Declining since 2007, #770 for girls today.
Popularity of Dulce since 1914
Babies named Dulce per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 29 |
| 1920s | 10 |
| 1930s | 16 |
| 1940s | 23 |
| 1950s | 97 |
| 1960s | 155 |
| 1970s | 351 |
| 1980s | 1,148 |
| 1990s | 3,254 |
| 2000s | 8,246 |
| 2010s | 4,760 |
| 2020s | 2,217 |
Meaning & origin
Dulce, meaning 'sweet' in Spanish, entered U.S. records in 1914 and has been a steady if modest presence. It reached its peak popularity in 2007 (the same year its trajectory began falling), when it likely benefited from the broader trend toward melodic, vowel-ending names. As of 2025, it ranks 770th, with a current ratio of 1 in 4,566 newborns, showing it remains a recognizable but uncommon choice. Its strongest popularity is in states with large Hispanic populations, particularly Maryland, New Jersey, and California. While its use has declined since the late 2000s, Dulce retains a warm, literal sweetness that appeals to parents seeking a name with clear meaning and cultural resonance.
Derived directly from the Latin word 'dulcis' meaning 'sweet'. In Spanish and Portuguese, it has been used as a given name since the Middle Ages, often in reference to the sweetness of the Virgin Mary or as a virtue name. It has seen modest use in the United States, particularly in Hispanic communities.
Where Dulce is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Dul, Dulcita
Variants: Dulce María, Dulcinea
Sibling names for Dulce
Names that share Dulce's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Dulce
Names whose popularity has moved with Dulce's over the last 50 years.
