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Peru’s Civil Registry Counts 2 Million Christmas-Inspired Names

Reniec’s annual snapshot underscores Catholic naming traditions alongside playful outliers.

Overview

  • The 2025 list identifies María (about 1,205,888), José (about 812,000) and Jesús (435,326) as the most common Christmas-linked names.
  • Official figures also highlight Ángel, Ángeles and Belén, plus the Magi names Gaspar, Baltazar and Melchor.
  • Unusual registrations include Navidad (1,468), Duende (825), Nacimiento (311), Brindis (106), Guirnalda (16) and Elfo (13), with isolated cases such as Merry Christmas and Pavo.
  • Reniec released the compilation on Dec. 23–24, and national media amplified the counts as users on social platforms reacted with surprise and humor.
  • The registry presents the compilation as a light cultural snapshot that shows how naming choices keep the holiday present throughout the year.