Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Esperanza
GirlSpanish· “hope”
- Meaning
- hope
- Origin
- Spanish
- Pronunciation
- ehs-peh-RAHN-sah
- Syllables
- 4
- US rank 2025
- #1,209
- US babies 2025
- 188
- Best rank
- #446 (1929)
- Peak year
- 2000
Meaning and origin of Esperanza
Esperanza is a Spanish name that means “hope”.
Esperanza is the Spanish word for hope, from the Latin sperare, meaning to hope. It has long been used as a given name in Spain and Latin America, and it carries a warm, uplifting message. Many American readers know it through Esperanza Cordero, the young narrator of Sandra Cisneros's novel The House on Mango Street, and through Pam Muñoz Ryan's children's novel Esperanza Rising. The name is long and lyrical, with nicknames such as Espe, Pera and Lanza. It is a meaningful choice for families who value Spanish heritage.
Popularity over time
Esperanza first appears in US Social Security records in 1903. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 88 different years, starting in 1913. Its best national rank was #446 in 1929, and the most babies received it in 2000, when 499 were named Esperanza. In 2025, 188 babies were named Esperanza, and it ranked #1,209 nationally. That is 37% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #677 in 1920, #659 in 1950, #1,035 in 1980, #528 in 2000, #949 in 2010, and #1,209 in 2025. Of the 20,849 US girls named Esperanza since records began, 18% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 2,690 babies. Since 2010, 4,144 more have been named Esperanza.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Lizette, Calista, Jailene, Shyanne, and Cayla.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Esperanza ranked highest in New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | #329 | 5 |
| Arizona | #453 | 15 |
| Colorado | #659 | 8 |
| California | #722 | 43 |
| Texas | #989 | 29 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Esperanza is usually pronounced ehs-peh-RAHN-sah, with four syllables. It has nine letters, starts with E and ends in “-za”.
Middle names for Esperanza
A few middle names that flow with Esperanza: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Esperanza
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Lists that include Esperanza
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Esperanza mean?
Esperanza is a Spanish name that means “hope”.
What is the origin of the name Esperanza?
Esperanza has Spanish roots. Esperanza is the Spanish word for hope, from the Latin sperare, meaning to hope.
Is Esperanza a popular name?
Not especially. Esperanza ranked #1,209 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Esperanza a boy or girl name?
Esperanza is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Esperanza?
Esperanza is usually pronounced ehs-peh-RAHN-sah. 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