Cool Hispanic Names for Boys

Abel, the name of Adam and Eve's unfortunate younger son, compensates with positive connotations: capable, competent, ready and willing.

Popular in the Hispanic world and used in honor of Saint Augustine, Agustin is an anglicized form of the Spanish Agustín. It peaked at Number 561 in 2001 in the US charts and has since dropped on and off of the list again. Given to around 210 boys in a recent year, Agustin also ranks highly in Chile and Uruguay.

Alarico is a masculine name with ancient Germanic roots, representing the Italian and Spanish form of Alaric. The name gained historical significance through Alaric I, the Visigothic king who famously sacked Rome in 410 CE. Its etymology derives from 'all-ruler' or 'ruler of all' in ancient Germanic languages, combining elements meaning 'all, whole' and 'ruler, king.' This powerful meaning gives the name a commanding presence. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Alarico has maintained usage in Italian and Spanish-speaking regions, particularly in families honoring their cultural heritage. The name carries a romantic, historical quality with its flowing vowels and distinctive ending. For parents seeking a masculine name with historical depth and an international character, Alarico offers strength and sophistication without being overly common.

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 .

This variation spelling of Balthasar is most often used in South America. Argentinian football star Joan Figallo recently called his son Baltazar.

Bartolomeo is a masculine Italian form of Bartholomew, derived from the Aramaic name Bar-Talmay, meaning 'son of Talmai' or 'son of the furrows.' The name gained prominence through Saint Bartholomew, one of Jesus's twelve apostles. Throughout Italian history, notable bearers include the navigator Bartolomeo Colombo (Christopher Columbus's brother) and the Renaissance painter Bartolomeo Veneto. While common in Italy, particularly in previous generations, its usage has declined in recent decades as shorter names have become fashionable. Outside Italy, it appears primarily in Italian diaspora communities. Bartolomeo carries a strong classical feel with its melodious four syllables and distinctive Italian ending, appealing to parents seeking a name with historical depth and Mediterranean flair.

Frequently used in the Spanish-speaking community; Christopher Columbus was born Cristóbal Colón.

For a single-syllable Latino surname, this new popular kid on the block packs a lot of energy and charm and is one of the most stylish Spanish names for boys in general use today. Victoria and David Beckham named their third son Cruz, following Brooklyn and Romeo, and it was also picked up on by tennis star Lleyton Hewitt for his son. Other parents may prize its Christian associations.

Forever Lucy's.

Fabian is the ancient name of a saint and pope that also has Shakespearean cred as Olivia's servant in Twelfth Night and more recently made an appearance in Harry Potter. In the U.S. Fabian became best known via the 1960s teen idol/singer who went solely by his first name.

Felix is one of those ancient but nontraditional names for boys that have come into favor over the past few decades, a favorite of parents who want a masculine name with history and heft that breaks ranks with the standard Franks and Freds. Felix is also an international darling, ranking in the Top 100 in several European and English-speaking countries.

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.

Hugo, the Latin form of Hugh, has more heft and energy than the original -- and of course we love names that end (or begin, for that matter) with an o. This one is especially appealing because it's backed up by lots of solid history and European style.

Inigo, almost unknown in the U.S., is an intriguing choice, with its strong beat, creative and evocative sound, and associations with the great early British architect and stage designer Inigo Jones. The sixteenth-seventeenth century Jones shared his name with his father, a London clockmaker, who received it when Spanish names for boys were fashionable in England, especially among devout Roman Catholics.

Actor Joaquin Phoenix (brother of River, Rain, Liberty and Summer) highlighted this one, then Kelly Ripa began talking about younger son Joaquin on her daily TV show, and presto—it's now one of the hottest and most appealing multicultural baby boy names.

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

Mateo vaulted into the boys' Top 10 in 2023, ranking all the way up at Number 6. It is a Latinate names that, like Mia and Luca, is becoming popular far beyond its native Spanish community.

Cowboy swagger via the non-cowboy flick "The Guns of Navarone," chosen by Priscilla Presley.

So much more worldly than Danny.

Orlando, the ornate Italianate twist on the dated Roland, with a literary heritage stretching back to Shakespeare and before, has appealing book-ended o's, and is open to combination with almost any last name, a la British actor, Orlando Bloom.

Adds some salsa to the Latin root.

Energetic, sunny, and slightly romantic, Rafael is a popular choice in Germany, Spain, Portugal, and Croatia. Used internationally, Rafael is a Spanish variation of Raphael, that lends itself easily to the nicknames Rafi, Rafa and Rafe.

Rio is a reductive ranchero place-name with an attractive Tex-Mex lilt. No Doubt's Tom Dumont has a son named Rio Atticus.

Santiago is a spirited Spanish name with great crossover potential. It's a place-name (a city in Chile), a surname, and the name of the patron saint of Spain.

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

Some high-profile soccer stars, such as Thiago Silva, have contributed to its success. The correct Portuguese pronunciation is chee-AH-go. Thiago is ranked Number 2 for boys in Puerto Rico.

Schoolchildren will recognize this name via Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama.

This name, which is the Spanish version of the Hebrew name of one of the archangels, Yehudiel, appeared on the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2008 and has been on and off the charts since. Angel-esque boy names ending in L are especially stylish right now, meaning we may see Yadiel continue to climb.