Quinceañera is the common Spanish feminine term for the girl honored at the celebration.
The noun is formed from quince años, “fifteen years,” and conventionally identifies the young woman reaching her fifteenth birthday. In English, quinceañera can also refer to the celebration itself, so context determines whether it means the person or the event.
Other Spanish terms used in the ceremony refer to different people. A dama is a female attendant, while a chambelán is a male escort or attendant. A madrina is a sponsor or godmother, not the celebrant.
Usage varies across regions and bilingual communities. Some speakers use quinceañera for both the birthday girl and the party, while quince años more directly names the celebration or milestone.