Favorite Portuguese Names for Boys
- Adolfo
Origin:
Latin form of AdolphDescription:
One high-fashion brand that's actually a legitimate first name, though still linked to the tainted Adolph.
- Afonso
Description:
Afonso is a masculine Portuguese and Galician form of the name Alfonso, which derives from Germanic elements meaning 'noble' and 'ready' or 'eager.' This name carries significant historical weight in Portugal and Spain, having been borne by numerous kings and nobles throughout the Iberian Peninsula. Afonso has remained consistently popular in Portugal and Brazilian communities, representing a strong connection to cultural heritage. The name has a dignified sound while maintaining approachability. Its distinctive spelling with a single 'l' marks it as specifically Portuguese rather than Spanish. Afonso projects qualities of leadership, dignity, and classical masculinity while still feeling relevant in modern contexts. Its rich historical associations give the name substance and character.
- Alberto
Origin:
GermanicMeaning:
"noble, bright"Description:
Alberto is the Italian, Spanish and Portuguese variation of Albert and lends a more unusual and fashionable edge to this name which is still a grandpa name to many.
- Alexandre
Origin:
French variation of AlexanderMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
What's the difference between Alexander, the usual English spelling of this deeply classical name, and Alexandre, the French version? English speakers might find the proper French pronunciation challenging: a-lehk-SAHN-dreh, but that last syllable is barely pronounced. Americans might an an a or an ee on the end of the name, or simply pronounce it as Alexander, for better or worse.
- Antero
Origin:
Finnish variation of Andrew, English from GreekMeaning:
"strong, manly"Description:
The Finnish form of Andrew is featured in mythology as Antero Vipunen, a giant in Finland's national legend the Kalevala
- Aquilino
Description:
Aquilino is a masculine name of Latin origin derived from 'aquila,' meaning 'eagle.' This powerful association gives the name a sense of strength, freedom, and nobility. Particularly common in Italian and Spanish-speaking countries, Aquilino carries a rich historical legacy dating back to ancient Rome, where it was used as both a family name and personal name. The eagle symbolism suggests qualities of vision, courage, and leadership. Despite its classical roots, Aquilino remains relatively rare in modern usage, giving it a distinctive character while maintaining its traditional appeal. The melodic four-syllable rhythm creates a name that is both dignified and memorable, perfect for parents seeking a name with depth and historical resonance.
- Augusto
Origin:
Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian variation of Augustus, LatinMeaning:
"majestic, venerable"Description:
With the current craze for ancient Roman names, variations of the Latin Augustus with its majestic meaning are becoming more popular in many cultures. Month name August, also drawn from the original Augustus, is the most popular form in the US, but Augusto may start showing up on international popularity lists.
- Albano
- André
- António
- Aristides
- Bernardo
Origin:
Italian, Spanish, PortugueseMeaning:
"strong as a bear"Description:
This Latinate form of Bernard hovered in the lower regions of the US Top 1000 from the late 1940s until 2006, possibly inspired by the character in West Side Story. It remains popular in Portugal and it does have a little more flair than the grandpa style Bernard.
- Bartolomeu
- Benjamim
- Báltazar
- Caetano
- César
- Daniel
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God is my judge"Description:
Daniel is one of only a handful of male names that sounds both classic and modern, strong yet approachable, and popular but not cliched. It also has a solid Old Testament pedigree. The only real downside: There are about 10,000 Daniels named each year, making it a less than distinctive choice.
- Davide
Description:
Davide is the Italian form of David, a masculine name with Hebrew origins meaning 'beloved' or 'favorite one.' This variant maintains the biblical connection to King David while adding a distinctly Italian flair with its three-syllable pronunciation (dah-VEE-deh). Particularly popular in Italy and Italian-speaking regions of Switzerland, Davide has a rich history dating back centuries. The name carries the same prestigious biblical legacy as David but with a more melodic Mediterranean sound. While less common in English-speaking countries, Davide has gained some international recognition through Italian cultural exports, including arts, fashion, and sports. The name conveys strength, creativity, and leadership—qualities associated with the biblical figure.
- Dinis
Description:
Dinis is a masculine Portuguese name derived from the Greek name Dionysius, which was associated with Dionysus, the ancient Greek god of wine, fertility, and theater. In Portugal, the name gained prominence through King Dinis I (1261-1325), who was known as a poet-king and founded the country's first university. The name sounds similar to Dennis but carries distinctive Portuguese heritage. While common in Portugal and Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil, Dinis remains relatively rare elsewhere. The name combines historical significance with a modern, concise sound. Parents might choose Dinis for its cultural connections, royal heritage, or simply its pleasing two-syllable rhythm.