I have been compiling a list of names for my son and realized that there are not many Hispanic ones. I started looking, and found some here and there, but not very many. So I decided to compile a list of 100 names who are interested in a Hispanic name for their son.
These names have been taken from Spanish naming customs (I am Mexican) with some exceptions if the name is Anglicized or used by both cultures. This list is not exhaustive, but I think it contains a lot of names that are liked by Hispanics as well as Anglos.
I believe that boys’ names have to be masculine. So you won’t see any Raspas, or Maria’s on here (if you will). Only male names work well on both sides of the border.
Contents
1. Abel
Abel means “God has healed” and indicates that the child was born in perfect health. It is the unique name of the biblical character who was created by God.
2. Adam
Adam, also called “the first man“, signifies “star”. The Bible says that he was created as a male and that God made him from dust and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and he became a living soul. He is also called “man” by some Christians, which refers to his human nature. It is derived from Hebrew words meaning ‘to tame’, ‘to subdue’, or ‘to beget’.
3. Adrian
Adrian is a combination of “A” (meaning “above”) and “drij” (meaning “lord”) and can be loosely translated to mean a person who is above all others. It was likely first used as a name at the time of the Roman Empire when one of the emperors named Decimus Hadrianus, adopted it as part of his name.
4. Alberto
Alberto means outstanding warrior or noble bear, while Alvaro is the Castilian version of the name. It may have been popularized by the name of a famous Spanish bullfighter, Alberto Jiménez.
5. Alejandro
Alejandro is the Castilian version of Alexei and is considered to be one of the most beautiful names in the world if it is pronounced with a soft “J” (as in “Jesus”), which it was when Raphael, who was born on December 4, 1517, was christened. Much later (in 1780) it became Alejandro John Churruca and finally Alexander James Churruca.
6. Alfonso
Alfonso is the Castilian or Spanish version of Alphonse, which comes from the Greek words “alphos” (a light, a youthful one) and “nomos” (law). It was popularized by Alfonso VIII, King of Castille in the 11th century.
7. Alexander
Alexander is a name common to both Greeks and Romans and came from the Greek word “Alexandros” meaning “defender”. Alexander is important in history as well; it was one of the names given to Alexander the Great who conquered India, Afghanistan, and Persia in 330 BC.
8. Angel or Angelo
Angel(o) means angel and was first found in the Bible in the book of Luke 8 verse 2 as an “angel of the Lord”. In English, it is a diminutive form of Angelus. The name was imported into England by the Normans after their conquest.
9. Antonio
Antonio comes from the Latin Antonius, which is derived from the Greek Antonios, meaning “invaluable”. It became popularized by Antonio de Nebrija (1441-1522), who introduced Castilian as a language of learning to Latin students in Spain.
10. Yunes
Yunes is a non-Spanish version of Yannick which comes from Occitan “Yannick” which in turn comes from Latin “Januarius” meaning “god of January”. It is common in Spain, but rare elsewhere.
11. Arboleda (or Arbolesa)
A diminutive form of the name Laureano which means “tree” or “forest”. The name was imported into England by the Normans after their conquest. It was popularized by Laureano de Torres, a Spanish Admiral, and explorer.
12. Ari
A diminutive form of the name Ariel which means “lion”. It was imported into England by the Normans after their conquest.
13. Arturo
Arto is a diminutive form of the name Arturo which means “battle” or “brave”. The name was imported into England after the Normans conquered it from the Saxons in 1066.
14. Bartolo
Bartolo is a diminutive form of the name Bartholomew which means “son of the furrow” or “ploughman”. The name was imported into England by the Normans after their conquest. It was popularized by Bartholomew Diaz, a Portuguese navigator who discovered Brazil in 1488. The name appears to be an American baby name and has been on the rise since 1904. Other forms include Batol, Batulo, Batulski, and Bartulla. These are mostly German forms of the original Slavic name.
15. Bernardo
Bernardo is a form of Bernard which comes from Germanic “beraht” meaning “bright, famous”. It was imported into England by the Normans after their conquest from the Saxons in 1066. It is very common in Italy and Spain, but rare elsewhere.
16. Bonifácio
Bonifácio is a contraction of Bonaventure which came from Latin “bonus” meaning good or fortunate, and “adventure” meaning venture or undertaking. The name was imported into England by the Normans after their conquest from the Saxons in 1066 but was never common there.
17. Bruno
Bruno means “brown”. The name was imported into England by the Normans after their conquest. It was popularized by the character in The Merchant of Venice by Shakespeare.
18. Camilo
Camilo means “fortunate”. The name was imported into England by the Normans after their conquest.
19. Cándido
A diminutive form of the name Candelario which means “candle”. The name was imported into England after the Normans conquered it (1066) from the Saxons.
20. Carlos (or Carlos or Carles)
Carlos means “Charles” and is the Spanish version of Charles. It was popularized by Carlos I, King of Spain. There are numerous variations like Carlo, Carlito, Carlozzo, and Carlino (a form of Carlo).
21. Cristiano
Cristiano is from the Greek words “Christos”, meaning “believer”, and “krisis” which means “revolution”. The name was imported into England by the Normans after their conquest. It was popularized by Christopher Columbus, an Italian who named Cuba after himself.
22. Daniel
Daniel means “God is my judge”. It comes from the Hebrew name Daniyel, meaning “God is my Judge”, which in turn comes from two words: daniy – meaning judge, and el – meaning ‘god’. The name was imported into England by the Normans after their conquest. It was popularized by Daniel Defoe (1660-1731), an English writer, who wrote Robinson Crusoe.
23. Diego
Diego means “lion” and was the name given to St. James the Apostle in Galicia, Spain during his lifetime (Apostle James was from Galilee). The name was imported into England by the Normans after their conquest. It is popularly believed to be a form of Victor. Other forms include Dieguito, Diegoni, and Diogino. Diego Maradona is a famous football player; he has two children named Dalma and Gemma.
24. Eduardo
Eduardo is Spanish for Edward which means “rich guard”. The name was imported into England after the Normans conquered it (1066) from the Saxons.
25. Emilio
Emilio means “rival”. It comes from the same Latin roots as Emeric, a name popular in medieval England, which meant “famous power”.
26. Enrique
Enrique means “ruler of the house”. The name was popular among Spanish royalty but is also common in many other countries.
27. Esther
Esther means “God will hear” and Esther is also a feminine form of Ester, which means “star”. The name was imported into England after the Normans conquered it (1066) from the Saxons.
28. Eugenio
Eugenio means “well-born”. The name was imported into England by the Normans after their conquest.
29. Fernando
Fernando means “friend of Saint Fermín”. It was named after Saint Fermín, who lived in Galicia, Spain. He was a key figure in the establishment of the historic monastery of León and is the patron saint of that city. It is common in Portugal and Spain; people with this name are usually popular entertainers or athletes.
30. Gabriel
Gabriel means “God is my strength”. It comes from the Hebrew “Gavri” which means “God-given”. It is common in Portugal and Spain; people with this name are usually popular entertainers or athletes.
31. Gonzalo
Gonzalo means “wolf-cub” in Spanish. It is common in Portugal; there is the patron saint of Lisbon and a town named after him (San Gonzalo, Cáceres). There are numerous variations like Gonçalves, Gonzalvo, Gonsalo and Gonsalvez. It is also very popular among Hispanic Americans and has increased steadily since 1904.
32. Guillermo
Guillermo means “William” in SpanishIt is very commonly found in Spain and Portugal as it is also a form of Wilhelm, meaning “protector of the people”.
33. Gustavo
Gustavo means “staff of the Goths”. It is very common in Sweden (the current King is Gustav VI Adolf). It is also common in Germany and Norway.
34. Henrique
Henrique means “Henry” in Portuguese and Spanish (both from Latin “Hermannus”) which is “to arise”. In turn, Hermann comes from Hebrew for “God is my help”, which was also used by St. Mary of Nazareth as a form of her name.
35. Hugo
Hugo means “mind, intellect” and is an Italian form of Hugh, a Germanic name meaning “heart”. The name was imported into England by the Normans after their conquest from the Saxons in 1066. It gained popularity when people started calling their children after Hugo de Capus, a French crusader who joined Richard the Lionheart on his way to free Jerusalem from the infidels.
36. Ignacio
Ignacio means “fiery one” in Spanish. The name was imported into England by the Normans after their conquest from the Saxons in 1066. It is common in Spain.
37. Isidro
Isidro means “lily” in Spanish. It is common in Spain. It has been a popular name for men since its introduction to England but has fallen out of vogue among men since the 1920s and 30s, with the female equivalent being Sandra (the name of the main character in Thomas Mann’s novella Buddenbrooks).
38. Ivan
Ivan means “from the god” in Spanish and Slavic. The name was imported into England by the Normans after their conquest from the Saxons in 1066. It is common in Portugal.
39. Jose
Jose means “youthful strength” in Spanish, but is also a form of Joseph, which comes from Hebrew meaning “God saves”. The name was very popular in the Middle Ages, being borne by seven kings of England before the Norman invasion. It is common in Spain and Portugal.
40. Juan
Juan means “God lives” in Spanish. The name is one of the most popular names in the Spanish-speaking world and was borne by at least four popes. It is also common in Portugal, Paraguay, and Chile.
41. Jorge
Jorge means “farmer” in Portuguese and Galician and “hairy” in Spanish. It is a form of George, which means “earth-worker”, coming from Hebrew meaning “farmer”. It is common in Spain, Portugal, Chile, and Argentina.
42. Juan Manuel
Juan Manuel means “John from God” in Spanish and Portuguese (both from John the Baptist). It is common in Spain and Portugal.
43. Julio
Julio means “gold” in Spanish. The name was imported into England by the Normans after their conquest from the Saxons in 1066. It is common in Spain, Portugal, and Argentina.
44. Leandro
Leandro means “hand of a lion”. It is common in Spain, Portugal, and Argentina.
45. Leonardo
Leonardo means “from Leo” in Spanish and Italian. The name was imported into England by the Normans after their conquest from the Saxons in 1066. It is common in Spain, Portugal, Argentina, and Chile.
46. Luis
Luis means “famous warrior” in Spanish, and is a form of Louis, which is a Germanic name meaning “famous warrior”.
47. Manuel
Manuel means “God is with us” in Portuguese and Spanish (both from Emmanuel) which is a Hebrew name meaning “with us is God”. It is very common in Spain, Portugal, and Chile where it has been a popular name for men since its introduction to England, but has fallen out of vogue among men since the 1920s and 30s, with the female equivalent being Sandra (the name of the main character in Thomas Mann’s novella Buddenbrooks).
48. Marcelo
Marcelo means “little Mars”, as in the Roman God of War.
49. Marcos
Marcos means “spear” in Spanish and Portuguese (both from Martinus) which is a Latinized form of Michael, which comes from Hebrew meaning “who is like God”.
50. Martin
Martin is a Germanic name meaning “warlike” which comes from Latinized form of Michael, which comes from Hebrew meaning “who is like God”. It is one of the most popular names in Germany.
51. Miguel
Miguel means “famous warrior” in Spanish, and is a form of Michael, which comes from Hebrew meaning “who is like God”. It is one of the most popular names in Spain, Portugal, Chile, and Argentina.
52. Raul
Raul means “lion” in Spanish and Portuguese which is a Latinized form of Julian (“dear/favored son”), which comes from the Greek meaning “the holy one”. The most famous person by this name was Raul Castro, the former President of Cuba and brother of Fidel Castro.
53. Rodrigo
Rodrigo means “fame ruler” in Spanish and Portuguese which is a Latinized form of Robert (“bright fame”), which comes from the Germanic meaning “bright fame”. It is common in Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. The most famous person by this name was Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, a Spanish nobleman, and medieval IXth century Moorish-Andalusian hero.
54. Roque
Roque means “rock” in Spanish, Portuguese, and Galician which is a Latinized form of the Germanic name “hrodweg”, meaning “from the rock”.
55. Ruales
Ruales is a Spanish and Portuguese name, meaning “little rock”. The name was imported into England by the Normans after their conquest from the Saxons in 1066. It is common in Argentina.
56. Santiago
Santiago means “follower of Saint James” in Spanish which is a Latinized form of Greek Sanktikos (“saintly one”), which comes from Hebrew meaning “holy and revered”. It is very popular in Spain, Portugal, Argentina, and Chile. The most famous person by this name was St. James (Santiago) of Compostela.
57. Silvio
Silvio means “from the forest” in Italian and Portuguese which is a Latinized form of the Germanic names “silba” meaning “from the forest”, or “silf” meaning “forest”. The name was imported into England by the Normans after their conquest from the Saxons in 1066. It is common in Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay.
58. Thomas
Thomas is a form of the Greek name (“twin”), which comes from Hebrew meaning “twin”. It is the most popular name for men in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland today, as well as being very common in Portugal, Chile, Brazil, and Argentina. The most famous person named Thomas was St. Thomas of Canterbury (Thomas Becket), who was a 12th-century Archbishop of Canterbury and martyr who made his stand against old corrupt methods of taxation by King Henry II at his cathedral’s altar.
59. Victor
Victor is a form of the Greek name (“victory”) which comes from Hebrew meaning “the Lord”. Victor (as well as it’s opposite, Victoria) is now most popularly associated with male monarchs. In Latin, Victrix (“victorious”) is used for Roman emperors and their wives and Victrix Augusta for their children (and other female members of their families).
60. Valentin
Valentin means “beloved of God” in Germanic languages which were originally derived from Latin “valens”, meaning “strong”. It is extremely common in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Belgium. The name is of purely Germanic origin and has no association with Valentinus the saint.
61. Valentinus
Valentinus is a form of the Greek name “Valentin” which means “beloved of God”. It is common in Germany and Austria, but rare elsewhere.
62. Vittore
Vittore is the Italian form of William, which comes from Greek “will-power”, literally meaning “will of God”. It is most common in Italy, but rare elsewhere, particularly in Brazil where there are no popular celebrities named William.
63. Xavier
Xavier means “the one who has received God” in Spanish and Portuguese which is a Latinized form of Hebrew Yashua (“Yahweh is salvation”) which was imported into England by the Normans after their conquest from the Saxons in 1066. It is common in Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay.
64. Yago
Yago means “the Lord is high” in Galician, Asturian, and Portuguese which is a Latinized form of Hebrew YAH-HUH (“the Lord is high”). It is very popular in Spain where it was the 10th most common name for men in 2007, but rare elsewhere.
65. Zaccaria
Zaccaria means “a gift of God” in Italian which is a Latinized form of Hebrew ZAKARIA (“a gift of God”). It is common in Italy, but rare elsewhere.
66. Zacarias
Zacarias means “God has given” in Spanish and Portuguese which is a Latinized form of Hebrew Zakharia (“the gift of God”). It is most common in Brazil, but rare elsewhere.
67. Zachary
Zachary means “God has remembered,” in English which is a Latinized form of Hebrew Zakariah (“remember the Lord”). It was particularly popular between 1420 and 1560.
68. Zebedee
Zebedee means “the Lord has given” in Greek which is a Latinized form of Hebrew YAH-HUH (“the Lord is high”). It is very rare.
69. Zeferino
Zeferino means “bearer of good news” in Spanish which importation was via Latin from Greek, meaning “fortunate, successful”.
70. Zeferino
Zeferino is a form of the name Zé, which comes from the Portuguese language, where it means “the Lord is high”.
71. Atticus
Atticus is a Latin contraction of Atto (“son”) which is the genitive form of Attis (“son”). The name was imported into England by the Romans after their conquest from the Celts and Britons after 43 BC. It is popular among diplomats, lawyers, and UK celebrities.
72. Balthazar
Balthazar is a form of the Greek name (“king of Baal”) and comes from the Phoenician Hobal who was a god of fertility and harvest. It is popular among Swedish and Dutch royalty, but rare elsewhere.
73. Casimir
Casimir is a form of Kasimir, which comes from Polish Kazimierz (“restorer”). It is common in Russia, Poland, and Ukraine, but rare elsewhere.
74. Ferdinando
Ferdinando is a form of Ferdinand (“victorious”) which comes from Latin “felis” (“bearing”) and is most commonly used in Italy and Spain. It is very popular in Italy, but rare elsewhere especially in Brazil where there are no popular celebrities named Ferdinand (or Fernando).
75. Francisco
Francisco is a form of the first name Francis, which comes from the Latin “franciscus” meaning “free man”.
76. Hugo
Hugo is a form of the first name Hugo, which comes from Latin “Hugo” meaning “mind, intellect”. It is very popular in Spain, Portugal, and Italy, but rare elsewhere. Famous bearers include novelist Victor Hugo.
77. Ivo
Ivo is a form of the first name Ivo which comes from Latin “ivo” meaning “to go”.
78. Joaquim
Joaquim is a form of Joachim, which comes from Hebrew Yoakim (“the Lord exalts”). It is a biblical name and is also used in Galician and Portuguese. It is also commonly used in Catalan, Basque and Majorcan. The Spanish form is Joaquín.
79. Juca
Juca is a form of the Latin name Iūca (“the Lord comes”) and is common in Brazil, but rare elsewhere.
80. Pedro
Pedro is a shortened form of the Western Romanic name Peter, which comes from the Greek “Petros” meaning “a stone”. It is common in Portugal but rarely used elsewhere.
81. Ricardo
Ricardo is a non-Spanish version of Raymond which came from French Renaud which meant either “fawn-colored” or “famous”. The Spanish version was used for Raymundo which means “fawn-colored” or “famous”.
82. Santiago
Santiago is the Galician and Portuguese form of James which comes from Hebrew Ya’aqov (“supplanter”).
83. Sebastião
Sebastião is the Portuguese form of Sebastian which became popular in Spanish and Italian, and comes from Latin “sebastianus” meaning “venerable”. The name was imported into England by the Normans after their conquest from the Saxons in 1066.
84. Teobaldo
Teobaldo is a form of Theobald which came from Germanic “theud” meaning “people” and bald/bold which meant brave or bold.
85. Yvan
Yvan is a short form of Yves which comes from Latin “Iuvenis” meaning “young”. Famous bearers include French opera singer Jean-Pierre Rampal.
86. Vitor
Vitor is a form of Victor which comes from Latin “victor” meaning victorious. The name was imported into England by the Normans after their conquest from the Saxons in 1066. It is most popular in Brazil, but rare elsewhere.
87. Aldo
Aldo is a contraction of the Italian name Aldobrandino which comes from the Germanic “ald” meaning “old” and “brandu” which meant bold or brave. The Italian version is common in Italy, but rare elsewhere.
88. Artur
Artur is the Breton version of Arthur which comes from Latin “artorius” meaning “of noble bearing or appearance”. Famous bearers include King Arthur and the fictional character Arthur Dent.
89. Bento
Bento is a traditional Portuguese form of Benedict which comes from Latin “benedīctus” meaning “blessed”. It is common in Brazil, but rare elsewhere.
90. Guilherme
Guilherme is the Galician and Portuguese form of William which originally came from Germanic hood (“counsel”) and helm (“protection”).
91. Júlio
Júlio is the Portuguese form of Julius which comes from Latin “iuvenis” meaning “young”. Famous bearers of this name include Roman Emperor Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus and writer Julio Cortázar.
92. Lúcio
Lúcio is a non-Spanish version of Lucius which came from the Latin “Lucius” meaning “bright, light-colored”. It is very rare elsewhere.
93. Marcelino
Marcelino is a non-Spanish version of Marcel which came from Latin “Marcellus” meaning “defense” or “of the sea”. It is most common in Italy, Portugal, and Malta, but rarely used elsewhere. Famous bearers include French Cardinal Marcellin Champagnat and the founder of the Marist Brothers Saint Marcellin Champagnat.
94. Osvaldo
Osvald is a form of the Italian name Ugo which came from the Germanic “Odo” meaning “wealthy, powerful”. It was imported into England by the Normans after their conquest from the Saxons in 1066.
95. Raul
Raul is a non-Spanish version of Russell which came from Latin “rus” meaning “guard, defend”. It is most common in Brazil but rarely used elsewhere. Famous bearers include footballer Rafael Vaz Pinto and the character Russell Hammond on the television show Bewitched.
96. Sebastião
Sebastião which means Sebastiaan; means Sebastian; which is of Spanish origin, but rare in English-speaking countries.
97. Teodoro
Teodoro is a contraction of Teófilo which means “God-given”. The name is common in Brazil, but rare elsewhere. Famous bearers include politicians and writer Teófilo Braga.
98. Ventura
Ventura is a form of the Spanish name Ventura which in turn comes from Latin “venturus” meaning “one who will come”. It was introduced into England by the Normans after their conquest from the Saxons in 1066. Famous bearers include philosopher Bertrand Russell and poet Lord Byron.
99. Valter
Valter is the Hungarian form of Walter which comes from the Germanic “walthari” meaning “power”. Famous bearers include football manager Walter Zenga.