Peer United Opens Nationwide Registration To Healthcare Providers
ORANGE COUNTY, California, Jan. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Peer United™ presents Doctors Club for Healthcare Professionals. Finally, there is a credit card and reward system designed by Doctors for Doctors!
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Being a doctor entitles you to a credit card with a number of features generally not available to others. The Doctors Club World Elite Program opens the door to a unique credit and rewards program.
“As fellow doctors, we found that existing credit cards lacked benefits needed for both our professional and personal needs. Working with credit card professionals, Peer United’s Doctors for Doctors created a proprietary Doctors Club credit card to meet and react to our ever changing requirements,” said Dr. Kianor Shah, CEO of Peer Brands.
Features such as exceptionally low interest rates, points on purchases, unparalleled safety and security features, and tools to help you run your business are just some of the benefits we provide.
How to Register to Become a Member of the Peer United Rewards Program:
Doctors, dentists, pharmacists, optometrists, and other selected Healthcare Providers can join for free by registering at www.PeersClub.com or by contacting [email protected].
By signing up for this exclusive credit card, you are also automatically enrolled in the Doctors Club. Membership in this club provides you unique access to unprecedented discounts and benefits, catering to your personal and professional needs. Countless resources are available at your fingertips that you can start using immediately to simplify running your practice and managing your personal finances.
Doctors Club provides you with 100,000+ discount offers from 5,000+ brand names:
- Major travel discounts for airline fares, hotels, and packages
- Special pricing and terms for insurance, including malpractice, health, life, and disability insurance
- Special offers on commercial loans and student loan refinancing
- This is a just a sample of the deals we have negotiated especially for you.
The Doctors Club empowers the healthcare community with exemplary financial, administrative, and academic services. Office managers claim that utilization of Doctors Club greatly increased their efficiency and ability to organize and better manage their duties on an ongoing basis.
About Peer United:
Peer United is part of Peer Equities, LLC and is a model that empowers independent professionals in economics, academia, administration, and finance. Peer United’s mission is to unite professionals from around the world and thus creating a sustainable and dynamic peer-to-peer network.
HCN-La Red Hispana Launches New Call-In Radio Programming, Leading with Doctora Isabel
WASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Hispanic Communications Network (HCN)-La Red Hispana, the largest producer and syndicator of educational and informational Spanish-language media content in the US, announces the launch of its new programming for 2016. The lineup consists of the most recognized and influential Hispanic talk radio personalities in arenas of health, finance, psychology and issues relevant to improving quality of life for Spanish-speaking communities.
HCN’s CEO, Alison Rodden, announced that Doctora Isabel, “El Angel de la Radio”, hits the airwaves starting Monday, January 11. The daily live call-in show is slotted to air on La Red Hispana affiliate stations Monday – Friday, 1:00-2:00 PM Eastern and 10:00-11:00AM Pacific. “Doctora Isabel is not only a psychologist; she is a reliable voice for our community. She has the ability to inspire millions of people to make positive changes. We are empowering our radio affiliates to help and support their listeners, increase their audience, and make a significant difference in the community through these new call-in talk shows,” says Rodden.
Dra. Isabel returns to the airwaves via HCN to continue her mission of giving advice to listeners of all ages about domestic violence, family relations, matters of the heart, mental health problems, child safety, education and more. “My purpose is to give heed to callers’ unique needs and teach them to find the power they have within themselves to overcome obstacles,” remarks Dra. Isabel, who has a Doctorate in Education with a specialization in Early & Middle Adolescence. She also holds a postgraduate specialist degree in Psychology, and a Masters in Psychological Diagnosis.
Dra. Isabel is the first installment of HCN’s new call-in talk show programming for the 2016 season. The media company plans to launch additional shows with a growing roster of popular radio experts in health, finance, politics and more. The new schedule expands on HCN’s existing programming serving the Hispanic community, including Bienvenidos a America, which provides callers with free advice on immigration issues. Other programs will be announced in the coming weeks.
About Hispanic Communications Network (HCN) – La Red Hispana
Hispanic Communications Network (HCN)-La Red Hispana is a mission-driven media and cause marketing organization based in Washington, DC. HCN is the largest producer of media content with an educational focus to improve quality of life for Spanish-speaking consumers in the United States. For more information visit hcnmedia.com and laredhispana.org.
CONTACTS:
Mercy Padilla
La Red Hispana
202-360-4112
[email protected]
Mario Alvarez
La Red Hispana
202-360-4128
mario.alvarez@hcnmedia.com
Pro Mujer Appoints Maria Cavalcanti as its New President and CEO
NEW YORK, Jan. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Pro Mujer announces the appointment of Ms. Maria Cavalcanti as President and CEO on January 11th, 2016. Ms. Cavalcanti succeeds interim CEO Mark McMahon, who led the organization upon the retirement of Rosario Perez.
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Ms. Cavalcanti brings over 25 years of professional experience to Pro Mujer. Most recently, Cavalcanti co-founded and became managing partner of FIRST Impact Investing, a private equity fund in Brazil. Prior to FIRST, Cavalcanti served as Chief Strategy Officer for Fundación Avina, where she spearheaded strategy and operational initiatives across the organization. Earlier in her career, Ms. Cavalcanti worked at Dell Inc. where she was closely involved in the company’s expansion into Latin America, and was a management consultant with A. T. Kearney and TPI. Cavalcanti is recognized as a leading speaker on impact investing and financial inclusion in Latin America. She has authored multiple trade and academic articles and has served on international boards, including the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs, PYME Capital Fund, and FUNDES.
Pro Mujer’s Board Chair, Gail Landis, commented: “We are thrilled that Maria will be Pro Mujer’s next CEO. She has the perfect combination of private and public sector experience, great skills, and the heart to lead Pro Mujer into the next phase of its life. Most importantly, she is passionate about improving the lives of disadvantaged women across Latin America.”
“Women’s equality is a cornerstone of a healthy society and yet, the reality paints a different picture for many women in Latin America,” Cavalcanti said. “Women’s aspirations are too frequently stymied by poverty, abuse, and denial. I envision a world where women and men are afforded the very same opportunities, respect and value. I look forward to building on Pro Mujer’s legacy of enabling underserved women to realize their full potential.”
About Pro Mujer:
Pro Mujer is a leading women’s development organization headquartered in New York City. Pro Mujer delivers vital services that help women lift themselves out of the constant crisis of scarcity, run successful businesses, invest in their own wellbeing, and uplift their families and communities. Pro Mujer serves more than 250,000 women annually in Argentina, Bolivia, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Peru.
Over the past 25 years, Pro Mujer has disbursed more than US$1 billion in small loans and provided business and empowerment training, and preventative, primary, and reproductive health care to nearly two million women, transforming their lives and those of their seven million children and family members.
For more information, please visit www.promujer.org or join the conversation on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
Media Contact:
Stefan Segadlo
Director, Communications
+1-646-626-7000, x134
[email protected]
City of San Antonio Announces $2.1 Million Pledge from USAA to Fight Veteran Homelessness
SAN ANTONIO, Jan. 8, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — At a news conference this morning, San Antonio Mayor Ivy R. Taylor and USAA Chief Executive Officer Stuart Parker announced USAA’s $2.1 million pledge to help end veteran homelessness in San Antonio. USAA’s pledge was inspired by the White House Administration’s Mayors Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness, which was announced by First Lady Michelle Obama in 2014 as part of the First Lady and Dr. Jill Biden’s Joining Forces initiative.
“As a strong business leader and long-time advocate for military families, USAA joined us today to announce its support for this significant initiative,” Mayor Taylor said. “Given both USAA’s corporate history and commitment to the military community, it is not surprising USAA would step forward in this extremely generous way.”
In January 2015, Mayor Taylor kicked off local participation in the Mayors Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness, an initiative tackled by more than 681 cities and communities across the country and supported by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness and the National League of Cities.
“We applaud the City of San Antonio and Mayor Taylor for leading this effort,” Parker said. “USAA is proud to support this initiative which ensures every veteran in Military City USA has a home to call their own.”
Since joining the challenge, more than 800 homeless veterans in San Antonio have moved or are in the process of moving into permanent housing.
“Although the City of San Antonio has made substantial progress to-date, our goal is to end veteran homelessness by March 31, 2016,” Mayor Taylor said. “USAA’s tremendous support will help us reach our goal.”
To address San Antonio’s remaining homeless veterans, beneficiaries of the funding announced today are the American GI Forum National Veterans Outreach Program, South Alamo Regional Alliance for the Homeless and Family Endeavors.
“Family Endeavors is privileged to partner with USAA, Mayor Taylor and the City of San Antonio on this important initiative,” said Travis Pearson, CEO of Family Endeavors and board chair of the South Alamo Regional Alliance for the Homeless. “No veteran should be forced to live on the streets and the leadership by Mayor Taylor and this significant investment by USAA will provide the necessary resources and services needed to ensure that veterans obtain safe and secure housing for themselves and their families.”
Mayor Taylor concluded the announcement with a challenge to the corporate community to join the initiative.
One San Antonio
Diverse, internationally connected and globally competitive, San Antonio has a vibrant culture and economy and is consistently ranked among the fastest-growing cities in the United States. America’s seventh-largest city offers opportunities in industries ranging from bioscience, financial services, aerospace, cybersecurity, energy and transportation manufacturing to healthcare. We are “Military City USA,” home to crucial military commands supported by a patriotic citizenry. We welcome 31 million visitors annually who inject $13.4 billion annually into our economy, and UNESCO recently designated the city’s Spanish colonial missions as a World Heritage Site. Celebrating its 300th anniversary in 2018, San Antonio is a city with a storied past and an even brighter future. For more information, visit www.sanantonio.gov.
About USAA
The USAA family of companies provides insurance, banking, investments, retirement products and advice to 11.2 million current and former members of the U.S. military and their families. Known for its legendary commitment to its members, USAA is consistently recognized for outstanding service, employee well-being and financial strength. USAA membership is open to all who are serving our nation in the U.S. military or have received a discharge type of Honorable – and their eligible family members. Founded in 1922, USAA is headquartered in San Antonio. For more information about USAA, follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@USAA), or visit usaa.com.
About the Mayors Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness
In 2014, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden launched the Mayors Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness, with over 800 city and county officials signing on to end Veteran homelessness by the end of the year. And through the Joining Forces initiative, they are continuing to collaborate with these communities, as well as local stakeholders such as landlord associations and housing navigators, to make it easier for Veterans to get assistance and find affordable housing.
About Joining Forces
Joining Forces is a nationwide initiative launched by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden in 2011 to call on all Americans to rally around service members, veterans, and their families and support them through wellness, education, and employment opportunities. Joining Forces works hand in hand with public and private sectors to ensure that service members, veterans, and their families have the tools they need to succeed throughout their lives.
StarKist® Supports The 2015 – 2020 Dietary Guidelines, Which Recommend Americans Incorporate More Seafood Into Their Diet
New Guidelines Urge a Shift in Healthy Eating Patterns including Choosing Seafood, in Place of Other Protein Foods, for Two Meals a Week
PITTSBURGH, Jan. 7, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — StarKist Co., a food company that is focused on healthy, shelf-stable seafood products in the United States is proud to support the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015 – 2020, which reinforces the 2010 recommendations that all Americans should consume more seafood. The guidelines recommend a shift in healthy eating patterns towards choosing seafood in place of other protein foods for two meals (or 8 ounces) per week. This is because the “average seafood intake is below recommendations for all age-sex groups.”
Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160107/320150
Americans Urged to Swap Two Meals per Week to Seafood
The 2015 – 2020 Guidelines state that Americans across the board are not consuming the recommended amount of seafood, and that individuals should increase the variety of proteins consumed by shifting protein food choices to seafood in two weekly meals. This will contribute to a nutrient-dense diet, as well as allow Americans to reap the multiple health benefits that come from a diet rich in seafood.
“The health benefits of eating a diet rich in seafood are unequivocal, and Americans, regardless of age or gender, are not hitting the recommended intake of seafood,” states StarKist’s Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Laura Ali. “People who consume a seafood-rich diet have lower rates of heart disease and high blood pressure, reduced risk of obesity and there is growing evidence of the positive effect of DHA Omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood on cognitive development and maintenance.”
The Health Benefits of Eating Seafood
Eating 8 ounces of seafood per week contributes vital energy, lean protein, selenium, vitamin D, and vitamin B-12. Furthermore, seafood is a natural source of Omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, which have been linked to positive results in cardiovascular function, fetal development and cognitive development. The new guidelines reinforce the need for Americans to improve their overall eating patterns. Eating the recommended amount of seafood is one easy step Americans can take to follow a healthy diet, maintain their weight and in turn reduce their risk of chronic disease. Furthermore, the 2015 – 2020 Guidelines note that moderate evidence reveals a reduced risk of obesity associated with the healthy eating pattern of swapping seafood for two protein choices per week.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are also advised to consume a minimum of 8 ounces and up to 12 ounces of seafood weekly. Studies have shown that fish contains important nutrients and helps support brain and eye development in fetuses, infants who are breastfed, and young children.
StarKist Offers Easy, Healthy Seafood Options
The updated Dietary Guidelines make it clear that Americans are not consuming an adequate amount of seafood. StarKist Tuna and Salmon in Flavor Fresh Pouches provide a fresh, convenient way to reap the health benefits of fish.
“StarKist is a socially responsible company that provides healthy food for more people. Our brand’s innovative pouched tuna and salmon products are a convenient way for Americans to achieve the recommended serving of seafood and protein variety, according to the 2015 Dietary Guidelines,” says President and CEO, Andrew Choe. “With our easy to prepare pouches and delicious, balanced recipes, incorporating seafood into a healthy lifestyle has never been easier.”
StarKist products are a nutrient-dense lean protein choice, which the Dietary Guidelines recommend Americans consider when making healthy meal choices. Best of all, StarKist Tuna and Salmon in Flavor Fresh Pouches require no preparation – just tear open and enjoy on top of a fresh salad for lunch or on crackers for a quick snack. Here is a great recipe to get you started:
Lemon Dill Salmon Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
1 pouch, 2.6 oz. StarKist® Salmon Creations®, Lemon Dill
2 cups mixed baby greens
¼ cup garbanzo beans
2 small tomatoes, quartered
¼ cup baby bella mushroom slices
1 tbsp. crumbled feta cheese
4 artichoke quarters
2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
Directions:
- Place lettuce on medium plate. Distribute beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, cheese and artichokes around and toss.
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Top with salmon.
For more delicious recipes, visit: StarKist.com/recipes
About StarKist
StarKist Co. is a food company that is focused on healthy, shelf-stable seafood products in the United States. An industry innovator, StarKist was the first brand to introduce StarKist single-serve pouch products, which include Tuna Creations®, Salmon Creations®, Kid’s Creations® and Gourmet Selects®. As America’s favorite tuna, StarKist represents a tradition of quality, consumer trust and a commitment to sustainability. StarKist’s charismatic brand icon, Charlie® the Tuna, swam into the hearts of tuna fans in 1961 and is still a fan favorite today. StarKist Co. is a subsidiary of the Dongwon Group.
Media Contact:
Michelle Faist
StarKist Co.
412-323-7457
[email protected]
APR Energy Shareholders Approve Consortium Acquisition, Privatization
JACKSONVILLE, Florida, Jan. 7, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — APR Energy plc (the “Company”) (LSE: APR), a global leader in fast-track power solutions, announces today that an offer by a consortium of investors (the “Consortium”) to acquire the Company was declared unconditionally successful on 5 January. The Consortium comprises Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited, ACON Equity Management and Albright Capital Management, and brings substantial financial backing to support the Company’s business initiatives, including committing more than $200 million in fresh equity capital to reduce debt and increase working capital.
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“This is a significant milestone in the evolution of APR Energy,” said Executive Chairman John Campion. “We are pleased to be working alongside a group that truly understands our business and our market – and that shares our longer-term vision. Our new investors bring significant strategic value to our business, including global relationships, a sophisticated understanding of international finance and extensive experience investing in global power markets. Their significant investment reflects a strong belief in our business, our market and our management team, and we expect them to be great partners as we grow the Company and continue to serve our expanding base of global customers.
“This transaction clearly makes us stronger, and will pay down debt, increase working capital and enable us to approach the longer term with renewed confidence.”
Chief Executive Officer Laurence Anderson said, “With these new partners, we will have greater flexibility to manage through the short-term variations in our business cycle while staying focused on our longer-term growth objectives. We also will have access to additional capital to fund growth initiatives.”
Anderson said that during the transition process, and afterward, “Our customers, partners and suppliers can expect us to continue to build upon our already high level of customer service, driving operational excellence and delivering reliable, essential electricity around the world.”
About APR Energy
APR Energy is the world’s leading provider of fast-track mobile turbine power. Our fast, flexible and full-service power solutions provide customers with rapid access to reliable electricity when and where they need it, for as long as they need it. Combining state-of-the-art, fuel-efficient technology with industry-leading expertise, our scalable turnkey plants help run cities, countries and industries around the world, in both developed and developing markets. For more information, visit the Company’s website at www.aprenergy.com.
New Dietary Guidelines Puts Power in Consumer Hands
WASHINGTON, Jan. 7, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — “For too long the guidelines on what to eat were not driven by the best science,” said Dr. Jane L. Delgado, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health, the nation’s leading Hispanic health advocacy group. She added, “We are particularly pleased to see the recommendation limiting the amount of added sugars in our diet to no more than 10% of daily calories.”
“Already, one in seven calories consumed by youth are from added sugars in products like soda and sports drinks. The impact has been particularly harmful in Hispanic and African American communities that are the subject of intense marketing by the sugar sweetened beverage industry,” said Dr. Delgado.
A national survey conducted by the Alliance’s Healthy Americas Institute found that one in two Hispanics (53%) and non-Hispanic blacks (51%), compared to 37% of non-Hispanic whites, report that they daily or weekly drink soda or pop that contains sugar.
“There is much more we can do and the Alliance is committed to policy efforts that support healthy retail options and information. These include the Food and Drug Administration’s proposal to list added sugars on food labels and the SWEET Act currently before Congress that would add a penny a teaspoon tax paid by manufacturers that add sugar and other caloric sweeteners to beverages. They are common sense approaches to support individuals and families implement today’s dietary guideline recommendation on added sugars and promote healthier environments for all,” concluded Dr. Delgado.
The Alliance announced that consumers who want information on how to eat healthy can call the Alliance’s bilingual Su Familia helpline at 1-866-783-2645.
About the National Alliance for Hispanic Health (The Alliance)
The Alliance is the nation’s foremost science-based source of information and trusted advocate for the best health outcomes for all. For more information, visit http://www.hispanichealth.org or call the Alliance’s Su Familia National Hispanic Family Health Helpline at 1-866-783-2645.
‘Mar de Plastico’ to Premiere on Atreseries
MADRID, Jan. 7, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — On January 20, Atreseries will be airing the absolute premiere of this new thriller by the Atresmedia group, produced by Boomerang TV.
The plot of this 13-episode fictional series takes place in the fictitious town of Campoamargo on the southern Spanish coast, whose economy depends on greenhouses, and in which coexists a diverse melting pot of cultures.
The brutal murder of Ainhoa, the mayor’s young daughter, coincides with the arrival in the town of Hector, a sergeant in the Civil Guard Judicial Police force, who will soon find himself in charge of the most difficult and dangerous investigation of his career.
The main, secondary and episodic characters in Mar de Plastico are played by more than 100 actors and 2,000 extras. Over a five-month period, and showcasing an ambitious production design, the series has been filmed in more than 50 locations between the province of Almeria and Madrid.
Heading the cast is Rodolfo Sancho (Hermanos de leche, Un Paso Adelante, Lobos…), together with Belen Lopez, Pedro Casablanc, Jesus Castro, Luis Fernandez, Fernando Cayo and Patrick Criado. Other members include Nya de la Rubia, Andrea del Rio, Federico Aguado, Jesus Carroza, Will Shephard, Yaima Ramos, Maximo Pastor, Eva Martin, Andrea Ros, Angela Vega, Jorge Suquet and Luka Peros, among others.
In the first chapter: ‘A thirst for memories’
It all begins one dark, moonless night at the Campoamargo (Almeria) greenhouses. A young girl cries for help; it is Ainhoa. When she tries to run, she suddenly appears to get sucked into the plastic covering. And disappears.
Amancio, a neighbor in the vicinity of the greenhouses at the time, notifies the Civil Guard, telling them he has seen a girl running and calling for help. But they cannot find anyone. The following morning when the sprinklers are turned on at the greenhouses, instead of water coming out, there is blood.
The head of a girl that appears to be Ainhoa is found nearby in a well. Someone has killed Ainhoa; several people have a motive, but very few have an alibi. Everyone is suspect, but only one is guilty.
PREMIERE Wednesday, January 20
10:00hrs pm/Argentina and Chile
8:00hrs pm/México
9:00hrs pm/Colombia
9:30hrs pm/Venezuela
6:00 pm (PT)/ 9:00 pm (ET)
More information:
[email protected]
+34 619 860 074
@Atres_Series
The Most Popular Baby Names of 2015 – and Predictions for 2016

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 7, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — BabyCenter® en Español (http://www.babycenter.com/espanol), the most trusted pregnancy and parenting resource for Latina moms, today announced the top 100 baby names for Latino parents in 2015 and predictions for 2016. The list is based on the names of nearly 100,000 babies born in 2015 to parents registered on BabyCenter en Español who live in the United States, Latin America, and Spain. BabyCenter en Español also shared the findings from a baby names survey of more than 5,000 Latino parents.
The classic names Sofía and Santiago win again! Both have topped BabyCenter en Español’s lists of the 100 most popular baby names for nine consecutive years. But it’s clear that many parents are now looking for other like-sounding options. That’s evident in the rise of Lucía, a name similar to Sofía, which climbed eight spots to 3rd place! And Santino, an alternative to Santiago, remains on the list of the 100 most popular names for boys.
But how do Latino parents decide what to name their babies? The survey results and the trends of 2015 help explain what goes into this important decision.
See the complete lists of the 100 most popular names for boys and girls.
Hottest trends of 2015:
Falling in love with talent
Latino parents have been dazzled by several talented kids and young people. The TV show The Voice Kids has been a major source of inspiration.
Alexa has been causing a stir since 2014, when she auditioned for The Voice Kids Australia. Her version of the song “This Girl Is on Fire” has garnered more than 55 million visits on YouTube. The winner of the competition, she was likely responsible for a dramatic jump in popularity of the name Alexa, which leaped from number 72 to number 37 in 2015!
Gender neutral
According to the survey results, 7 percent of Latino parents favor unisex names, a trend that has become fashionable among celebrities. This preference can be seen as Latino parents choose names like Noah (traditionally a boys’ name) and Noa (traditionally a girls’ name) interchangeably for boys and girls. Both are in the top 100.
Other names that Latino parents use for both sons and daughters are Axel, Alex, Dani, and Max. (None of those are in the top 100 – yet!)
Brave warrior women
The power of women continues to grow as they participate more in the workforce, politics and all sectors of society, not only in the United States but around the world.
So it comes as no surprise that Latino parents tend to favor girls’ names that mean strength and power, traits that used to be more apparent in the boys’ names they chose. Some of these names, such as Valentina, Victoria, and Valeria, remain in the top 10.
One in 2 parents who participated in the survey said they wanted their daughter’s name to reflect strength, while 2 in 3 wanted a name that reflects intelligence.
Is religion still important?
Parents said the most important factor in choosing a name for their children was that they liked the name and its meaning. A total of 2,000 parents (out of 5,000 respondents) said they found inspiration in the names of famous people. Spiritual and religious figures won by a large margin (32 percent), followed by historic figures (18 percent) and musicians, authors, and artists (18 percent).
Interestingly, this response varied depending on where the parents lived. Spiritual and religious names were more popular in the following countries:
- Colombia (45 percent)
- Venezuela (39 percent)
- United States (37 percent)
In these two countries, spiritual and religious names were less common:
- Spain (15 percent)
- Puerto Rico (13 percent)
Francesca, the Italian version of Francisca, climbed 26 places to position 51. Perhaps parents’ admiration for Pope Francis grew after his visits to the United States and Latin America.
Predictions for 2016
Saints and kings
Will Latino parents follow in the footsteps of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West? The names Santo, Santino, and Santos are expected to become more popular this year, inspired by the all-time favorite, Santiago, and of course, by the birth of Saint, the baby boy born to the celebrity couple known as “Kimye.”
Other names that will be fighting to make it into the top 100 are Rey and Reyes (meaning King and Kings in English). Rey is the name of the brave heroine of the new Star Wars movie, which has broken box office records around the world.
More gender-neutral names
Boy-girl names will continue to gain favor this year, and some of the ones that parents are already using could make it into the top 100 for girls and boys. One example is Max, which could climb farther up the baby name charts for both sexes, inspired by the popularity of Maximiliano and Máximo, and possibly influenced by little Maxima – the new baby daughter of Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan.
More about baby names:
What influenced Hispanic baby names in 2015?
http://www.babycenter.com/0_what-influenced-hispanic-baby-names-in-2015_10412517.bc
Hispanic baby names: Predictions for 2016
http://www.babycenter.com/0_hispanic-baby-names-predictions-for-2016_10412516.bc
Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160105/319539
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