The National Institute of Statistics (INE) has provided interesting data on the most common names in Barcelona, as well as on the surnames that have endured over time.
This data also reveals how many people share a first and last name in this vibrant city.
Surnames and first names are a fundamental part of personal identity. In Barcelona, a city with a rich history and significant cultural diversity, this data reflects both historical heritage and modern trends.
The most common names in Barcelona
The most common names in Barcelona have undergone changes over the years. Trends and fashions influence the choice of newborn names, but some traditional names continue to maintain their popularity.
The most common names for men in the city are David, Javier, Jordi, Marc, Antonio, Daniel, José, Carlos, Francisco and Juan. These names represent both old and new generations, and we can see how they have evolved over time.
In past decades, names such as José, Juan, Antonio, Josep and Francisco were very popular for children born in Barcelona. However, nowadays, names such as Marc, Alex, Pol, Pau and David have gained popularity, especially after the successful Catalan series “Merlí”.
As for the most common names for women in Barcelona, we find Monserrat, María, Marta, María Carmen, Laura, Nuria, Cristina, Anna, María Teresa and Silvia. These names also reflect changing trends over the decades.
Monserrat, María and Carmen were very popular names until the 1950s. However, nowadays, names such as Paula and Julia have gained ground along with the classic name María, which is still present.
The most common surnames in Barcelona
Surnames, unlike given names, tend to maintain their historical heritage and endure through the generations. In Barcelona, the most common surnames do not differ much from the rest of Spain.
The surname García tops the list of the most common surnames in Barcelona, followed by Martínez, López, Sánchez, Rodríguez, Fernández, Pérez, González, Gómez and Ruiz. These surnames represent a significant part of the Barcelona population and reflect the diversity of origins and lineages in the city.
The surname García has an ancient origin and is among the most common in Spain.
Curiosities about names in Barcelona
In addition to the most common names, the INE provides information on curious and popular names inspired by famous characters and television series.
The famous Colombian singer Shakira has 42 namesakes in Barcelona, while 7 women were registered with the name Chakira. Other curiosities include names from the famous “Game of Thrones” series, such as Daenerys (30 records), Arya (162 records) and Khaleesi (5 records).