A male celebrating a traditional 15th-birthday coming-of-age event is called a quinceañero. The feminine term is quinceañera.
The word quinceañero uses the Spanish masculine ending -ero, while quinceañera uses the feminine ending -era. Both terms are connected to quince años, meaning “fifteen years,” and refer to the age traditionally marked by the celebration.
In English-language communities, quinceañera is often used as the general name for the tradition, even when families adapt it for boys or use inclusive formats. A quinceañero celebration may include a formal outfit, family ceremony, attendants, dancing, and a reception.
The term should not be confused with chambelán. A chambelán is traditionally a male attendant in someone else’s court, whereas a quinceañero is the male honoree celebrating his own milestone.