Naming Conventions and Translations
Many English names have Spanish equivalents, especially biblical names. Generally, people’s names are not translated between languages. People use nicknames or altered pronunciations when original names are difficult to pronounce. Ultimately, individuals decide what versions of their names they use.
Impact on Children’s Fiction
When words or names from a different language are introduced, they often have to be altered in order to fit into the existing set of sounds of the language. This happens even with personal names. Ultimately, individuals decide what versions of their names they use.
No, we wouldn’t call people by different names in different languages but fiction, especially fiction targeting children, is a whole different story. You want the names to sound familiar to your audience. In some cases you want them to rhyme or fit in with the character.
Imagine if a lot of our cartoons for children had characters with difficult, foreign names. They’d be less appealing. It’s not completely necessary but surely you can understand why it’s done.