The Spanish name for a girl celebrating her 15th birthday in this tradition is quinceañera.
The term is used for both the young woman and, commonly, the celebration itself. It derives from quince años, the Spanish phrase for “fifteen years.” In English-language discussions, quinceañera is often used as a loanword because it identifies a specific cultural tradition more precisely than a generic phrase such as birthday party.
The feminine form reflects the tradition’s historical focus on a girl’s transition into young womanhood. A related masculine term, quinceañero, is sometimes used for boys’ celebrations, but usage varies and the traditional quinceañera is much more widely recognized. Families may adapt the event to their own religious, national, and cultural backgrounds.
The spelling includes the ñ, which represents a distinct Spanish letter and sound. English publications sometimes omit the accent or tilde, but quinceañera is the standard Spanish spelling. The word does not mean a particular dress, dance, or religious rite; those are separate elements that may be included in the celebration.