Origin of your surname and forename !
NomOrigine

Origin and meaning of the name Saldana

Discover my first name's origin now

What is the origin 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.
NomOrigine Team
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 :

Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Messenger Telegram

Search the origin of a first name

Enter the first name you are looking for below:

Similar First Names

#1 Sal

First name • forenames > sal

The name Sal is commonly used as a short form or nickname for various names, such as Salvatore, Salvador, or Salah. 1. Salvatore: The name Salvatore is of Italian origin. It come...

#2 Sal bell

First name • forenames > sal-bell

The first name "Sal Bell" does not have a widely recognized origin in English. It appears to be a non-traditional or possibly invented name.

#3 Sala manja

First name • forenames > sala-manja

The name "Sala" is of Arabic origin, meaning peace or tranquility. The name "Manja" is of Indian origin, meaning pampered or indulged.

#4 Sàlåām

First name • forenames > sala-m

The name "Salam" originates from Arabic and means "peace" or "safety." It is a common name in Islamic and Arab cultures, symbolizing harmony and tranquility.

#5 Salaan

First name • forenames > salaan

The first name Salaan originated from Arabic.

#6 Salagram tholiya

First name • forenames > salagram-tholiya

The first name "Salagram Tholiya" appears to be of Indian origin. "Salagram" is a sacred stone in Hinduism, typically used for worshiping the god Vishnu. "Tholiya" is a surname com...

#7 Salahdden

First name • forenames > salahdden

The name Salahdden is of Arabic origin. It is a combination of two elements: "Salah" meaning righteousness and "Din" meaning religion or faith. Salahdden is a popular name in the M...

#8 Salam hussain

First name • forenames > salam-hussain

The name "Salam Hussain" has Arabic origins. "Salam" means "peace" in Arabic, while "Hussain" is a common Arabic name which means "good" or "beautiful".

#9 Salamat ullah

First name • forenames > salamat-ullah

The first name Salamat Ullah is of Arabic origin. It is a combination of two words, "Salamat" meaning peace or safety, and "Ullah" which is a term used to refer to God in Arabic. T...

#10 Salamatullah

First name • forenames > salamatullah

The first name "Salamatullah" has Arabic origins. The name is a combination of two Arabic words "Salamat" meaning "peace" and "Allah" meaning "God". Therefore, the name Salamatulla...

#11 Salameahk

First name • forenames > salameahk

The first name "Salameahk" does not appear to have a recognized origin in English. It is possible that it is a unique or uncommon name without a specific etymology.

#12 Salameh

First name • forenames > salameh

Salameh is an Arabic given name that originates from the Semitic root s-l-m, which means "peace" or "safety." It is a variant of the name Saleem and shares similar meanings related...

#13 Salamkhan

First name • forenames > salamkhan

The first name Salamkhan appears to have its origins in Islamic culture, specifically in regions where Persian and Central Asian influences are prevalent. The name likely combines ...

#14 Salamuddeen

First name • forenames > salamuddeen

The origin of the name Salamuddeen is Arabic.

#15 Salan

First name • forenames > salan

The origin of the name Salan is not straightforward due to variations in spelling and cultural influences. However, one possible origin suggests that it could be derived from a Heb...