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Hispanic boy names: 100+ Latino names with meanings

101 names · Updated · By The Nomezo Editors · Save to Pinterest

Hispanic boy names include Marcelo, Bernabé and Juan Esteban, real Spanish male names heard from Colombia to the Caribbean and in Latino families across the US. Each one is listed with its meaning and origin, and many with an easy pronunciation.

Below are 100+ Hispanic male names in eight sections: classic Latino boy names, saints' names, virtue names, compound names, names tied to famous South Americans and Caribbean islanders, Quechua and Mapuche names, and the nicknames Latino families use every day. Big favorites such as Mateo and Santiago live on our Spanish and Mexican boy name pages, so most names here are fresh picks.

Can't decide? Shuffle 6 random picks

  • Atanasio

    Immortal; Greek. Spanish form of Athanasius. Say ah-tah-NAH-syoh

  • Teófilo

    Friend of God; Greek. Peruvian soccer great Cubillas bore it

  • Prudencio

    Prudent; Latin. A sensible pick for a thoughtful boy

  • Calixto

    Most beautiful; Greek. Cuban independence general García bore it

  • Juan Luis

    God is gracious, famous in battle; Hebrew and Germanic. Dominican singer Guerra's name

  • Evaristo

    Well pleasing; Greek. Name of an early pope

Find a Hispanic boy name on this page

Narrow 101 names by how common they were for US boys in 2025, by section, length or first letter, or search the meanings.

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Classic Hispanic male names

Spanish-language names heard in every Latin American country and in Latino families across the US.

  1. Marcelo US #399: Little Marcus, of Mars; Latin. Say mar-SEH-loh
  2. Mauricio US #664: Moorish, North African; Latin. Say mow-REE-syoh
  3. Hernán 72 in 2025: Peace and daring; Gothic. Short form of Hernando, a Fernando variant
  4. Leonel US #350: Little lion; Latin. Spanish form of Lionel. Say leh-oh-NEL
  5. Efrén 65 in 2025: Fruitful; Hebrew. Spanish form of Ephraim. Say eh-FREN
  6. Celso 17 in 2025: Tall; Latin. From the Roman name Celsus. Say SEL-soh
  7. Edmundo 13 in 2025: Rich protector; Old English. Spanish form of Edmund
  8. Arnoldo 26 in 2025: Eagle power; Germanic. Spanish form of Arnold. Say ar-NOHL-doh
  9. Edgardo 41 in 2025: Rich spear; Old English. Spanish form of Edgar. Say ed-GAR-doh
  10. Danilo 147 in 2025: God is my judge; Hebrew. Panamanian jazz pianist Pérez's name
  11. Feliciano 20 in 2025: Lucky, happy, from Felix; Latin. Say feh-lee-SYAH-noh

Saints' names for Latino boys

Latino families long named a son for the saint of his birthday or for a feast of the Church, and some still do.

  1. Bernabé 17 in 2025: Son of encouragement, as the Book of Acts explains it; Aramaic. The Spanish Barnabas
  2. Jerónimo 82 in 2025: Sacred name; Greek. Spanish form of Jerome. Say heh-ROH-nee-moh
  3. Cayetano 7 in 2025: From Gaeta; Latin. Argentines honor Saint Cajetan as patron of work
  4. Nazario 23 in 2025: From Nazareth; Latin. Say nah-SAH-ryoh
  5. Crisanto 6 in 2025: Golden flower; Greek. Say kree-SAHN-toh
  6. Hilarión Under 5 in 2025: Cheerful; Greek. For a fourth-century desert hermit saint. Say ee-lah-RYOHN
  7. Marcial 20 in 2025: Of Mars; Latin. Spanish form of Martial. Say mar-SYAHL
  8. Pancracio Under 5 in 2025: All power; Greek. For the boy martyr Saint Pancras
  9. Ciriaco Under 5 in 2025: Of the Lord; Greek. Say see-RYAH-koh
  10. Evaristo 9 in 2025: Well pleasing; Greek. Name of an early pope
  11. Higinio Under 5 in 2025: Healthy; Greek. Name of an early pope. Say ee-HEE-nyoh
  12. Epifanio 6 in 2025: Manifestation; Greek. Tied to the feast of the Epiphany
  13. Atanasio Under 5 in 2025: Immortal; Greek. Spanish form of Athanasius. Say ah-tah-NAH-syoh
  14. Baltasar Under 5 in 2025: Bel protect the king; Akkadian. One of the Three Kings
  15. Saturnino Under 5 in 2025: Of Saturn; Latin. Say sah-toor-NEE-noh
  16. Tiburcio Under 5 in 2025: From Tibur, today's Tivoli; Latin. Say tee-BOOR-syoh
  17. Policarpo Under 5 in 2025: Much fruit; Greek. For Saint Polycarp of Smyrna
  18. Valeriano Under 5 in 2025: To be strong; Latin. From the Roman name Valerius
  19. Leoncio 11 in 2025: Lion; Greek. From the saint's name Leontius. Say leh-OHN-syoh
  20. Ireneo Under 5 in 2025: Peaceful; Greek. For Saint Irenaeus of Lyon
  21. Abundio Under 5 in 2025: Abundant, plentiful; Latin. Say ah-BOON-dyoh

Virtue and word names for boys

Spanish words for good qualities and blessings. Many sound old-fashioned, which is exactly their charm.

  1. Modesto 8 in 2025: Modest; Latin. Say moh-DES-toh
  2. Casto Under 5 in 2025: Pure, chaste; Latin. Say KAHS-toh
  3. Honorio 6 in 2025: Honor; Latin. From the Roman name Honorius
  4. Inocencio Under 5 in 2025: Innocent; Latin. Thirteen popes took the name
  5. Constantino 21 in 2025: Constant, steadfast; Latin. Name of Rome's first Christian emperor
  6. Justo 8 in 2025: Just, fair; Latin. Say HOOS-toh
  7. Plácido Under 5 in 2025: Calm, placid; Latin. Opera star Domingo's first name
  8. Prudencio Under 5 in 2025: Prudent; Latin. A sensible pick for a thoughtful boy
  9. Pacífico Under 5 in 2025: Peaceful; Latin. Say pah-SEE-fee-koh
  10. Victorino 7 in 2025: Conqueror, from Victor; Latin. Say beek-toh-REE-noh

Hispanic compound names for boys

Double first names are a Spanish-speaking habit on both sides of the Atlantic, from José Luis in Spain to Juan David in Colombia, where Juan is often paired with a second saint's name.

  1. Juan Esteban Under 5 in 2025: God is gracious, crown; Hebrew and Greek. A Colombian classic
  2. Juan Sebastián Under 5 in 2025: God is gracious, venerable; Hebrew and Greek. Big in Colombia
  3. Juan David Under 5 in 2025: God is gracious, beloved; Hebrew. Very common in Colombia
  4. Juan Camilo Under 5 in 2025: God is gracious, with the Roman name Camillus; Hebrew and Latin. Big in Colombia
  5. Juan Martín Under 5 in 2025: God is gracious, dedicated to Mars; Hebrew and Latin. Tennis star del Potro's name
  6. Juan Cruz Under 5 in 2025: God is gracious, cross; Hebrew and Latin. Often heard in Argentina
  7. Juan Felipe Under 5 in 2025: God is gracious, lover of horses; Hebrew and Greek
  8. Juan Andrés Under 5 in 2025: God is gracious, manly, brave; Hebrew and Greek
  9. Juan Bautista Under 5 in 2025: God is gracious, baptist; Hebrew and Greek. Honors Saint John the Baptist
  10. Jorge Luis Under 5 in 2025: Farmer, famous warrior; Greek and Germanic. Writer Borges bore it
  11. Luis Miguel Under 5 in 2025: Famous warrior, who is like God? Germanic and Hebrew
  12. José Gregorio Under 5 in 2025: He will add, watchful; Hebrew and Greek. Name of Venezuelan saint Hernández
  13. Pedro Pablo Under 5 in 2025: Rock, small; Greek and Latin. Honors Saints Peter and Paul
  14. Luis Alberto Under 5 in 2025: Famous warrior, noble and bright; Germanic. Say loo-EES al-BER-toh

South American boy names

Names carried by presidents, writers and sports heroes from Argentina and Uruguay to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela.

  1. Hipólito 7 in 2025: Freer of horses; Greek. Argentine president Yrigoyen bore it
  2. Bernardino Under 5 in 2025: Brave bear; Germanic. Argentina's first president, Rivadavia, bore it
  3. Misael US #734: Who is what God is; Hebrew. Colombian president Pastrana bore it
  4. Fructuoso Under 5 in 2025: Fruitful; Latin. Uruguay's first president, Rivera, bore it
  5. Aníbal 38 in 2025: Grace of Baal; Phoenician. Tango bandleader Troilo bore it
  6. Eliécer Under 5 in 2025: My God is help; Hebrew. Colombian leader Gaitán's middle name
  7. Jairo US #935: He shines; Hebrew. Often heard in Colombia. Say HYE-roh
  8. Eloy 41 in 2025: Chosen; Latin. Ecuador's revolutionary president Alfaro bore it
  9. Teófilo Under 5 in 2025: Friend of God; Greek. Peruvian soccer great Cubillas bore it
  10. Cecilio 9 in 2025: Blind; Latin, from the Roman name Caecilius. Venezuelan writer Acosta bore it

Caribbean boy names from Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic

Names linked to the islands' writers, musicians and heroes.

  1. Calixto 20 in 2025: Most beautiful; Greek. Cuban independence general García bore it
  2. Alejo 22 in 2025: Defender, helper; Greek. Cuban novelist Carpentier bore it
  3. Arsenio 16 in 2025: Virile, manly; Greek. Cuban bandleader Rodríguez bore it
  4. Generoso Under 5 in 2025: Generous; Latin. Cuban trombonist Jiménez bore it
  5. Desiderio 15 in 2025: Longing, desire; Latin. Desi Arnaz's full first name
  6. Wilfredo 30 in 2025: Desiring peace; Old English. Puerto Rican boxing champion Gómez bore it
  7. Segundo Under 5 in 2025: Second; Latin. Puerto Rican abolitionist Ruiz Belvis bore it
  8. Rolando 135 in 2025: Famous land; Germanic. Cuban singer Laserie bore it
  9. Juan Luis 6 in 2025: God is gracious, famous in battle; Hebrew and Germanic. Dominican singer Guerra's name
  10. Cheo Under 5 in 2025: Pet form of José in Puerto Rico. Salsa singer Feliciano

Quechua and Mapuche boy names

Indigenous names given in Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile and Argentina, from Quechua, the language of the Inca, and Mapudungun, the Mapuche language.

  1. Wayra Under 5 in 2025: Wind, air; Quechua. Say WHY-rah
  2. Waman Under 5 in 2025: Falcon, hawk; Quechua. Say WAH-mahn
  3. Wayna Under 5 in 2025: Young boy; Quechua. Recalls the Inca ruler Huayna Cápac
  4. Túpac 5 in 2025: Royal, noble; Quechua. Borne by Inca rulers and rebel leaders
  5. Pachacútec Under 5 in 2025: Changer of the world; Quechua. A great Inca emperor's name
  6. Atahualpa Under 5 in 2025: Meaning debated; Quechua. The last sovereign Inca emperor, executed in 1533
  7. Nehuén Under 5 in 2025: A Mapuche name commonly glossed as strength; Mapudungun. Say neh-WEN
  8. Lihuén Under 5 in 2025: A Mapuche name used for boys and girls; the meanings given for it vary. Say lee-WEN
  9. Aucaman Under 5 in 2025: A Mapuche name often glossed as wild condor; Mapudungun. Say ow-kah-MAHN
  10. Yuraq Under 5 in 2025: White; Quechua. Given to boys and girls. Say YOO-rahk

Latino nicknames for boys

Pet forms Latino families use every day. Some men are known by nothing else.

  1. Toño Under 5 in 2025: Pet form of Antonio, heard all over Latin America
  2. Fito Under 5 in 2025: Pet form of Rodolfo or Adolfo. Argentine rocker Páez uses it
  3. Lucho Under 5 in 2025: Pet form of Luis, often heard in Chile, Peru and Colombia
  4. Pacho Under 5 in 2025: Pet form of Francisco, especially in Colombia
  5. Nando Under 5 in 2025: Pet form of Fernando or Hernando
  6. Manolo 113 in 2025: Pet form of Manuel, a Spanish classic. Say mah-NOH-loh
  7. Moncho Under 5 in 2025: Pet form of Ramón. Say MOHN-choh
  8. Juancho Under 5 in 2025: Pet form of Juan, friendly and lively
  9. Guille Under 5 in 2025: Pet form of Guillermo. Say GHEE-yeh
  10. Santi 191 in 2025: Pet form of Santiago, for Saint James
  11. Maxi 11 in 2025: Pet form of Maximiliano, common in Argentina
  12. Chucho Under 5 in 2025: Pet form of Jesús. Cuban jazz pianist Valdés goes by it; also slang for a mutt in some countries
  13. Tavo Under 5 in 2025: Pet form of Gustavo. Say TAH-boh
  14. Chepe Under 5 in 2025: Pet form of José in Central America
  15. Seba Under 5 in 2025: Pet form of Sebastián in Chile and Argentina

How to pick the right name

Say it in both languages

Names like Leonel, Danilo and Marcelo sound natural in Spanish and English. Names with a rolled r or a Spanish j, like Jerónimo, may get anglicized at school, so decide if that bothers you.

Honor a saint or a feast day

Many families pick the saint of the birthday or a feast like the Epiphany, which gives Baltasar. Look up the Catholic calendar around your due date for ideas.

Say it with both surnames

Most Hispanic children carry the father's surname and then the mother's, though Spain, Argentina and Chile now let parents put the mother's surname first. Say the whole name, like Juan Esteban Gómez Ruiz, to hear the rhythm.

Plan for the nickname

Francisco becomes Pacho, Gustavo becomes Tavo and José becomes Cheo or Chepe, depending on the country. Make sure you like the pet form as much as the full name.

Hispanic boy names: 101 ideas from Nomezo

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Hispanic boy names in the US and across the Spanish-speaking world: the favorites, the rare picks, and how the surnames work

By The Nomezo Editors · Updated October 25, 2026 · How we research names

The Hispanic names most given in the US are the big favorites: Mateo was No. 8 for US boys in 2025, with Sebastian, Julian and Santiago in the top 30. This page collects the rarer ones: 59 of its 101 names went to fewer than 5 US boys in 2025.

US records drop accents and spaces, so José is counted as Jose and Juan Carlos as Juancarlos. The finder above narrows the names by section, length and US popularity, and the tags show each name's 2025 rank or count.

  1. Step 1Pick a traditionSaints, compound names, the Andes or the Caribbean.
  2. Step 2Check how common it isMateo is top 10; Tiburcio is rare.
  3. Step 3Plan the surnamesFather's then mother's, or the other way now.
  4. Step 4Mind the recordsUS data drops accents and spaces.

The Hispanic names most given in the US

Spanish-language boys' names with the most US babies in 2025
NameUS rank, 2025Boys, 2025
Mateo#811,045
Sebastian#168,605
Julian#257,603
Santiago#267,554
Thiago#505,835
Angel#674,757
Gael#863,860
Emiliano#943,701
Jose#953,678

Source: US Social Security Administration. Most of these are on our Spanish and Mexican boy name pages; this page focuses on rarer picks. Compound names are joined in US data: Juancarlos went to 48 boys and Joseluis to 29.

Top boys' names across the Spanish-speaking world

The most registered boys' names, by country and year
CountryTop namesYear
ChileMateo, Liam, Lucas, Santiago, Facundo2025
ArgentinaBenjamín, Gael, Mateo, Valentino, Valentín2025
MexicoSantiago, Mateo, Sebastián2020, the latest official ranking
USMateo (No. 8), Sebastian, Julian, Santiago2025

Sources: Chile's Registro Civil via Canal 13 (January 2026); Argentina's RENAPER via El Litoral; Mexico's INEGI via Infobae; SSA.

Names and surnames: the rules

  • Two names, or one compound. Spain's civil registry law allows no more than two simple names or one compound name, such as José Luis, which counts as a single name (BOE, Ley 20/2011, art. 51).
  • Surname order is now a choice. In Spain parents agree the order of the two surnames, and if they cannot, the registrar sets it in the child's interest (BOE, art. 49). Chile's Ley 21.334, in force since January 2022, also lets parents put the mother's surname first (BCN).

Sources

Frequently asked questions

What is the most popular Hispanic boy name?

Mateo leads much of the Spanish-speaking world. It ranked No. 8 in the US in 2025 (Social Security Administration) and No. 1 in Spain in 2024 (INE), while Santiago topped Mexico's 2020 ranking from INEGI.

What is the difference between Hispanic and Latino names?

Hispanic points to Spanish-speaking roots, including Spain, while Latino points to Latin America, including Brazil. The names overlap heavily, but Latin American countries add Indigenous names like Wayra and their own nicknames.

What are some unique Hispanic boy names?

Pancracio, Tiburcio and Generoso went to fewer than 5 US boys in 2025, and Crisanto to 6. Mapuche names such as Nehuén and Aucaman are distinctive picks from Chile and Argentina.

Why do so many Latino boys have two first names?

Compound names like Juan David or José Gregorio honor two saints or relatives at once. Colombia is famous for pairing Juan with a second name, and many men go by either part.

Why aren't Diego, Julián or Antonio on this list?

Julián (No. 25 in the US in 2025), Diego and Antonio are loved, but their meanings are debated, so we list only their pet forms, like Toño for Antonio. Mateo and Santiago are on our Spanish and Mexican boy name pages.

What are the most popular Hispanic boy names in the US?

Mateo was No. 8 for US boys in 2025, followed among Spanish-language names by Sebastian (No. 16), Julian (No. 25) and Santiago (No. 26). Thiago, Angel, Gael, Emiliano and Jose were also in the top 100.

Why does my son's name show without the accent in US records?

US baby-name data uses plain letters only, so José becomes Jose, and spaces are dropped, so Juan Carlos is counted as Juancarlos. Some states also do not record accent marks on birth certificates.

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