In Colombia, a subtle but highly relevant cultural phenomenon is ongoing: the gradual disappearance of traditional names. These names, once common and resonant in schoolyards and neighborhood streets, now risk fading into oblivion.
According to reports from Caracol News, names like Hannibal, Gertrudis, Prudencia and Eustaquio, which in past decades were commonplace, today are becoming increasingly rare among younger generations. These designations, steeped in history, are being supplanted by more modern options or influenced by contemporary cultural trends.
Now you can follow us on our WhatsApp Channel and in Facebook.
In addition to these names, others are declining with the passage of time. Female names such as Adela, Bertha, Cleo, Dorotea, Edelmira, Faustina, Hortensia, Ismenia, Jacinta, Leonor, Mercedes, Natividad, Otilia, Quintina, Rosalba, Serafina, Teodora, Ursulina, Visitación, Yolanda and Zenaida, as well as male names such as Abilio, Bonifacio, Ciriaco, Donato, Facundo, Gregorio, Hermenegildo, Isidro, Leocadio, Mauricio, Nemesio, Ovid, Prospero, Quirino, Remigio, Saturninus, Urbano, Venancio, Wenceslao, Xenón, Iago and Zacarias, have been relegated in the list of popular names.
Colombian parents, influenced by greater exposure to foreign names and a perception of modernity associated with them, have increasingly opted for names that they consider more contemporary or with a more universal sound. Thus, names like Sofía, Valentina, Santiago and Mateo have gained popularity, while those that evoke a bygone era are being forgotten.
Although the Registry Office did not confirm these names, it is evident on social networks that many of them are uncommon among users, since they are more associated with adults than with young people. This suggests that these names have lost popularity over time, in contrast to their previous appreciation.
The National Registry of Civil Status revealed a list of names that demonstrate the creativity and originality of Colombian parents in choosing names for their children. This list, compiled over the last few years, highlighted the diversity and uniqueness of the names that have been registered in the country.
Among the more unusual names that attracted attention were Yariangelis, Valloleidis and Betsililiana for girls, as well as Joselu, Shunguemaku and Maxilillian for boys. These names, out of the ordinary and unconventional, reflect the imagination and audacity of parents when looking for names that stand out and differentiate their children.
Despite existing restrictions prohibiting the registration of names considered inappropriate or derogatory, such as Judas or Beelzebub, Colombian parents found inventive ways to name their children, drawing inspiration from a variety of cultural influences, popular television series and even sports idols.
The complete list released by the Registry includes names such as Shimunke Zhu, Bunkua Wimalu, Messi Andrés and John Crazy, each with its own history and origin behind it.
On the other hand, the most popular names in Colombia, such as María and Juan, continue to be favorites among Colombian parents. These designations, with millions of registrations in the civil registry, reflect the tradition and preference of Colombians for names that carry with them deep-rooted cultural meaning and symbolism.
In addition to Mary and John, other popular names include Michael, Jesus, Gabriel, Matthew and Abel, each with their own story and meaning behind them. In the case of compound names, Miguel stands out as the favorite among Colombian parents, followed by Jesús, Pedro and Pablo. For girls, Isabel is positioned as the most popular compound name, followed by Sara, Raquel and Magdalena.
This diversity of choice extends to less frequent but equally significant names such as Lazarus, Adam, Jonah, Zechariah and Aaron, which expand the spectrum of cultural and spiritual identities in the country. These names, although less common, reflect the rich cultural and religious diversity of Colombia, as well as the importance of preserving and celebrating these traditions in the choice of names.
