"sweet, pleasant"
Dulce
Pronunciation: [ d-UHLS ]
Does Dulce flow with your last name?
As sweet as its meaning — a Latin American treasure
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"gentle, agreeable"
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Browse nicknames →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.
Historical Record
Dulce first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 19,875 babies have been named Dulce in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Dulce is past its peak , currently ranked #664 for girl names in the US .
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
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Dulce
Dulce Maria
Musician
1985
Mexican actress and singer, known for her role in RBD and a successful solo music career
Dulce
Musician
1964
Spanish singer and actress known for her powerful soprano voice in gospel and inspirational pop
Blessed Dulce Pontes
Religious
1914
Brazilian nun canonized by Pope Francis in 2019, known for lifelong care for the poor in Bahia, Brazil
Names You Might Also Love
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"delicate, gentle"
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"woman from Mount Cynthus"
"my delight, my pleasantness"
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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
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, gentle style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, earthy style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Distinctive pick, elegant style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Dulce
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Dulce is also used as a boy name, ranked #40349.
View Dulce as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Spanish)
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View all →Spanish compound origin
"graceful meadow"
#816 in US
French/Italian diminutive use origin
"delicate, gentle"
#834 in US
Hebrew origin
"God is my oath"
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Greek origin
"woman from Mount Cynthus"
#827 in US
Biblical Hebrew origin
"my delight, my pleasantness"
#584 in US
Latin origin
"divine, heavenly"
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Germanic origin
"work, industrious"
#551 in US
Latin serra origin
"saw-toothed ridge"
#596 in US
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dulce
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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.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis