Rare Spanish Boy Names

Gonzalo

Spanish from German

"saved from combat"

Popular among Hispanic parents, it explains the source of the nickname Gonzo.

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…

Mauro

Spanish and Italian

"moorish"

Mauro, a Top 100 name in Spain and Puerto Rico, is etymologically unrelated to the girls' name Maura, but that won't stop many English speakers from drawing the comparison.

Pol

Breton and Catalan form of Paul

"small"

Pol, pronounced as "pole," though a popular Breton name, would be an unusual form of a simple classic elsewhere. The Breton Saint Pol Aurelian was known as a slayer of dragons and a founder of…

Teodoro

Italian, Portuguese, Spanish

"gift of God"

With brother name Theodore ranking in the US top 10, this alternative might appeal to parents looking to honor Italian, Portuguese, or Spanish heritage.

Camelo

Beltrano

Beltrano is a masculine name with Portuguese and Italian roots, traditionally used as a placeholder name similar to "John Doe" in English-speaking countries. The name comes from the phrase "fulano,…

Bronco

Spanish

"rough, unbroken horse"

For the parent who might also have Buck and Ryder on his list.

Cesaro

Cesaro is a masculine name of Italian origin, representing a variation of Caesar, which means 'long-haired' or 'hairy' in Latin. Historically, the name carries connotations of leadership and…

Cayo

Latin, from the Roman family name Caius

"rejoice"

Cayo is a rare and rhythmic Spanish name, all but unknown in the English-speaking world, that would make a lively choice.

Claudio

Italian, Spanish

"lame; enclosure"

Claudio, a most appealing Italian name, is featured in not one, but two Shakespearean plays, , Measure for Measure and Much Ado About Nothing . While "lame" is the most widely acknowledged meaning,…

Cornelio

Spanish, Italian variation of Cornelius, Latin

"horn"

If Cornelius still seems too much to consider, Cornelio, its jauntier, Latinized counterpart may be a better fit.

Damiano

Damiano is a masculine Italian name derived from the Greek 'Damianos,' ultimately stemming from 'damao' meaning 'to tame' or 'to subdue.' With classical roots, it's the Italian form of Damian, a name…

Donelo

Donelo is an uncommon masculine name with possible Romance language origins. It may have evolved as a diminutive form of names like Donato or Donald, with the '-elo' suffix adding an affectionate…

Nilo

Spanish diminutive of Daniel

"God is my judge"

So much more worldly than Danny.

Dominguez

Dominguez is a Spanish surname that has gained usage as a masculine given name. It originated as a patronymic meaning "son of Domingo," with Domingo deriving from the Latin "Dominicus," meaning…

Diaz

Spanish from Latin

"days"

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

Durango

Spanish place-name

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

Everardo

Everardo is a masculine name of Germanic origin, representing the Spanish and Italian form of Everard or Eberhard. The name combines the elements 'eber' meaning 'wild boar' (a symbol of strength and…

Manolo

Variation of Manuel

Because of shoe designer Manolo Blahnik, this has become a generic term for pricey stilettos, as in "I must have those Manolos."