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Portuguese Names for Boys

Portuguese names for boys include distinctive forms of many names well-known throughout the Latinate world of both Europe and South America: Alexio, Jaco, Matteus. Often, the difference between a Portuguese and a Spanish or Italian boys' name is a single letter or spin of pronunciation. Popular names in Portugal for boys include Rodrigo, Francisco, and Martim. In Brazil, popular Portuguese boys' names include Joao, Guilherme, and Thiago.

Our full list of Portuguese baby boy names is below. The top names below rank among the current US Top 1000 Baby Names and are ordered by popularity. Unique names rank below the Top 1000 and are listed alphabetically.
  1. Hugo
    • Origin:

      Latinized form of Hugh
    • Meaning:

      "mind, intellect"
    • Description:

      Hugo, the Latin form of Hugh, has more heft and energy than the original -- and of course we love names that end (or begin, for that matter) with an o. This one is especially appealing because it's backed up by lots of solid history and European style.
  2. Andre
    • Origin:

      French and Portuguese variation of Andrew
    • Meaning:

      "strong and manly"
    • Description:

      Andre is one of the international forms of Andrew that has been familiar in the English-speaking world for decades without any need to be overly Anglicized - though round the world, it is more likely to be written as André.
  3. Thiago
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Tiago, diminutive of Santiago
    • Meaning:

      "supplanter"
    • Description:

      Some high-profile soccer stars, such as Thiago Silva, have contributed to its success. The correct Portuguese pronunciation is chee-AH-go. Thiago is ranked Number 2 for boys in Puerto Rico.
  4. Tiago
    • Origin:

      Portuguese diminutive of Santiago, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "Saint James"
    • Description:

      Tiago, also spelled Thiago, is a popular Portuguese boys' name. Derived from the more formal Santiago, these days it is often used on its own. Relaxed and charming while still maintaining the sophistication of its long form, Tiago is popular in its native Portugal, but also in France, Belgium, Brazil, and the UK.
  5. Lando
    • Origin:

      Portuguese, Spanish, Italian
    • Meaning:

      "land"
    • Description:

      A lively nickname with the cool -o ending, Lando has been racing up the UK charts following Lando Norris's Formula 1 debut in 2019. Appearing in the Top 1000 for the first time in 2020, a more recent year saw it place in the Top 300 when it was given to five times as many babies.
  6. Leandro
    • Origin:

      Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian variation of Leander
    • Meaning:

      "lion-man"
    • Description:

      Leandro is a variation of the Ancient Greek name Leander, created by combining the Latin words leo and Andro together, to get a meaning that suggests strength, power, and bravery. The Hero and Leander myth lends the name a romantic, poetical feel, while it's association to Bishop Leander of Seville gives it a more saintly quality.
  7. Francisco
    • Origin:

      Spanish, Portuguese
    • Meaning:

      "free man"
    • Description:

      Francisco is one of the more popular Spanish names for boys in the US, which is unsurprising given its popularity back in Spain and Portugal as well as Latin America, coupled with its classic status. It also has a cool hipster vibe to it, given the reputation of the city of San Francisco.
  8. Rui
    • Origin:

      Portuguese diminutive of Rodrigo
    • Meaning:

      "famous ruler"
    • Description:

      This charming mini name began life as a nickname for Rodrigo but has since taken on a life of its own, ranking as an independent name in Portugal, it’s country of origin. If you’re looking to honor a Rodrigo, Roger, or Roderick in your life, Rui is an appealing international option. Ruy is a spelling variation that is more commonly seen in Spain.
  9. Fernando
    • Origin:

      Spanish and Portuguese variation of Ferdinand
    • Meaning:

      "bold voyager"
    • Description:

      Can you hear the drums Fernando? Although 58% of Nameberries prefer Ferdinand to Fernando, the Iberian variant has a softer, more romantic feel that makes it a better fit with all those Javiers, Lorenzos and Matteos.
  10. Anselmo
    • Origin:

      Italian from German
    • Meaning:

      "with divine protection"
    • Description:

      Lighter Latin version of Anselm.
  11. Jose
    • Origin:

      Spanish and Portuguese version of Joseph, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah increases"
    • Description:

      Jose is as widespread in the Hispanic community as Joseph and Joe are elsewhere in the U.S., though its numbers here are starting to decrease somewhat. Jose is one of those Spanish baby names that has never crossed over into the Anglo naming culture.
  12. Jorge
    • Origin:

      Spanish and Portuguese variation of George
    • Description:

      The classic Jorge is one of the most popular and classic Spanish names for boys in the US. Some Latine families pronounce it the same way as George.
  13. Rodrigo
    • Origin:

      Spanish and Portuguese variation of Roderick
    • Meaning:

      "famous ruler"
    • Description:

      Rhythmically appealing international spin on the stiff original.
  14. Prospero
    • Origin:

      Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese variation of Prosper
    • Meaning:

      "succeed, prosper"
    • Description:

      Shakespeare's Tempest has kept the name Prospero alive.
  15. Armando
    • Origin:

      Spanish, Italian and Portuguese form of Herman, German
    • Meaning:

      "soldier"
    • Description:

      Armando takes the flat-footed Herman and makes it romantic. This is another of the Latin names we expect to be seeing more of.
  16. Ramiro
    • Origin:

      Spanish; Portuguese
    • Meaning:

      "great judge"
    • Description:

      A charming -o name with cool nickname possibilities, Ramiro is also a historical choice: there were 2 Aragonese Spanish kings named Ramiro.
  17. Cisco
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Spanish Francisco
    • Meaning:

      "Frenchman or free man"
    • Description:

      Shortening Francisco somehow makes it sound even cooler. Cisco is also the name of a digital security company.
  18. Hipolito
    • Description:

      Hipolito is a masculine name derived from the Greek name Hippolytos, combining 'hippos' (horse) and 'lytos' (loosened or freed), creating the meaning 'freer of horses' or 'one who lets horses loose.' The name has historical roots in Greek mythology—Hippolytus was the son of Theseus who met a tragic fate. Hipolito is most commonly used in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries, where it has maintained modest popularity throughout the centuries. The name carries a classical, somewhat formal air while retaining melodic qualities typical of Romance languages. Though less common in contemporary usage, Hipolito offers historical depth and cultural richness, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive name with classical roots and a connection to Mediterranean or Latin American heritage.
  19. Estevao
    • Description:

      Estevão is a masculine Portuguese name derived from the Greek name Stephanos (Στέφανος), meaning 'crown' or 'garland.' It is the Portuguese equivalent of the English name Stephen or Steven. The name carries significant historical weight, as Saint Stephen was the first Christian martyr according to the New Testament. Estevão has been used throughout Portuguese-speaking regions including Portugal, Brazil, and parts of Africa. The pronunciation typically emphasizes the final syllable (es-te-VOW). While common in Portuguese-speaking countries, it remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking nations, giving it an exotic quality there. The name conveys strength and dignity, with its connection to the symbolism of crowns representing honor and achievement.
  20. Ricardo
    • Origin:

      Portuguese and Spanish variation of Richard
    • Meaning:

      "dominant ruler"
    • Description:

      Richard is far from fashionable, but Ricardo is one of the most popular Spanish names for boys in the US. And it does sound far more appealing that the English version.

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