Origin and meaning of the name Saldana

The first name "Saldana" is of Spanish and Portuguese origin. It is derived from the surname "Saldaña," which itself comes from a place name in Old Castilian Spain or Old Portuguese Galicia. The place name most likely refers to the color salmorra, meaning muddy or miry, possibly due to the soil being rich in salt. The surname Saldaña was first recorded in the 10th century. The feminine given name "Saldana" is a modern variant, which has gained popularity as a first name in recent times.

Learn more about the origin of the name Saldana

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Saldana

The name Saldana is primarily of Spanish origin, derived from the surname Saldaña. It has roots in the medieval Iberian Peninsula, specifically from the region of Cantabria where it was first documented around the 9th century AD. The surname Saldaña is a toponymic one, meaning it originated from a specific place name. Specifically, it comes from the town of Saldaña in Cantabria. Over time, the name has been used as a given name, particularly in Spanish-speaking communities. In its female form, Saldana can be interpreted as a strong and resilient name, reflecting the historical background of its origin.

Character traits associated with the name Saldana

The name Saldana is often associated with individuals who demonstrate strong leadership qualities, resilience, and adaptability. These individuals are known for their charismatic nature, which makes them natural communicators and motivators. They possess a keen intelligence, enabling them to solve complex problems effectively and strategically. Saldana is also linked with creativity, innovative thinking, and the ability to think outside the box. Furthermore, people with this name are typically passionate about their beliefs and causes, showing tenacity and perseverance in pursuing their goals. Overall, a person named Saldana tends to be ambitious, determined, and capable of inspiring others towards success.

Popularity of the name Saldana

The given name Saldana is relatively uncommon in the English-speaking world, with limited popularity compared to more frequently used names. According to data from the United States Social Security Administration, Saldana ranked outside the top 1000 most popular girl's names in the U.S. for every year between 1960 and 2020. Despite its lower ranking, the name has gained some visibility due to notable individuals with the name such as Zoe Saldana, a well-known actress who has starred in films like "Avatar" and "Guardians of the Galaxy." Overall, while Saldana is not a widespread name, it carries a unique and distinctive quality that resonates with some families.

Famous people with the name Saldana

Zoe Saldana and Penélope Sánchez Saltó, commonly known as Penélope Saldana, are two prominent figures with the surname Saldana. Zoe Saldana is an American actress, widely recognized for her roles in films such as Star Trek, Avatar, and Guardians of the Galaxy. She has been nominated for several awards, including a Golden Globe and an Emmy, and was included in Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2020.

Penélope Sánchez Saltó, on the other hand, is a Spanish actress who started her career as a child actress in television series. She gained international fame for her role as Luna in the film Twice Upon a Time. In her later years, she has continued to act in films and television shows, demonstrating versatility across different genres. Despite their different nationalities, both Zoe Saldana and Penélope Sánchez Saltó have made significant contributions to the entertainment industry.

Variations of the name Saldana

The name Saldana has various spellings and originates from several parts of the world. One common variation is Saldaña, which is of Spanish origin. This surname comes from the place name Saldaña in Spain, meaning "salted hill" or "hill of salt". Another variation is Saleñas, a feminine form derived from the same roots. In other cultures, variations such as Saldana-Johnson, Saldanha (Portuguese), and Salden (Dutch) have emerged through intermarriage and assimilation. These variations maintain the root "Saldana" while incorporating additional surnames or cultural influences. It's fascinating to explore these alterations of one name, showcasing the diversity and blending of cultures throughout history.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the first name "saldana"
• Global distribution of the first name on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 15 June 2025

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