In a quinceañera, what is the honored girl traditionally called?

In a quinceañera celebration, the honored girl is traditionally called the quinceañera.

The term comes from quince, meaning 15, and the feminine Spanish ending -añera in this established cultural usage. In English, quinceañera can also name the celebration itself, so context determines whether it means the young woman or the event.

The quinceañera is usually the central figure in the ceremony and reception. Common traditions may include a special dress, a formal entrance, a court of attendants, a father-daughter dance, and a toast. Families choose which customs to include rather than following one worldwide rulebook.

The term should not be confused with madrina, which commonly means a female sponsor or godmother, or dama, which can describe a female member of the court. Those roles support or accompany the honoree; they do not name her.