According to Público, which cites data from the Instituto dos Registos e Notariado, Maria was the most popular name for girls in Portugal in 2022 – streets ahead of the second most popular, Alice.

Ana, the name that led in the 1980s and 1990s, is only in 17th position, while Sara is now in 33rd place and Camila enters the top 10 for the first time.


Top names for girls

1. Maria - 5407

2. Alice - 1284

3. Leonor - 1206

4. Matilde - 1164

5. Benedita - 958

6. Carolina - 933

7. Beatriz - 771

8. Margarida - 717

9. Francisca – 680

10. Camila - 630


When it comes to the boys, Francisco is the most popular name, having been given to 1736 children. In the top 3 are Afonso and João, with Tomás and Duarte close behind. Santiago, the most popular name in 2016 and 2017, now ranks seventh. Ten years ago, the most popular name was Rodrigo, who is currently not even in the top 10.

Formerly traditional names, Manuel, José, and António are in places 20, 21, and 28, respectively. Less common names, such as Romeu and Álvaro, were registered 42 and 46 times, respectively.


Most popular names for boys

1. Francisco - 1736

2. Afonso - 1265

3. João - 1246

4. Tomás - 1233

5. Duarte - 1212

6. Lourenço - 1123

7. Santiago - 1115

8. Martim - 1066

9. Miguel - 1015

10. Gabriel - 985