Many may associate Mario with the popular platform game - unsurprising when it's the 5th best-selling video game worldwide, and was voted the 2nd best game ever by IGN in 2024. The titular plumber was apparently named after American businessman, Mario Segale, who rented a warehouse to Nintendo, and this in itself reflects that Mario is much more established than just a name for a video game character.

One of the most popular Spanish names for boys in the US, Javier is embodied for many Americans in the magnetic persona of Spanish-born Oscar-nominated actor Javier Bardem.

What with Paul Simon's classic lyric about Julio down by the schoolyard and several distinguished bearers, this livelier Spanish version of Julius is completely familiar to the non-Hispanic community and would make a great choice for a bicultural family. Popular in Brazil, it also ranks in the US Top 600 and given to more than 500 boys each year. NFL Atlanta Falcons star Julio Jones bears this name.

Checo is a masculine name with Spanish and Latin American origins, most commonly used as a familiar diminutive of Sergio or Francisco. In Mexico and parts of Central America, it enjoys recognition as both a nickname and standalone name. The name has a friendly, approachable quality with its short, rhythmic sound pattern. Checo gained international visibility through Mexican Formula 1 driver Sergio 'Checo' Pérez, helping to introduce the name to a global audience. While not among the most common Spanish names, Checo offers cultural authenticity with a contemporary feel. It appeals to parents seeking a name with Latin roots that combines traditional origins with a modern, distinctive character.

Actor Joaquin Phoenix (brother of River, Rain, Liberty and Summer) highlighted this one, then Kelly Ripa began talking about younger son Joaquin on her daily TV show, and presto—it's now one of the hottest and most appealing multicultural baby boy names.

As with Guillaume (see above), Liam, Willem, and Wilhelm, everyday Williams in their own countries, Guillermo is a captivating possibility here. Giermo, Gigermo, Gijermo, Gillermo, Gillirmo, Giyermo, Guermillo, Guiermo Guilermón, Guille, Guillelmo, Guillermino, Guillo, Guirmo, Gullermo, Llermo, Memo, Quillermo.

A dashing, dramatic and romantic Italian surname, associated with early movie heartthrob Rudolph, and later with Italian fashion designer Valentino (Garavani). Also the name of an early Roman saint, whose feast day marks the beginning of spring. Ricky Martin chose it for one of his twin boys.

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.

One of several Latino favorites on U. S. popularity list, Esteban sounds solid and strong. Esteban has ranked among the US Top 500 names for boys for half a century now, making it a familiar name that successfully crosses cultures.

More familiar to English speakers in the Italian Elio form.

Alonso is the Spanish and Portuguese diminutive version of Alfonso, itself deriving from an old Germanic name "Adalfuns" meaning "noble and ready." Although the Italian spelling Alonzo is more popular in the US, Alonso has its own strong history.

So much more worldly than Danny.

Closer to Nike than to Nicholas, this is an attractive, viable import. It's also one of several Italian and Spanish baby names that get you to the stylish and attractive nickname Nico.

In this form, or as Sebastian or as Bas, Bastien is a fashionable Euro name with a possible future in America.

This is a Spanish variation of Maximilian that has begun to gain some popularity. It has a luxurious feel -- maybe it's the suggestion of "millions"? -- but this is one of those Spanish baby names that come with Anglicized nicknames that can make it work across cultures.

Rhythmically appealing international spin on the stiff original.

Consider this short form for your little Richard.

Ángel is a masculine name with deep Latin roots, directly meaning 'angel' or 'messenger.' This spiritual name appears across numerous cultures, particularly in Spanish-speaking countries where it ranks consistently among popular choices for boys. The accent mark in the Spanish version gives it a distinctive pronunciation emphasis on the first syllable (AHN-hel). The name carries religious significance in Christian traditions, referring to divine messengers and guardians. Beyond its spiritual connotations, Ángel suggests qualities of protection, goodness, and moral virtue. The name's cross-cultural appeal has helped maintain its popularity through generations, appealing to parents seeking a name with both spiritual meaning and international recognition. Its relatively short length combined with rich symbolic meaning contributes to its enduring charm.

Softer than Benedict, less popular than Benjamin, and bolder than Bennett, Puerto Rican actor Benicio Del Toro introduced this name to the American mainstream in the early 2000s, before which the name was hardly use. Popular in Argentina, Benicio debuted on the US Top 1000 in 2016, when it was the third-fastest-rising boys' name, and while it hasn't skyrocketed then, it remains comfortably in the charts.

Ishmael is most familiar through "Call me Ishmael," the opening line spoken by the youthful narrator of Moby-Dick. Few American parents have followed that advice, though the Spanish and Arabic spelling, Ismael, ranks at Number 362. With its warm and pleasant sound, though, we could see Ishmael tagging along behind Isaiah and Isaac.