My Favorite Latino Baby Names!
- Adamo
Description:
Adamo is the Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese form of Adam, a name with ancient Hebrew origins meaning 'man' or 'earth.' As the name of the first man in Biblical tradition, it carries significant religious and cultural weight across Judeo-Christian societies. The Adamo variant adds a romantic, Mediterranean flair to the classic name with its flowing vowel ending. While Adam remains more common in English-speaking countries, Adamo is embraced in Italian and Latin communities. The name combines historical depth with a musical quality characteristic of Romance languages. Parents might choose Adamo to honor Italian heritage, for its biblical connections, or simply for its distinctive yet recognizable quality that works well across cultural boundaries.
- Alamo
Origin:
Place-name, SpanishMeaning:
"poplar tree"Description:
The unique O-ending makes this name memorable, especially for someone with ties to Texas.
- Alejandro
Origin:
Spanish variation of AlexanderMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
Softer and smoother than Alexander, this classic Spanish name for boys has made a seamless transition to this culture. Adding to its current impact: the Lady Gaga song Alejandro .
- Antonio
Origin:
Spanish and Italian variation of AnthonyMeaning:
"from Antium"Description:
Antonio is a Shakespearean favorite -- the Bard used it in no less than five of his plays, and has long been a ubiquitous classic in Spanish-speaking countries, where the nickname Tonio is also prevalent. Antonio is also among an elite group of perennially popular names in the US, where it has always been among the boys' Top 1000 since baby name record-keeping started in 1880.
- Bernardino
Description:
Bernardino is a masculine name of Italian and Spanish origin, derived from Bernard, which combines the Germanic elements 'bern' meaning 'bear' and 'hard' meaning 'brave' or 'strong.' This extended form adds a melodic, romantic quality to the more common Bernard. The name carries associations of strength and courage inherited from its Germanic roots. Bernardino has historical significance in Catholic traditions through Saint Bernardino of Siena, a renowned Franciscan preacher. While more common in Italian and Hispanic communities, it remains relatively rare in English-speaking countries. The name offers a distinctive option for parents seeking something with classical roots and international flair. Its four-syllable length provides numerous nickname possibilities while maintaining its distinguished full form.
- Bronco
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"rough, unbroken horse"Description:
For the parent who might also have Buck and Ryder on his list.
- Canyon
Origin:
Spanish word nameDescription:
Canyon is a unique baby name evocative of natural splendor and the old Steve Canyon comic-strip heroism, making it an intriguing new word-name possibility.
- Carlos
Origin:
Spanish variation of CharlesMeaning:
"free man"Description:
Carlos is the Spanish and Portuguese variation of Charles, which has been used in solid numbers in the US for as long as data has been kept. Carlos has never fallen out of the Top 600, but peaked from the 70s-early 2000s. Today Carlos is still within the Top 200. Notable namesakes include musician Santana, writers Fuentes and Castaneda, and numerous athletes. Carlos Irwin Estevez is the birth name of Charlie Sheen.
- Cesareo
Description:
Cesareo is a masculine name with Latin and Spanish origins, derived from the Roman family name Caesar, which may have originally meant 'hairy' or possibly 'cut from the womb.' In Spanish-speaking countries, Cesareo honors the imperial legacy of Julius Caesar while maintaining cultural relevance. The name has historical gravitas and projects strength and authority. While common in Hispanic communities, Cesareo remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. The name carries a melodic quality with its four syllables and vowel-rich pronunciation. In Catholic tradition, Saint Cesareo was a deacon and martyr, adding religious significance for some families choosing this name.
- Chavez
Origin:
Spanish place-nameDescription:
The perfect Latin-accented hero name to honor labor activist César Chavez.
- Diego
Origin:
Spanish variation of JamesMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
The energetic Diego is rising rapidly along with a lot of other authentically Spanish baby names that work perfectly well with surnames of any origin.
- Eduardo
Origin:
Spanish and Italian variation of EdwardMeaning:
"wealthy guardian"Description:
A stalwart of Latin nomenclature that could work just as well for Anglos. Proof lies with the celebrity birth announcement — Hilaria and Alec Baldwin named their fifth child Eduardo Pau Lucas in 2020. This doesn't seem to have much impact on other parents, though: over 900 boys received the name in 2021, but the number is steadily decreasing.
- Emiliano
Origin:
Italian and Spanish variation of EmilMeaning:
"rival"Description:
Emiliano is an appealing Latinate version of Emil, with the same gentle sounds but additional flair. Popular in Chile and Mexico, where it ranks in the Top 20, Emiliano is also a rising name in the US.
- Emilio
Origin:
Spanish and Italian variation of EmilMeaning:
"rival"Description:
Dashing and suave, with a hint of poetry and gentleness, Emilio is an appealing and international choice. A solid favorite in Italy, it is also on the rise in the US, France, Austria, and the UK.
- Enrique
Origin:
Spanish variation of HenryDescription:
This is an appealing name that could cross cultural borders, but it has lost ground in recent years.
- Fausto
Origin:
Italian and Spanish variation of FaustMeaning:
"fortunate one"Description:
While Faust, who sold his soul to the devil, was anything but fortunate, this Latinate variation is more commonly heard and accepted.
- Francisco
Origin:
Spanish, PortugueseMeaning:
"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.
- Gerardo
Origin:
Spanish variation of GerardDescription:
Widely used in the Latino community, the name gained renown in the nineties for its association with rapper Gerardo Mejía of 'Rico Suave' fame.
- Horacio
Description:
Horacio is the Spanish and Portuguese form of Horatius, a masculine name of Latin origin derived from the Roman clan name Horatius, whose meaning remains uncertain. Made famous by the Roman poet Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus), the name carries literary and intellectual associations. Horacio has been consistently popular in Spanish-speaking countries and Brazil, appreciated for its classical roots and distinguished sound. The name conveys a sense of cultural sophistication and historical depth. Notable bearers include Argentine writer Horacio Quiroga and numerous politicians and artists throughout Latin America, helping maintain the name's prestigious reputation.
- Ignacio
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"fiery"Description:
Ignacio, like Horacio, makes its gray-bearded English equivalent name sound positively dashing. While the Ig- beginning summons up such associations as ignoble and ignorant, the era for Ignacio and Ignatius and Iggy may be nigh.