Spanish Boys Names
By Dixie Legare – August 28, 2024
When choosing a name for your baby boy, you might consider something that reflects your heritage or simply sounds unique.
Spanish names offer a variety of options that are both beautiful and meaningful.
These names can be cute, strong, or even rare, and they sound great in both Spanish and English.
Below, you’ll find a selection of Spanish names for boys, along with their pronunciations.
This list includes names that are easy to say and have significant cultural and historical value.
Dive in and discover a name that will fit your little guy perfectly!
Most Common and Popular Spanish Boy Names
José
This is the Spanish version of the name Joseph, derived from Hebrew and meaning “he will add.”
It ranks as the top Spanish boy’s name in Latin America and the United States.
Other variations include Jose and Josepe, considered rare and unique.
Pronounced ho-ZAY in Spanish, the name starts with a J, but uses an H sound.
Luis
Luis is the Spanish form of the French name Louis, which comes from the German name Ludwig, meaning “famous battle.”
It has diminutives like Lucho and Luisito.
Carlos
Carlos translates to Charles in English and is German in origin. The name means “man.”
Juan
This is the Spanish version of John, a popular name since the Middle Ages.
It reached peak popularity in the United States in 2005. A unique Basque version of the name is Ibán.
Jorge
Jorge is George in Spanish. It comes from a Greek word meaning “farmer” or “earthworker.”
Pedro
Pedro is the Spanish form of Peter, derived from a Greek word meaning “stone.”
Jesús
Jesús is the Spanish version of the name Jesus, from the Greek form of the Aramaic name Yeshu’a, the same name as the Jesus from the Bible.
Manuel
This name is used in both Spanish and Portuguese.
It is the Spanish equivalent of Emmanuel, a Hebrew name meaning “God is with us.”
It was borne by Byzantine emperors and Spanish and Portuguese royalty.
Santiago
Santiago means “Saint James” in Spanish, the patron saint of Spain.
The name is also the capital of Chile and appears in many other cities in Spanish-speaking nations.
Sebastián
Sebastián is the Spanish form of Sebastian, referring to a place called Sebaste in present-day Turkey.
In Greek, it means “venerable.” The name saw wide use during medieval times in Europe, including in Spain and France.
Matías
Matías is the Spanish version of Matthias, the Greek form of the biblical name Matthew, meaning “gift of God” in Hebrew.
Nicolás
Nicolás is a Spanish name of Greek origin, meaning “victory of the people.”
The English version is Nicholas.
Saint Nicholas, who is the patron saint of children, evolved into the figure of Santa Claus.
Samuel
Popular in many languages, this name is Hebrew in origin and means “name of God” or “God has heard.”
Samuel was an important judge in the Old Testament. A common nickname is Samu.
Alejandro
Alejandro is the Spanish form of Alexander, derived from a Greek word meaning “defending men.”
It is a very popular name in Spain.
Mateo
Like Matías, Mateo also comes from the biblical name Matthew.
Diego
Often considered a shortened version of Santiago, Diego might also come from the Latinized name Didacus, which means “teaching” in Greek.
Famous people with the name include Argentinian soccer player Diego Maradona and Mexican painter Diego Rivera.
Benjamín
Benjamín is derived from a Hebrew name meaning “son of the south” or “son of the right hand.”
In the Bible, Benjamin was a founder of one of the Hebrew tribes.
Daniel
In Hebrew, Daniel means “God is my judge.”
Daniel was a prophet in the Old Testament. Danilo is a diminutive of this stoic name.
Joaquín
Joaquín is the Spanish form of Joachim, believed to be the father of the Virgin Mary.
A famous person with this name is American actor Joaquin Phoenix.
Tomás
Tomás is the Spanish equivalent of Thomas, which has Aramaic roots and means “twin.”
In the New Testament, the apostle Thomas is known for examining Jesus’ wounds after his resurrection.
Unique Spanish Boy Names
Bautista
Bautista is a unique Spanish name for boys, meaning “to dip” in Greek.
The name is linked to Saint John the Baptist and carries a religious significance.
Camilo
Derived from the Roman name Camillus, Camilo is a distinctive name in Spanish even though its meaning remains unknown.
It pairs well with the female name Camila.
Cayetano
Cayetano is the Spanish form of Gaetano, an Italian name that refers to someone from the ancient town of Caieta.
Though the meaning isn’t particularly unique, the name itself stands out.
Cristián
The Spanish version of Christian, Cristián, is characterized by a unique accent and the omission of the letter H.
This name refers to someone who is a Christian.
Domingo
Domingo means “of the Lord” and refers to Sunday, making it a popular choice for boys born on this day.
It denotes a strong religious connection to Sunday as a holy day.
Donato
Donato, of Latin origin, means “given.”
It has historical significance, with several saints and two Renaissance masters bearing the name, including the well-known Donatello.
Emiliano
Emiliano traces its roots back to the Roman name Aemilianus, which evolved into the modern name Emil. The name means “rival.”
Fabián
Derived from Latin, Fabián means “bean.”
While its meaning may seem simple, it can be a charming name for a young boy.
Fausto
Fausto originates from the Latin name Faustus, which means “auspicious” or “lucky.”
This name carries a sense of positivity and good fortune.
Fermín
Fermín is the Spanish version of Firmin, meaning “firm” in Latin.
It has religious and cultural significance, especially in Pamplona, Spain, where the San Fermín festival is celebrated.
Germán
The Spanish form of the Roman name Germanus, Germán, means “brother.”
It is also related to Herman, meaning “army man” in German, offering a strong and robust choice.
Gustavo
Gustavo has Scandinavian origins and means “staff of the Geats.”
It is a fitting name for those with Spanish and Swedish heritage.
Ignacio
Ignacio is a name of unknown meaning but is easily recognizable due to Saint Ignatius.
The name’s rare and unique Basque origin adds an exotic touch.
Julián
Julián is based on the Roman name Julius, which means “downy bearded.”
With or without the accent, the name has gained popularity over recent years.
Justino
Justino, the Spanish form of Justin, stems from the Latin name Justus, meaning “just.”
This classic name has been used since the Middle Ages.
Lorenzo
Lorenzo is the Spanish version of Lawrence or Laurence, stemming from the ancient Italian city of Laurentum.
Despite its historical roots, it remains popular through the ages and has a charming diminutive, Renzo.
Máximo
Máximo means “greatest” in Latin, making it a compelling choice for a little boy.
Nazario
Nazario refers to someone from Nazareth, the town where Jesus lived.
It’s a name carried by many saints, making it both unique and spiritually significant.
Néstor
Néstor, meaning “homecomer” in Greek, refers to a character in Homer’s Iliad.
The name is ideal for those who enjoy Greek mythology.
Pascual
Pascual means “relating to Easter” in Latin.
It’s a unique option for a baby boy born during the Easter season.
Ramiro
Ramiro is a Spanish name that comes from a Latinized Greek name meaning “advice” and “famous.”
Historically, many Spanish kings have borne this name, giving it a royal touch.
Ramón
Ramón, with German roots, means “advice” and “protector.”
It is the Spanish version of Raymond, with variants like Raymundo or Raimundo.
Raúl
Raúl is the Spanish form of Ralph, with Old Norse origins.
Although it peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1990s, it remains a strong name choice.
Reinaldo
Reinaldo, similar to Reynold, is German in origin and means “advice” and “rule.”
This name offers a blend of strength and tradition.
Salvador
Salvador is the Spanish, Catalan, and Portuguese form of Salvator, meaning “savior” in Latin.
It is often associated with the famous painter Salvador Dalí.
Vidal
Vidal originates from the Latin name Vitalis, meaning “of life.”
This name has historical significance, with various saints and martyrs bearing it.
It’s also the surname of American writer Gore Vidal.
Xavier
In Basque, Xavier means “the new house.”
Originally a surname, it gained popularity as a given name thanks to Saint Francis Xavier, with Javier being another variant.
Cute Baby Boy Names in Spanish
Álvaro
This Spanish boy’s name comes from German origins, likely from the name Alfher, which means “elf warrior.”
While its meaning may not be the main appeal, the Spanish pronunciation gives it a unique charm.
Ángel
Meaning simply “angel,” this name has Latin roots from the name Angelus.
In Spain, it is pronounced ANG-khehl, while in Latin America, it is pronounced ANG-hehl.
Antonio
Antonio is the Spanish form of the English name Anthony.
It was very popular in Spain during the 1950s and 1960s and has remained a common name for decades.
Famous people with this name include Spanish actor Antonio Banderas.
Cruz
This unisex name means “cross” in Spanish and can also be found as a surname.
In the United States, Cruz reached peak popularity in 2013 and again in 2020.
Félix
This name means “lucky” or “successful” in Latin and is found in the New Testament.
Many saints and popes have carried the name. An alternative you might consider is Feliciano, which is derived from Félix.
Gael
Originally used to refer to someone who spoke Gaelic, this simple and cute name has been gaining popularity in both Spain and the United States.
Josué
The Spanish version of Joshua, this name means “God is salvation.”
In the Old Testament, Joshua was a companion to Moses.
It’s pronounced kho-SWEH in Spain and ho-SWEH in Latin America.
Marino
Meaning “of the sea” in Latin, this name was likely used by those who were mariners.
If you’re a fan of the sea, Marino could be an ideal choice for your baby boy.
Óscar
This name means “deer friend” and has other possible origins in Old English and Old Norse.
It became popular after a king of Sweden and the famous writer Oscar Wilde.
Plácido
Plácido means “quiet” or “calm” in Latin.
This could be a fitting name if your baby boy has a serene disposition.
Silvestre
With Roman roots, this Spanish name means “of the forest” in Latin. It has been borne by three popes and could be a wonderful choice if you’re looking for a nature-inspired name.
Silvio
Derived from the Latin name Silvius, meaning “forest,” this name has historical significance through a legendary king and a saint. It might be a good pick for your son.
Tadeo
This name comes from the Greek form of the Aramaic name Thaddeus, meaning “heart.” It also appears in the Bible, making it a meaningful option.
Tristán
Derived from a medieval French tale possibly linked to the legend of King Arthur, Tristán is a charming name for those who love mythology and legends.
Strong Spanish Boy Names
Agustín
Agustín stems from the Roman names Augustinus and Augustus, meaning “exalted” or “venerable.” One renowned bearer of this name was the Roman emperor Augustus.
Andrés
Andrés, the Spanish version of Andrew, originates from Greek and translates to “masculine.” The name saw peak popularity in the United States in 2001 and has been increasing in use recently.
Basilio
Basilio comes from a Greek name signifying “king.” In the Christian church, Basilio was a bishop who was later canonized as a saint. The name remains popular, especially among Eastern Christians.
Bernardo
Bernardo translates to “bear” and “brave.” This name adds a melodic twist to the more familiar name, Bernard, making it a strong choice for a boy.
César
César is the Spanish variant of Caesar, famously associated with the Roman emperor. Subsequent emperors adopted this name to denote their rank, making it a prestigious option.
Edgardo
Edgardo is the Spanish form of Edgar, meaning “wealth,” “fortune,” and “spear.” Another variant in Spanish is Édgar.
Enrique
Enrique translates to “home ruler” from the name Henry. Adorable diminutives in Spanish include Kike and Quique.
Guillermo
Guillermo is the Spanish rendition of William, meaning “will” and “helmet.” Pronounced gee-YEHR-mo, it reached peak popularity in the United States in 1996.
Héctor
Héctor, originating from a Greek name, means “holding fast.” A notable figure in Greek and Arthurian legend, Héctor is a strong mythological name with a Spanish twist.
León
León means “lion” in Greek and is also the name of a city in Spain. Though it had dipped in popularity, it is now on the rise again in the United States.
Marco
Derived from the Latin name Marcus, possibly linked to Mars, the Roman god of war, Marco is a widely popular name in various languages.
Osvaldo
Osvaldo is derived from the Old English name Oswald, meaning “god” and “power.” The name also appears in Old Norse.
Reyes
Reyes, a unisex name meaning “kings,” originates from one of the titles of the Virgin Mary. According to legend, the Virgin Mary foretold King Ferdinand III’s victory over the Moors, thus associating the name with royalty. It initially began as a surname before becoming a given name.
Ricardo
Ricardo is derived from Richard, meaning “brave ruler.” This name enjoys popularity in many languages, and a cute Spanish diminutive is Rico.
Roberto
Roberto, a Spanish form of Robert, translates to “bright fame.” Numerous royals have had this name, and it was notably used by a famous cardinal and missionary. An endearing diminutive is Berto.
Rodrigo
Rodrigo originates from the German name Roderick, meaning “famous ruler.” The name was borne by the last Visigoth king who resisted eighth-century Muslim invaders in Spain. A cute Spanish diminutive is Ruy.
Valerio
Valerio evolved from Valerius, a Roman family name, to signify “to be strong.” The name embodies a sense of valor and strength.
Vicente
Vicente’s Latin roots translate to “to conquer.” Historically, many saints have borne this name, which has maintained consistent popularity in the United States since the nineteenth century.
Biblical Boy Names in Spanish
Aarón
This name is the Spanish form of Aaron. It has a strong emphasis on the “O” sound at the end. Originating from Hebrew, it can mean “high mountain” or “exalted.” In the Old Testament, Aarón was the older brother of Moses.
Adán
In Spanish, the name Adam is spelled Adán. The name means “man” in Hebrew. According to biblical tradition, Adán was the first man created by God.
Bartolomé
Bartolomé is the Spanish version of Bartholomew, a name with biblical roots. Bartholomew was one of the 12 apostles. Though it’s not as commonly used today, especially in Spain, it’s a name that could make a comeback.
Esteban
Esteban is derived from the Greek name Stephanos, meaning “crown” or “wealth.” Saint Stephen is known as the first Christian martyr, with his story told in the New Testament. For a modern twist, consider Estévez, which means “son of Esteban.”
Ezequiel
This name is the Spanish form of Ezekiel, meaning “God will strengthen.” Ezekiel is a prophet from the Old Testament. In Spain, it’s pronounced eh-theh-KYEHL, while in Latin America, it’s pronounced eh-seh-KYEHL.
Felipe
Felipe is a common name in Spain and Brazil. In Latin, it means “friend of horses.” It was popular in the United States in the early 2000s but has since declined in use. It’s a fitting name for families who love equestrian activities.
Jeremías
Jeremías is the Spanish form of Jeremiah, which means “God will exalt.” Jeremiah was a major prophet in the Old Testament. In Spain, it’s pronounced kheh-reh-MEE-as and in Latin America, heh-reh-MEE-as.
Lázaro
Lázaro is the Spanish version of Lazarus. In the Bible, Lazarus was revived by Jesus. The name means “my God has helped” in Hebrew.
Miguel
Miguel corresponds to Michael, a name of Hebrew origin meaning “who is like God?” Michael is an archangel in the Bible and a protector of Israel. For a modern variation, consider Maikel.
Rafael
Commonly spelled Raphael in English, Rafael is the Spanish version. It means “God heals” in Hebrew. In the Bible, Raphael is an archangel who heals a blind man. Although rare in English-speaking countries, it’s a meaningful option.
Saúl
This Hebrew name means “prayed for” and appears in the Bible as the name of Israel’s first king. It’s also the original name of the apostle Paul.
Urbano
Urbano originates from the Latin name Urbanus, meaning “city dweller.” The name features in the New Testament. It’s a unique choice for those who love city life.
Ximeno
Ximeno is a medieval Spanish form of Jimeno, which translates to Simon in English or Simón in Spanish. The name means “he has heard” in Hebrew and appears in both the Old and New Testaments.
Yair
Also spelled Jair, this Spanish name means “he shines” in Hebrew. The name appears twice in the Old Testament, offering a bright meaning for a young boy.
Zacarías
Zacarías, or Zechariah in English, means “God remembers” in Hebrew. This name is a unique choice for those interested in names starting with Z and has a strong presence in the Bible.
Rare Spanish Boy Names
Cebrián
This boy’s name comes from a Roman family name meaning “from Cyprus.” In different languages, like Polish and Italian, the name changes to Cyprian or Cipriano. The uniqueness of this name remains no matter the spelling.
Clemente
In Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian, this name is the equivalent of Clement. Its Latin origin means “merciful” or “gentle.” Historically, it has been borne by 14 popes and several saints. Currently, it’s rare due to a decline in usage, but might see a resurgence.
Crisóstomo
This name is the Spanish version of the Greek name Chrysostomos, which translates to “golden mouth.” Traditionally, it was given to great speakers. It’s not something that can be immediately known about a baby, yet it might fit a vocal child well.
Eberardo
Eberardo is the Spanish form of the English name Everard. This version of the name feels more melodic. Its German roots give it the meaning “wild boar.” With medieval origins, it’s one of the unique Spanish names starting with the letter E.
Hernando
Hernando is a medieval form of Ferdinand, with the more common Spanish variant being Fernando. Both names mean “brave journey” in German. Historically, it was a popular name among Spanish and Portuguese royalty.
Wilfredo
In Old English, Wilfredo means “desiring peace.” This name could represent a peaceful little boy well.
It is uncommon and almost rare in the United States, hinting at the possibility of a revival.