Rare, unique, and uncommon Spanish boy names

Julen

Basque variation of Julian, English

"youthful; downy"

The Basque form of Julian is pared down and may appeal to parents looking for a less-syllabic option. It’s not typically used outside of Spain, but it would make an easy import. Julen is also a…

Geraldo

Spanish variation of Gerald

Tightly bound to flamboyant newsman Geraldo Rivera--who was born Gerald..

Isra

Arabic

"journey of the night"

Isra is a gender-neutral Arabic name. The name of a chapter of the Quran, it refers to the Prophet's journey from Mecca to Jerusalem.

Nicasio

Spanish from Greek

"victory"

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.

Roderigo

Roderigo is a masculine name with Spanish and Portuguese roots, derived from the Germanic name 'Hrodric,' meaning 'famous ruler' or 'powerful leader.' The name gained literary recognition through…

Placido

Italian and Spanish

"serene"

Placido was commonly used by early Christians to convey their serenity in the faith, and it was borne by several minor saints.

Paz

Hebrew; Spanish

"gold; peace"

Paz is an appealing Spanish name meaning "peace", derived from the Latin "pax". It's usually feminine in Spanish, but could also make an interesting literary choice for a boy, honoring the writer…

Palomo

Spanish

"dove"

The feminine form, Paloma, is more popular, but this has potential.

Oro

Spanish

"gold"

Rare, with a gleaming, golden image.

Melito

Melito is a masculine name with ancient roots, derived from the Greek name 'Melitos' meaning 'honey' or 'sweet as honey.' It has historical significance as it was borne by several early Christian…

Jago

Cornish variation of Jacob or James

"supplanter"

A dashing alternative to the popular James and Jacob, Jago is the jaunty Cornish form of the Biblical names. Occasionally (or historically) appearing as Jagoe, Jego, and Jaego, it may have been…

Ugo

Italian variation of Hugh, Igbo

"mind, intellect; eagle"

Ugo is a familiar choice in Italy and France, where it is used as variation of Hugh or Hugo, but also in Nigeria, where it means "eagle" in Igbo.

Oracio

Aragonese variation of Horatio

"hour, time"

The variation of Horatio used in Aragon, Spain.

Quinto

Spanish variation of Quintin

"fifth"

Quint or Quinton played to a Latin rhythm.

Fortuno

Fortuno is a masculine name with Latin and Romance language origins, deriving from 'fortunatus,' meaning 'fortunate,' 'lucky,' or 'blessed.' This name shares etymological roots with the English word…

Hernando

Spanish

"adventurer, explorer"

A worldly and attractive choice for a child of any background. Two early New World explorers were Hernandos — de Soto and Cortés.

Lico

Lico is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Spanish and Portuguese contexts, it can be a diminutive form of names containing the 'lico' element, such as Federico or Angelico. It has…

Mano

Italian

"hand"

A nickname that sounds like a nickname.

Durango

Spanish place-name

The name of cities in Mexico and Colorado, Durango is a pleasant, fresh option from the atlas.

Diaz

Spanish from Latin

"days"

Perfect example of a surname that would work well as a first.