Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Dulce
GirlSpanish, Latin· “sweet”
- Meaning
- sweet
- Origin
- Spanish, Latin
- Pronunciation
- DOOL-say
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #771
- US babies 2025
- 352
- Best rank
- #264 (2007)
- Peak year
- 2007
Meaning and origin of Dulce
Dulce is a Spanish and Latin name that means “sweet”.
Dulce is the Spanish word for "sweet", from the Latin dulcis. It is often chosen with the Virgin Mary in mind, since the Sweet Name of Mary, Dulce Nombre de María, is a traditional Catholic devotion, and it is well established across Mexico and Latin America. The Spanish pronunciation is DOOL-seh, often heard in the United States as DOOL-say. The Mexican singer and actress Dulce María is a well-known modern bearer. The name shares its root with Dulcinea, the idealized lady of Don Quixote. Dulce feels warm, affectionate and simple, and it pairs nicely with María or other traditional middle names.
Popularity over time
Dulce first appears in US Social Security records in 1914. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 36 different years, starting in 1990. Its best national rank was #264 in 2007, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,285 babies. In 2025, 352 babies were named Dulce, and it ranked #771 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #3,753 in 1950, #1,366 in 1980, #601 in 2000, #410 in 2010, and #771 in 2025. Of the 20,306 US girls named Dulce since records began, 41% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 4,760 babies. Since 2010, 6,977 more have been named Dulce.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Aniya, Heaven, Kaylie, Daniella, and Madilyn.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Dulce ranked highest in New Jersey, Maryland, and Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | #430 | 18 |
| Maryland | #471 | 11 |
| Texas | #513 | 62 |
| California | #517 | 64 |
| Florida | #603 | 29 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Dulce is usually pronounced DOOL-say, with one syllable. It has five letters, starts with D and ends in “-ce”.
Middle names for Dulce
A few middle names that flow with Dulce: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Dulce
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Lists that include Dulce
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Dulce mean?
Dulce is a Spanish and Latin name that means “sweet”.
What is the origin of the name Dulce?
Dulce has Spanish and Latin roots. Dulce is the Spanish word for "sweet", from the Latin dulcis.
Is Dulce a popular name?
Yes. Dulce ranked #771 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Dulce a boy or girl name?
Dulce is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Dulce?
Dulce is usually pronounced DOOL-say. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings