"sweet, pleasant"
Origin: Latin
Language: Spanish
Dulce
Pronunciation: [ d-UHLS ]
Girl Name
#664 Most Popular
Steady
2 Syllables
As sweet as its meaning — a Latin American treasure
Spanish
Latin American
Filipino
Gentle
Elegant
Traditional
Earthy
Meaning & Origin
"gentle, agreeable"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin
The Story of Dulce
Dulce comes directly from the Latin adjective dulcis, meaning sweet or pleasant, through its Spanish form. The Latin phrase dulce et decorum est was used by Horace and later echoed ironically by WWI poet Wilfred Owen. As a name, Dulce has been used in Spanish-speaking cultures for centuries, given to girls as an expression of parents' joy and their hope for a sweet-natured child.
Dulce has been a consistent favorite in Mexico, Puerto Rico, and throughout Latin America. In the United States it has grown with the Hispanic population, particularly in California, Texas, and Florida. It remains more culturally specific than names like Sofia or Isabella, giving it an authentic quality that broad popularity cannot provide.
In Spanish-speaking cultures, sweetness is a virtue closely tied to femininity, warmth, and hospitality. Dulce de leche, the beloved caramel confection, keeps the word associated with comfort throughout Latin America. Blessed Dulce Lopes Pontes of Brazil was canonized in 2019, bringing renewed religious significance to the name.
Fun Facts
- Saint Dulce of Brazil was canonized in 2019, becoming one of Brazil's first modern saints
- Dulce de leche, named from the same Latin root, is one of Latin America's most beloved foods
- The Horace phrase dulce et decorum est pro patria mori was famously used as bitter irony by WWI poet Wilfred Owen
Dulce in Other Languages
Latin
Dulcis
French
Douce
Italian
Dolce
Spanish
Dulce
Portuguese
Doce
Famous People Named Dulce
D
Dulce Maria
Musician
1985
Mexican actress and singer, known for her role in RBD and a successful solo music career
D
Dulce
Musician
1964
Spanish singer and actress known for her powerful soprano voice in gospel and inspirational pop
B
Blessed Dulce Pontes
Religious
1914
Brazilian nun canonized by Pope Francis in 2019, known for lifelong care for the poor in Bahia, Brazil
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #664
- Total SSA Count
- 438
- Cultural Origins
- Spanish Latin American Filipino
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Dulie
Pairs Well With
Dulce Maria
Dulce Elena
Dulce Rosa
Dulce Carmen
Dulce Isabel
Dulce Valentina
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Dulce is also used as a boy name, ranked #40349.
View Dulce as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dulce
What does the name Dulce mean?
"sweet, pleasant" (from Latin). "gentle, agreeable" (from Latin). Dulce comes directly from the Latin adjective dulcis, meaning sweet or pleasant, through its Spanish form. The Latin phrase dulce et decorum est was used by Horace and later echoed ironically by WWI poet Wilfred Owen. As a name, Dulce has been used in Spanish-speaking cultures for centuries, given to girls as an expression of parents' joy and their hope for a sweet-natured child.
What is the origin of the name Dulce?
Dulce has Latin, Spanish, Latin American, and Filipino origins. In Latin, it means "sweet, pleasant". In Latin, it means "gentle, agreeable".
Is Dulce a boy or girl name?
Dulce is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #664. As a boy name, it is ranked #40349. Dulce is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Dulce?
Dulce is pronounced d-UHLS.
How popular is the name Dulce?
Dulce is currently ranked #664 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Dulce?
Common nicknames for Dulce include Dulie.
What are good middle names for Dulce?
Popular middle name pairings include Dulce Maria, Dulce Elena, Dulce Rosa, Dulce Carmen, Dulce Isabel, and Dulce Valentina.
What are good sibling names for Dulce?
Names that pair well with Dulce as siblings include Sofia, Elena, Carmen, Rafael, Miguel, and Lucia.
How many syllables does Dulce have?
Dulce has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Dulce a common or rare name?
Dulce is moderately common, ranked #664 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Dulce
Dulce is a girl name with Spanish, Latin American, and Filipino origins . The name means "sweet, pleasant" in Latin .
Is Dulce a boy or girl name? Dulce is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #664 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #40,349. Dulce is more commonly used as a girl name.
Dulce is currently ranked #664 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Dulce has 2 syllables and is pronounced d-UHLS, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Dulce include Dulie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.