Filipino Boy Names

Choosing a name for your baby boy is a significant decision.

It’s important to select a name that holds special meaning to you, connects to your family’s heritage, and stands the test of time.

Whether you prefer a cool, modern name or a strong, traditional one, the options are endless.

Filipino culture offers a rich variety of wonderful names for boys. These names often come with deep cultural significance and fascinating histories.

This article explores the history behind Filipino names and presents a carefully curated list of the ten most common Filipino boy names along with 140 other great options.

Filipino Naming Culture

Juan

Juan is a strong and classic name widely used in the Philippines.

It derives from the Spanish version of John, reflecting the country’s long history of Spanish colonization.

Maria

Maria is a common female name in the Philippines.

As with Juan, its origins are Spanish, showing how the language and religion from Spain left a significant mark on Filipino names.

Jose

Jose is another popular male name.

It is the Spanish version of Joseph, often chosen for its biblical connections and widespread use across various cultures within the Philippines.

Lakan

Lakan is a native Filipino name that means “chief” or “nobleman.”

It represents the indigenous roots of the Filipino people before the colonial influences began.

Jasmine

Jasmine is a name of Persian origin but became popular due to American pop culture.

Its popularity grew through movies, TV shows, and other media.

Andres

Andres comes from the Spanish version of Andrew.

This name is often associated with Andres Bonifacio, a Filipino revolutionary leader.

Luzviminda

Luzviminda is a unique name created by combining Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the three major island groups in the Philippines.

It represents national unity and identity.

Popular Filipino Boy Names

Jacob

This biblical boy name topped the list for boys in the Philippines in 2020.

Originating from Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, Jacob means “holder of the heel” or “supplanter.” The story goes he was born holding his twin brother’s heel and later gained his brother’s birthright.

Nathaniel

Nathaniel, spelled Nathanael in the Bible, has Hebrew origins and means “God has given.”

Gabriel

Gabriel is a Hebrew name meaning “God is my strong man.”

In the Old Testament, Gabriel is an archangel and messenger of God. In the New Testament, he announces the births of John the Baptist and Jesus. Islamic tradition holds that Gabriel dictated the Quran to Muhammad.

Nathan

Originally spelled Natan in Hebrew, Nathan means “He gave.” Natan is a prophet in the Old Testament.

Ethan

Ethan, originally spelled Eitan in Hebrew, means “solid, enduring, firm.”

A few Old Testament characters have this name. It gained popularity toward the end of the 20th century.

Ezekiel

This Hebrew name means “God will strengthen.” Ezekiel is a significant prophet in the Old Testament.

Angelo

Angelo comes from the Latin name Angelus, referring to heavenly angels.

The word has roots in the Greek word angelos, meaning “messenger.”

James

James is an English version of the Hebrew name Jacob, which sits at the top of this list.

Several Scottish kings have been named James. In the United States, it has been consistently popular and remains in the top 20.

Joshua

Joshua is a Hebrew name meaning “Yahweh (God) is salvation.”

Joshua was Moses’ companion in the Old Testament. The name Jesus is thought to derive from an Aramaic short form of Joshua. Modernly, Josh is the common short form.

Kyle

Kyle is a modern name that comes from a Scottish surname referring to a place name in Gaelic meaning “narrows, channel, or strait.”

It gained popularity as a given name starting in the early 1900s and peaked in popularity in the 1990s.

Traditional Filipino Boy Names

Agustin

With Roman roots in the word augere, this name means “exalted, venerable.”

Arturo

This Spanish boy name comes from the English name Arthur. It likely has Celtic origins.

Bagwis

Meaning “wing” in Tagalog, the name was popularized in a newspaper comic series for a powerful angel modeled after the warrior archangel Michael.

Bayani

This is the perfect name for a little hero, as it means just that.

Crisanto

Derived from the Greek name Chrysanthos and meaning “golden flower,” Crisanto is used by Spanish, Portuguese, and Filipino speakers.

It was also the name of a third-century Egyptian saint.

Dakila

This Filipino boy’s name simply means “great” in Tagalog.

Hari

In Sanskrit, Hari means “brown, yellow, tawny.”

Sanskrit is one of the many languages modern Filipino borrows from.

Jomari

This Filipino boy name is a combination of the Spanish compound name José Maria.

Kidlat

This Filipino boy’s name means “lightning” in Tagalog, making it a great choice for those looking for a nature-inspired baby name.

Makisig

Meaning “good-looking,” “gallant,” or “elegant” in Tagalog, Makisig is a wise choice for a son regardless of which meaning is preferred.

Unique Filipino Boy Names

Amihan

Amihan is a rare Filipino name that means “north wind” or “winter storm” in Tagalog.

This could be a fitting choice if your baby boy is born during a stormy season.

Conrado

Conrado is the Spanish version of the name Conrad, which translates to “brave counsel.”

This name has historical significance, being borne by saints, kings, and dukes.

Eraño

Eraño was created in 1925 by Felix Manalo, the founder of Iglesia ni Cristo, a church in the Philippines.

The name combines “new era” into a unique moniker for his son.

Hermilando

Hermilando has likely Visigoth origins, blending the German words for “whole” and “land.”

This Spanish name carries a sense of completeness and ownership.

Laurente

Laurente is an old Spanish form of Laurence, meaning “from Laurentum,” an ancient Italian city.

The name gained popularity through a saint and martyr.

Malic

Malic is the Maranao variant of the Arabic name Malik. It translates to “king,” a title fit for a regal little boy.

Ising

Ising is a shortened form of the Spanish name Isidore, which comes from the Greek.

The name means “gift of Isis,” referencing the Egyptian goddess.

Omair

Omair is the Maranao form of the Arabic and Urdu name Umair.

This name means “long-lived,” “prosperous,” and “populous.”

Tomas

Tomas is derived from the Greek version of the Aramaic name Thomas, meaning “twin.”

This name is associated with an apostle in the Bible.

Vinusto

Vinusto is likely from the Latin name Venustus, meaning a follower of Venus, the Roman goddess of love.

Cool Filipino Boy Names

Alab

This Filipino boy name means “to burn with emotions” or simply “blaze.”

Eliong

The Filipino diminutive of the boy names Aurelio, Rogelio, Basilio, and other names with a “lio” ending.

Matikas

This boy’s name means “elegant” or “graceful” in Tagalog, Cebuano, and Filipino.

Jejomar

This Filipino boy’s name combines the names Jesus, Joseph, and Mary.

Sadire

This Filipino boy’s name simply means “pure” in Ilocano.

Samsodin

The Maranao, Maguindanao, and Indonesian form of the Arabic name Shams al-Din, which means “sun of the religion.”

Sofronio

This is the Filipino-Spanish version of the Latin name Sophronius, which is originally a Greek boy’s name meaning “self-controlled” or “sensible.”

One bearer of the name was Saint Sophronius, who was a seventh-century patriarch in Jerusalem.

Taraki

It simply means “handsome” in Ilocano. Just imagine calling your son “handsome” every day!

Vergel

Meaning “orchard” in Spanish, this boy’s name may also be a variant spelling of Virgil, referring to the Ancient Roman poet.

Walding

This boy name is used as a diminutive of Oswaldo, deriving from the Old English name Oswald, which means “god,” “power,” and “ruler.”

More Cool Filipino Boy Names

Here are 10 more Filipino names for boys to keep the cool factor going:

Aning – Bright, brilliant
Bagani – Warrior
Datu – Chief
Lakan – Noble, chieftain
Likha – Creativity
Mayari – Lunar deity
Rajah – King
Silahis – Ray of light
Tuliao – Kind, giving
Walang – Unlimited, boundless

Cute Filipino Boy Names

Agapito

Spanish for “sweetheart.” The short form is Pitoy. Which is cuter? You decide!

Benjie

Tagalog variation of Benjamin, which means “son of my right hand” in Hebrew.

Bernabe

A variant of the name Barnabas, which is a Greek form of an Aramaic name meaning “son of encouragement.”

Goryo

As the Tagalog diminutive for Gregorio or Gregory, this short boy’s name sounds much more cute and less serious.

Kastor

In Tagalog, this boy name means “beaver.” If you’re an animal lover, you may like this adorable name for your boy.

Joselito

Here’s a short version of the name Jose, which means “God increases.”

Lando

This is the diminutive of either the Spanish boys’ name Rolando or Orlando.

Pabling

This is the Filipino diminutive of the Spanish name Pablo.

Quito

This Filipino boy’s name means “fifth.” If your baby is your fifth child, consider this cute name!

Taer

Meaning “handsome” in Ilocano, this Filipino boy name will be more than fitting for your handsome guy.

More Cute Filipino Boy Names

Mateo

A popular name meaning “gift of God”. It is common and well-loved in the Philippines.

Iñigo

This name stands out with its unique sound. Iñigo has Spanish roots and cultural significance.

Kiko

Short and sweet, Kiko is a fun name. It is often used as a nickname for Francisco.

Miko

Miko is both modern and easy to remember. It works well as a standalone name or a nickname for Dominic.

Nico

Nico has a stylish and playful feel. It is a diminutive of Nicholas and popular among young boys.

Enzo

A trendy name that is gaining popularity, Enzo is short and appealing.

Diego

Diego is a name with historical and cultural depth. It’s both classic and contemporary.

Javi

Javi is lively and modern. It is often a shorter form of Javier, making it a perfect choice for a younger boy.

Rafi

Rafi is cheerful and bright. It is an endearing name that is easy to say.

Strong Filipino Boy Names

Anthony

This powerful boy’s name comes from a Roman family name of Etruscan origin. Famous bearers include the Roman general Marc Antony and the fourth-century saint. Some believe the name means “flower” in Greek, but the actual Etruscan meaning is unknown.

Bato

From the Cebuano word bato meaning “rock, pebble, stone,” boulder,” or “gemstone”. Whichever mineral you choose, it’s implied your boy will be as strong as a rock!

Hiwaga

Meaning “mystery” in Tagalog, this is quite the name for your little man of mystery!

Kaalam

Meaning “wisdom” in Cebuano, this name could be a good choice if you’d like to impart wisdom onto your son.

Jerome

Meaning “sacred name” in Greek, this name was borne by Saint Jerome, who completed the Latin translation of the Bible in the fifth century.

Pageral

The name Pageral comes from the Filipino word pag-iral, which literally means “existence.”

Rodante

Meaning “rolling” in Spanish, this name was popularized by a Filipino politician.

Tagumpay

This Filipino name means “victory, triumph” in Tagalog. It’s a great option for a strong boy’s name.

Vedasto

This Filipino boy name stems from the Latinized name Vedastus, which comes from the German or Celtic name Widogast, which means “wood” and “stranger” or “guest.”

Venancio

This strong boy’s name of Tagalog origin became popular after Filipino military officer Venancio Serrano and Filipino army general Venancio Concepcion. The name has Roman origins and means “hunting, chasing, pursuing” in Latin.

Even More Filipino Boy Names

Andres

Andres is a strong name that has historical significance in the Philippines. It’s a variation of Andrew.

Benigno

Benigno means kind or gentle. It has been borne by notable figures in Philippine history.

Carlos

Carlos is the Spanish version of Charles and means ‘free man’. It’s a popular choice in many Spanish-speaking countries.

Diego

Diego is a classic Spanish name. It means ‘supplanter’ and has a long history in the Philippines.

Enrique

Enrique is Spanish for Henry and means ‘ruler of the home’. It’s a name with noble connotations.

Felipe

Felipe is a form of Philip, which means ‘lover of horses’. It’s a name with royal ties.

Gabriel

Gabriel is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning ‘God is my strength’. It’s a common name in many cultures.

Isidro

Isidro is derived from the Greek name Isidore, meaning ‘gift of Isis’. It has a rich cultural heritage.

Joaquin

Joaquin means ‘God will judge’ in Hebrew. It’s a strong name with biblical roots.

Leonardo

Leonardo means ‘brave lion’. It’s a name that conveys courage and strength.

Mariano

Mariano means ‘related to Mars’, the Roman god of war. It has a strong, powerful feel to it.

Noel

Noel is derived from the French word for Christmas. It’s often given to boys born during the holiday season.

Orlando

Orlando means ‘famous land’. It’s a romantic and adventurous name.

Rafael

Rafael means ‘God has healed’. It’s a name with both biblical and cultural significance.

Teodoro

Teodoro means ‘gift of God’. It’s a name that conveys a sense of divine blessing.