Nameberry
Spanish baby names for girls and boys, with meanings, origins and popularity
Spanish names are widely used in many parts of the world, from Spain itself to Mexico and Spanish-speaking countries in Latin and South America including Argetina and Chile, along with the Hispanic and Latino communities of the United States. Spanish girls' names often end in -a (Sofía, Valentina, Daniela) and boys' names in -o (Mateo, Alejandro, Santiago). Many carry centuries of history, with Latin and Greek roots, echoes of Spain's Visigothic and Arabic past, and Indigenous names from Mexico and across Latin America.
Faith has shaped Spanish naming for generations, with saints' names tied to the Catholic Church typically used for children. Girls are named for Marian devotions such as Pilar, Guadalupe and Rocío, boys for saints such as José, Antonio, and Francisco. Double names are common, sometimes with gender switches such as boys named José Maria. Children traditionally carry two surnames, one from each parent.
Browse every Spanish name on Nameberry below, along with Spanish girl names, Spanish boy names, unisex Spanish names, or Spanish names by letter. You will find Mexican and other Hispanic names here too.
Top Spanish Baby Names
Some Spanish names rank highly on popularity lists for both girls and boys in the US as well as in Spain, Mexico, and South America. The most internationally well-known Spanish names include the following.
Spanish Girl Names
Some but not all Spanish names for girls end with the letter A. Many Spanish girls' names also reference the Virgin Mary, from the classic Maria to the rock 'n' roll Rocio. Other common Spanish female names used internationally and not mentioned above include the following:
Spanish Boy Names
Browse by Letter
Spanish Unisex Names
The entire Spanish language is gendered, but the current trend toward gender-neutral names has turned some focus on a small group of Spanish names that work for both girls and boys. If you want a unisex Spanish name, consult our short list.
Rare and Unique Spanish Names
Want something less common than Sofía or Mateo? These rare and unique Spanish names have the same warmth and history without the crowd. Start with our rare Spanish baby names, unique Spanish girl names or rare Spanish boy names. A sampling of our favorites:
Royal and Regal Spanish Names
Spain still has a royal family, and its history of kings, queens and nobles gave us names that sound distinguished in any language. A Nameberry user created a dedicated list of Spanish Royal Names, or you can browse regal choices on our Spanish boy names page, and for girls on our Spanish girl names page. Some names from the Spanish royals:
Mexican and Hispanic Names
Many traditional Spanish names are used across Mexico, Central and South America, and the United States, but there are also other naming influences from native cultures such Nahuatl and Zapote. We include lists of Mexican names and Hispanic names. Some favorites are listed below. You can also join the conversation in our forum about Hispanic girl names and Hispanic and Mexican boy names.
Basque Names
The Basque region of Spain has its own culture and language, and of course, its own names. Many Basque names are used throughout the Spanish-speaking world and some have become known internationally. And that characteristic Basque letter X makes any Basque name automatically cool.
Read More About Spanish Names
We've written frequently about Spanish names over the years in longer articles. If you want to do a deeper dive on Spanish names, here are some of our top pieces.
Spanish Names Trending in the US
Which Spanish names are rising furthest and fastest on the US popularity list.
Spanish Nature Names
Popular and rare Spanish names with nature meanings.
Spanish Surnames
The most common Spanish surnames in the US, their popularity standing and meanings.
FAQ
What are the most popular Spanish names?
Some Spanish names as detailed at the top of this page are popular in all the places where Spanish. names are commonly used, but many top names differ depending on locale. Among Nameberry users, the most popular Spanish names are Isla, Elena, and Jade for girls, Arlo, Mateo, and Hugo for boys. On the US popularity list, add Isabella for girls, Santiago and Leonardo for boys.
You can also consult our lists of:
- Most Popular Names in Spain
- Most Popular Names in Mexico
- Most Popular Names in Argentina
- Most Popular Names in Chile
What is the difference between Spanish, Hispanic, Latino and Mexican names?
Spanish names are used in Spain and/or derived from the Spanish language. Hispanic and Latino describe people and cultures connected to Spanish-speaking countries and Latin America. Mexican names include Spanish names popular in Mexico, plus Indigenous names such as those from Nahuatl. You will find them all here.
What is the customary surname practice for Spanish children?
Spanish children traditionally get two surnames, the first from the father's first surname and the second from the mother's first surname. In everyday life, only the first surname is typically used, but if the child's first name is common, people may use both. Alphabetization is according to the first surname.
How do I choose a Spanish name that works in English?
The easiest way is to pick a Spanish name popular in the English-speaking country, such as Sofia or Mateo. The spelling can distinguish a name from the English version: the Spanish Camila versus the name of the oh-so-English Queen Camilla, for instance. Picking a name that works in both Spanish and English is discussed by parents in our forums and detailed on lists created by our users.