Name meaning & originSalvador
/sal-vah-DOR/
Salvador is a Portuguese boy's name pronounced /sal-vah-DOR/. A spiritual name that translates directly to savior.
Share this name
Meaning of Salvador
A spiritual name that translates directly to savior.
The name Salvador is derived from the Christian Late Latin name 'Salvator', which literally translates to 'savior'. It was adopted by early Christians as a translation of the Greek name 'Sōtēr', referencing Jesus Christ as the Savior of humanity.
- Origin
- Portuguese
- Pronunciation
- /sal-vah-DOR/
Cultural background
The name is highly prevalent in Portuguese and Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in Portugal, Brazil, and Spain. It is often used to honor the religious title of the Santíssima Salvador (Most Holy Savior).
Variations & nicknames
- Sal
- Salvadore
- Salvatore
- Salvadò
- Salva
- Xavi
Famous people named Salvador
Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.
Salvador Dalí
Surrealist artist known for his technical skill and bizarre images.
Art · 1904–1989
Salvador Allende
The first Marxist to be elected president in a liberal democracy in Latin America.
Politics · 1970–1973
Salvador Sobral
Portuguese singer who won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2017.
Music · 2010s–present
Salvador Pérez
Major League Baseball catcher and World Series MVP.
Sport · 2011–present
Salvador Luria
Nobel Prize-winning microbiologist known for his work on viral genetics.
Science · 1940s–1991
Frequently asked about Salvador
- What does Salvador mean?
- Salvador is a Portuguese and Spanish name that means 'savior', referring to Jesus Christ.
- How do you pronounce Salvador?
- In Portuguese, it is typically pronounced as sal-vuh-DOR, while in Spanish it is pronounced sal-bah-THOR or sal-bah-DOR.
- Is Salvador a boy or girl name?
- Salvador is traditionally a masculine given name.
- What is the origin of the name Salvador?
- The name has Late Latin roots, originating from the word 'salvare', meaning 'to save'.
Love Salvador? Get more names like it
We'll email you 5 fresh Portuguese names each week — free, no spam.
By signing up you agree to get these name emails. We use your email only for them; unsubscribe any time from privacy requests. See our privacy policy. 18+ only.
Compare Salvador with…
Side-by-side meaning, sound and popularity.
Keep browsing
More Portuguese names
See all Portuguese names- Amália/ah-MAH-lee-ah/
A classic name associated with the legendary fado singer Amália Rodrigues, signifying work and industriousness.
- Afonso/ah-FON-soo/
A noble and eager name signifying a ready and willing spirit.
- Caetana/ky-TAH-nah/
A classic name referring to someone from the ancient city of Gaeta.
- Beatriz/beh-ah-TREES/
A timeless Iberian choice that means she who brings happiness or the voyager.
- Inês/ee-NESH/
The Portuguese version of Agnes, meaning pure or holy, and famously linked to the historic tale of Inês de Castro.
- Catarina/kah-tah-REE-nah/
The elegant Portuguese form of Katherine, representing purity and grace.
- Gonçalo/gon-SAH-loo/
A historical name that evokes the spirit of a genius in battle.
- Thiago/chee-AH-go/
This name literally translates to 'May God protect' or 'Saint James'.