Most unknown common Canarian names

Do you know which are the most unknown common Canarian names in mainland Spain?  

In each area, each region, there are popular names that are largely unknown beyond their borders. A very clear case is the Canary Islands, a Spanish territory, but with a lot of African influence. For this reason, it is very common to find names that are only used in the archipelago.   

If you visit us frequently, names such as Yeray, Nayra, Adán or Idaira may be familiar to you. At Seaside Sandy Beach, we are committed to the people of the island. Their joy, their personality, and their empathy make them the best hosts in their home, which is Gran Canaria, but also the Seaside Collection.  

Like a real family, at Seaside Sandy Beach we always want to make you feel close to us, we want you to tell us personally what you think, and what you feel at any given moment. That's why, at our paradise in Playa del Inglés, guests know the staff by their names, creating close bonds that keep them coming back time and again. 

Male Canarian names 

In the list of male names in the Canary Islands we find a very interesting variety, almost all of them having the same Guanche origin. However, despite what it might seem at first sight, some of them are known and used outside the Canary Islands. 

• Jonay. It is a male name of Guanche origin, the aboriginal people who inhabited the Canary Islands before the arrival of the Spaniards. Jonay means ‘he who lives’ or ‘he who endures’ in the Guanche language.  
• Yeray. It is a masculine name that also has its origins in the Guanche culture. Yeray means ‘hero’ or ‘brave’ in the Guanche language, and it is a name that evokes strength and courage.  
• Nauzet. It is a name of Canarian origin, specifically from the island of Gran Canaria, and means “warrior in all battles”. 
• Tanausú. It is a male name of Guanche origin that means ‘surrounded by mountains’. It is a name that reflects the mountainous geography of the Canary Islands and its connection with nature.  
• Airam. Like all names of Guanche origin, Airam has a unique meaning. Associated with a Guanche prince, it refers to ‘freedom’. It is, in fact, one of the most popular names on the island of La Palma.   
• Ayoze. A male name of Guanche origin meaning ‘good leader’ or ‘good ruler’. It is a name that denotes leadership and the ability to lead. It is quite popular in the Canary Islands.

Female Canarian names 

As with the male names, almost all female Canarian names are of Guanche origin. However, they are not so popular outside the Canary archipelago.  

• Nayra.  It is a female name of Guanche origin that means ‘sun’ or ‘light’. It is a very popular name in the Canary Islands and represents the energy and vitality of the sun in this region.  
• Gara. Popular on the island of La Gomera, this name means ‘mountain, rock’, and according to other readings, refers to water.   
• Idaira. It is a feminine name of Guanche origin that means ‘star’. It is a name that conveys beauty and luminosity. Furthermore, it is quite popular in the Canary Islands.  
• Guacimara. It is a feminine name that comes from the Guanche and means ‘woman of noble lineage’. It is a name that reflects the cultural heritage and history of the Canary Islands.  
• Yurena. Of Beneahorite origin, from the island of La Palma, this name derives from the term ‘yruene’. However, in this case, far from symbolism and romanticism, ‘Irune’ refers to a demon in the form of a woolly dog that used to appear to the inhabitants of La Palma.   
• Dácil. It is a feminine name that has its roots in the Guanche culture and means ‘near the sea’. It is a name that evokes the special relationship that the Canary Islands have with the Atlantic Ocean.  
• Guayarmina. It is a female name of Guanche origin that means ‘the brightest star’. It is a name that represents beauty and brightness. Likewise, it is used in the Canary Islands to highlight the uniqueness and charm of a person. 

These are just a few examples of Canarian names that are popular on the islands and have their origins in the rich Canarian culture.  Note that the choice of a name is personal and unique. Therefore, it is always important to consider the etymology, tradition, and resonance it has for the person who bears it.  

Did you know some of these names? We are waiting for you at Seaside Sandy Beach so that you can see how many people from the staff have some of these names. And find out what they mean and convey.