Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Salvador

Salvador is a Spanish male name that is derived from the Late Latinate “Salvator” which means ‘savior’. The word has essentially the same meaning as “Messiah” which comes from the Hebrew indicating the ‘anointed one’. Given the importance of Catholicism among the Spanish-speaking population, it’s clear why Salvador holds a position of importance within this culture’s naming traditions. The most famous name bearer is Spanish artist Salvador Dalí who led the early 20th century surrealist movement. Salvador is also the name of the Central American country, El Salvador. In the early 1500s, Spanish conquistadors discovered the area and named it: "Provincia De Nuestro Señor Jesus Cristo, El Salvador Del Mundo" (Province of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World), which was eventually abbreviated to "El Salvador” (The Savior). The name Salvador is still quite popular in both Spain and Catalonia.

All About the Baby Name – Salvador

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME SALVADOR

The number 11 is a Master Number, and embodies heightened traits of the Two. This personality is on a life journey to find spiritual truth. They are extremely idealistic and intuitive. Elevens have a rare and exceptional spiritual energy that brings a sense of obligation to illuminate the world around them. It's a very powerful responsibility, but these people have far more potential than they know. It's important that they surrender to higher ideals. They have the capacity to see the bigger picture, and they possess the skills to inspire others spiritually. Elevens have strong diplomatic skills and can become great peacemakers. Master numbers can be both a blessing and a curse, as they walk the fine line between greatness and the potential for self-destruction.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME SALVADOR

Salvador first appeared on the U.S. male naming charts right at the turn of the 20th century in 1900. The name’s history in America is both impressive and uneventful. On the one hand, Salvador has maintained a spot on the charts consistently for over 100 years. On the other hand, the name has never been used beyond low-moderate levels. Naming one’s child “savior” does indeed make a statement, but Hispanic/Latino natives fully embrace the power of highly religious names more so than English-speakers (think: Jesús). Salvador, like his Italian brother Salvatore, is a gorgeous name befitting for an artist, a footballer, a poet or a romantic. Nicknames can include Chava, Voro or Salvo. The name has a handsome quality and is not one of the more heavily used Spanish monikers in America, giving it a more unique sensibility compared to Juan, Xavier or José for instance. The idea of ‘savior’ gives the name a certain brightness. We think Salvador is a maravilloso choice for any niño!

Quick Facts

ON SALVADOR

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

Latin

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

584

PRONUNCIATION:

sahl-bah-DHOR

SIMPLE MEANING:

Savior

Characteristics

OF SALVADOR

Inspirational

Highly Intuitive

Spiritual Teacher

Extremely Bright

Uplifting

Truth-seeker

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Salvador

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME SALVADOR

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Salvador

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME SALVADOR

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Salvador


Popular Songs

ON SALVADOR

Salvador Sanchez
a song by Sun Kil Moon

Salvador
a song by Jamie T [explicit]

El Salvador
a song by White Lion

Blues for Salvador
a song by Santana

Famous People

NAMED SALVADOR

Salvador Dali (artist)
Salvador Allende (deposed president of Chile)
Salvador Bacarisse (Spanish composer)
Salvador Ballesta Vialcho, aka Salva (Spanish soccer player)
Salvador Espriu (Catalan poet)
Salvador Gonzáles Escalona (Cuban artist)
Salvador Laurel (Philippines politician)
Salvador Luria (Nobel laureate, medicine)
Salvador Novo López (Mexican writer)
Salvador Puig Antich (Spanish anarchist executed by Francisco Franco)
Salvador Sánchez (Mexican boxer)

Children of Famous People

NAMED SALVADOR

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Salvador

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME SALVADOR

Salvador Dalí was an important 20th century Spanish artist noted mainly for his role in the movement of surrealism as defined by his most prominent work “The Persistence of Memory”. Born in Figueras, Spain in 1904 he enjoyed a happy childhood until the death of his mother from cancer when he was 16. This event would profoundly impact the young artist. After attending art school, Dalí would soon make his way to Paris, the center of the art world, during the time of Cubanism and Dada which heavily influenced him. Considered imaginative and eccentric, Salvador was quickly invited into the most prestigious inner-circles of the Parisian art world. This would include Picasso who admired Dalí’s work. By the 1930s, Salvador Dalí became one of the icons of Surrealism (although he had many other artistic pursuits including sculpture, photography, writing and filmmaking). His work was avant-garde, lasting and as memorable as his flamboyant mustache.