huerta, who together with César Chávez fought for our workers, immigrants and women's rights. Despite being 83, this amazing woman continues to advocate for those whose civil rights are often violated.
5.Rigoberta: As in Rigoberta Menchú, the indigenous Guatemalan woman who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1992 for her tireless work in defense of her people. Menchú is considered by many as the voice of the oppressed and, for that, she's a hero to millions of native people around the world.
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