344 Filipino Baby Names: Tagalog, Spanish & Modern Picks

Filipino baby names are known for being pretty unique. With names spelled backward, parent names combined together, or names inspired by local legends and celebrities, Filipino names are joyful, liberating, and deeply personal.

We love them.

Here, we're sharing some of the most common Filipino names, plus some genuinely stunning finds you won't find on every other list — straight-up Tagalog names, Spanish-influenced classics, nature words, and names pulled from pre-colonial Philippine mythology. But the really important thing? Let yourself be led by what you love. We hope you find some inspiration here.

In this article: 📝\

What are Filipino naming conventions?

These days, Filipino names can be a mix of the different language traditions. There are no hard and fast rules. So, whether you like Spanish-sounding names, or classic Anglo names — or something else entirely — you go for it.

If you prefer, feel free to shake things up. In the Philippines, names are pretty flexible. For example, Irene can be turned into a Filipino Airyn. Or else Spanish names can be shortened, like Mariano becomes Nano or Roberto becomes Berting.

There's also a fun convention of spelling names backward — such as Dranreb instead of Bernard.

Or, you can try combining the names of mama and dad to make a unique baby name. Marialos (for Maria and Carlos) is a common one, or Jomar (Jose and Maria). Or even Jenally (in one case where the mama was called Jesusa, the dad was Ronaldo, and uncle Rolly).

In Filipino tradition, pretty much anything goes. So have fun!

What are the most popular baby names in the Philippines?

Every year, the Philippine Statistics Authority releases official data on the country's most common baby names. As of the latest available records, Nathaniel has been the top boy's name in the Philippines almost every single year since 2015, and Althea has held the number-one girl's spot for nine years running. Talk about staying power.

Most popular Filipino boy names

The rest of the current top 10 leans heavily biblical — more than one name in here literally translates to "gift of God."

1. Nathaniel: Meaning "gift of God."
2. Jayden: Meaning "God has heard" or "thankful."
3. Ezekiel: Meaning "God will strengthen."
4. Gabriel: Meaning "God is my strength."
5. Liam: Meaning "resolute protector."
6. Jacob: Meaning "supplanter."
7. Ethan: Meaning "strong" or "firm."
8. Matthew: Meaning "gift of God."
9. Zion: Meaning "highest point" or "sanctuary."
10. Nathan: Meaning "given."

Most popular Filipino girl names

This lineup skews floral and celestial, with a literal "Princess" thrown in for good measure — proof that word names are having a real moment in the Philippines.

1. Althea: Meaning “healer,” totally wholesome.
2. Samantha: Meaning "told by God."
3. Angel: Meaning "angel."
4. Sofia: Meaning "wisdom."
5. Ayesha: Meaning "alive" or "prosperous."
6. Zia: Meaning "light" or "splendor."
7. Chloe: Meaning "blooming" or "young green shoot."
8. Princess: Another name that means exactly what it says.
9. Nathalie: Meaning "birthday," often linked to Christmas Day.
10. Jasmine: Meaning "gift from God," also the name of the Philippines' national flower.

What are traditional Filipino names?

Traditional Filipino names pull from three big influences: indigenous languages like Tagalog, Cebuano, and Ilocano, three centuries of Spanish rule (which still gives Spanish names a slightly more "traditional" feel), and the Anglo influence of the US occupation, which made English an official language and, these days, the more common naming pick over Spanish. But Filipino naming has its own twist, too: a given name is typically followed by the mother's maiden name as a middle name, then the father's family name — so that middle name is carrying a whole lineage in it, not just sitting there as a placeholder.

1. Alamat: Tagalog for "legend" or "myth." A name that already sounds like a story. ♀️♂️
2. Alay: Tagalog for "offering." Sweet and selfless. ♀️♂️
3. Bagani: Meaning "warrior." An indigenous name that carries real protector energy. ♂️
4. Bait: Tagalog for "kindness" or "good behavior." Simple and true. ♀️♂️
5. Bantay: Tagalog for "guardian" or "watcher." Protective by nature. ♂️
6. Baylan: A traditional Visayan word for a spiritual healer and community guide. Rare and rooted in real history. ♀️♂️
7. Bunyi: Tagalog for "renowned" or "famous." Bold and confident. ♀️♂️
8. Charity: Means exactly what it says. A simple Anglo-tradition virtue name. ♀️
9. Elias: Biblical, "Yahweh is my God" — also a beloved character in Rizal's Noli Me Tangere. ♂️
10. Elmer: A classic Anglo pick meaning "noble" — old-school in the best way. ♂️
11. Faith: Means exactly what it says. A simple virtue name straight out of the Anglo tradition. ♀️
12. Gilas: Tagalog for "brilliance" or "flair" — also the name of the Philippine national basketball team. ♀️♂️
13. Giliw: Means "dear" or "beloved" in Tagalog. Sweet, soft, and deeply affectionate. ♀️♂️
14. Grace: Means exactly what it says — elegance and ease. Another Anglo-tradition favorite. ♀️
15. Handog: Tagalog for "gift" or "offering." Generous and warm. ♀️♂️
16. Hiyas: Tagalog for "jewels." A gorgeous indigenous word-name. ♀️
17. Hope: Means exactly what it says. A simple, steady Anglo-tradition virtue name. ♀️
18. Isagani: Popularized by national hero José Rizal's own novel — now a genuinely Filipino literary name. ♂️
19. Lakambini: Means "muse" or "lady," rooted in Lakan — the old word for a pre-colonial ruler. Elegant and historic. ♀️
20. Liezel: The Filipino form of Elizabeth. Familiar, warm, and easy to say. ♀️
21. Lingap: Tagalog for "care" or "looking after." Nurturing and tender. ♀️♂️
22. Lunggati: Tagalog for "aspiration" or "goal." A beautiful thing to wish on a newborn. ♀️♂️
23. Mabini: Tagalog for "humble" — also an homage to national hero Apolinario Mabini. ♂️
24. Norman: A classic Anglo pick with old-school, dependable charm. ♂️
25. Pangarap: Tagalog for "dream." Hopeful and full of possibility. ♀️♂️
26. Patience: Means exactly what it says. Calm and steady, straight out of the Anglo tradition. ♀️
27. Rizal: A direct homage to the Philippines' national hero, José Rizal. Bold and meaningful. ♂️
28. Sigla: Tagalog for "vigor" or "liveliness." Energetic and bright. ♀️♂️
29. Stanley: A classic Anglo pick, familiar and easygoing. ♂️
30. Talino: Tagalog for "intelligence" or "cleverness." Sharp and quietly confident. ♀️♂️
31. Vernon: A classic Anglo pick with easygoing, old-school charm. ♂️
32. Wesley: A classic Anglo pick meaning "western meadow." Easygoing and familiar. ♂️

## What are unique Filipino names?

Right now, Filipino names might be some of the most unique, fun, and original in the world. Unique names like BumBum, Queen Elizabeth, and Joker have been reported. And why not? It gives you a whole lot of freedom to decide on the name you just love.

We'll get into plenty of gorgeous traditional picks below — but we've also got a whole section on modern, one-of-a-kind Filipino names further down if that's more your vibe. Happy naming, mama!

1. Bong-Bong: A beloved nickname-turned-name, most famously worn by the Philippines' own president, Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. Playful, familiar, and everywhere. ♂
2. BumBum: A real, documented Filipino baby name. Playful, rhythmic, and impossible to forget. ♀♂
3. Cheese Pimiento: Yes, a real given name — daughter of a mom nicknamed Spaghetti. Filipino naming creativity at its most delicious. ♀
4. Dhrecxzeus: A real name blending the father's own name, Dhrecxiar, with the Greek god Zeus. ♂️
5. Dipsy: Named after the Teletubby — a real example of pop culture inspiring Filipino baby names. ♀️♂️
6. Djyknyll: One of three real-life siblings given consonant-heavy, vowel-free names. ♀️♂️
7. Drink Water: A real name — mom's way of turning a pregnancy hydration reminder into a permanent one. ♀️♂️
8. Dzywrygh: Another of the same vowel-free sibling trio, reported in local news. ♀️♂️
9. Fort McKinley: A real name, honoring the military base where the father was stationed. ♀️♂️
10. Ghrowizard: A real, reported Filipino baby name — no specific meaning, just pure catchiness. ♀️♂️
11. Girlie: A plain English word used as a full given name. Simple, sweet, and completely on the nose. ♀
12. Godis Withus: A real Catholic-inspired name — "God is with us," said with a Bisaya accent. ♀️♂️
13. HTML: Literally "Hypertext Markup Language" — one Filipino web developer's tribute to his own career, given to his actual son. ♂
14. Khaleesi Daenerys: A real baby name inspired by Game of Thrones. Regal, dramatic, unforgettable. ♀️
15. Joker: Another real, documented example of Filipino naming freedom. Bold, playful, and totally unforgettable. ♀♂
16. Lockdown: One of a wave of real names given to babies born during 2020. A name that's basically a time capsule. ♀♂
17. Lord Voldemort: Yes, a real documented Filipino baby name, straight from Harry Potter. ♂️
18. Ningning: Means "shine" or "brightness" in Tagalog. Short, punchy, radiant. ♀️♂️
19. Nosrac: "Carson," spelled backward. Proof the backward-name trick works for imported names too. ♂
20. Pandemica: A real, feminine-leaning pandemic-era coinage. ♀️
21. Parmesan Cheese: Another real one from the same food-loving family as Cheese Pimiento above. ♀
22. Pzxydynn: The eldest of the same real-life consonant-heavy sibling trio. ♀️♂️
23. Quarantine: Another genuine 2020-era name — a permanent souvenir of a very strange year. ♀️♂️
24. Queen Elizabeth: A real name — boxing legend Manny Pacquiao gave it to one of his daughters. Regal, iconic, and unapologetically extra. ♀
25. Sanitizer: Also a genuine 2020 baby name. Peak pandemic energy, immortalized forever. ♀♂
26. Xyzcherenathaneralei: A real, reported "keyboard smash" style name. Ambitious, to say the least. ♀️♂️

Tagalog names (the OG Filipino names)

Want a name that's authentically, unmistakably Filipino — no colonial influence required? Tagalog names are pulled straight from the Philippines' own indigenous language, and honestly, they're some of the most beautiful, meaning-rich picks on this entire list. Psst — a lot of these work well for any gender, too.

Tagalog names for girls

These are as authentically Filipino as it gets — pulled straight from the Tagalog language itself, no colonial influence required. A lot of them double as everyday words, so you already know exactly what you're wishing on her.

1. Alaala: Means "memory" or "remembrance." Soft, sentimental, and full of meaning.
2. Alindog: Means "charm" or "allure." Playful and confident.
3. Buhay: Means "life." About as fitting a name as a newborn could carry.
4. Dalisay: Means "pure" or "genuine." Simple, strong, and full of heart.
5. Diwa: Means "essence," "spirit," or "idea." Short, soulful, and unisex.
6. Gunita: Means "reminiscence" or "recollection." Poetic and rare.
7. Himig: Means "tune" or "melody." Musical and light on the tongue.
8. Hiyas: Tagalog for "jewels." A gorgeous indigenous word-name.
9. Kabutihan: Means "goodness." Simple, warm, and true.
10. Kadakilaan: Means "greatness." Big energy in a beautiful word.
11. Kagandahan: Means "beauty." A direct, confident word-name.
12. Kalayaan: Means "freedom." Bold, historic, and deeply Filipino.
13. Kalinaw: Means "peace" or "calm." Gentle and grounding.
14. Karangalan: Means "honor" or "dignity." Strong and dignified.
15. Karunungan: Means "wisdom." A gorgeous, thoughtful pick.
16. Kasipagan: Means "diligence" or "hard work." An unusual, meaningful choice.
17. Katalinuhan: Means "intelligence." Smart and a little unexpected.
18. Katapatan: Means "loyalty" or "honesty." Steady and true.
19. Katarungan: Means "justice." Powerful and principled.
20. Katatagan: Means "steadfastness." A beautiful thing to wish on a daughter.
21. Kislap: Means "spark" or "sparkle." Playful and full of light.
22. Ligaya: Means "happiness" or "joy" — about as good an omen as a name can carry. 😊
23. Liwanag: Means "light" or "brightness." Warm, hopeful, and easy to say.
24. Luningning: Means "brilliance" or "radiance." A name with serious main-character energy. ✨
25. Maganda: Means "beautiful." (She's also the first woman in Filipino creation mythology — more on her below.)
26. Mahal: Means "love" or "dear." Short, sweet, and deeply affectionate.
27. Malaya: Means "free." Bold, modern-feeling, and deeply meaningful given the Philippines' history.
28. Marikit: Means "beautiful" or "lovely." A gorgeous word-name that's distinctly Filipino.
29. Marilag: Means "elegant" or "graceful." An underused gem.
30. Mayumi: Means "gentle" or "modest." Soft and lovely.
31. Mutya: Means "muse," "darling," or "pearl." Precious in every sense.
32. Sinta: Means "beloved." A classic Tagalog term of endearment turned name.
33. Tala: Means "star" in everyday Tagalog. (She's got serious mythological roots too — see our Filipino mythology names below.)

Tagalog names for boys

Same deal for the boys — real Tagalog words and titles, some dating back to pre-colonial rulers and chieftains. Strong, meaningful, and unmistakably Filipino.

1. Agos: Means "flow" or "current." Grounded and a little poetic.
2. Alab: Means "blaze" or "burning passion." Fiery and full of drive.
3. Bayani: Means "hero." Brave, selfless, and about as classically Filipino as it gets. 🇵🇭
4. Dakila: Means "great" or "noble." Simple, strong, and easy to wear.
5. Dangal: Means "honor" or "dignity." Strong, principled, and proud.
6. Datu: Another traditional word for "chief" or "leader." Still used as a first name today.
7. Ganap: Means "complete" or "whole." Simple and grounding.
8. Hiwaga: Means "mystery." Intriguing and a little mysterious, fittingly.
9. Ilaw: Means "light." Warm, hopeful, and easy to say.
10. Kaalam: A Cebuano word meaning "wisdom." Thoughtful and rare.
11. Lakan: A historic title for a paramount ruler or chieftain — think Lakandula, one of the last rulers of pre-colonial Manila. Powerful, rare, and rooted in real history.
12. Lakas: Means "strength" or "power." Bold and direct.
13. Layon: Means "purpose." A meaningful, grounding pick.
14. Mabini: Tagalog for "humble" — also an homage to national hero Apolinario Mabini.
15. Maginoo: Means "nobleman" or "gentleman" — a term for the pre-colonial ruling class.
16. Makisig: Means "handsome" or "elegant." Classic and confident.
17. Malakas: Means "strong." (He's also the first man in Filipino creation mythology, alongside Maganda.)
18. Matikas: Means "graceful" or "elegant." Understated and cool.
19. Pag-asa: Means "hope." One of the most meaningful word-names around.
20. Puso: Means "heart." Simple and full of feeling.
21. Sandigan: Means "pillar" or "support." Sturdy and reliable.
22. Tanglaw: Means "guiding light" or "beacon." A gorgeous word-name for the kid who'll light up every room.
23. Tanod: Means "guardian" or "watchman." Protective by nature.
24. Tapang: Means "courage" or "bravery." Short, punchy, and full of spirit.
25. Tapat: Means "honest" or "loyal." Short, strong, and true.
26. Tatag: Means "steadfastness" or "resilience." A beautiful thing to wish on a newborn.
27. Tibay: Means "strength" or "durability." Built to last.
28. Tiwala: Means "trust." A beautiful thing to build a name around.
29. Yakap: Means "embrace" or "hug." Warm and affectionate.
30. Yaman: Means "wealth" or "richness." Grounded in abundance.

Filipino names with Spanish flair

Spain ruled the Philippines for over 300 years, and that history shows up everywhere in Filipino naming culture — Spanish names are still considered some of the more "traditional" picks around, and they carry a certain old-world elegance. There's a lot more where these came from in our post on Spanish baby names, but here are some of our Filipino faves.

1. Adan: Spanish form of Adam, meaning "man of the red earth." Simple, grounded, old-school. ♂️
2. Adolfo: Meaning "noble wolf." Strong, loyal, and quietly protective — the ultimate gentle alpha. ♂️
3. Agustin: Spanish for "the exalted one." Dignified and dependable. ♂️
4. Alejandro: Spanish for "defender of mankind." Classic, strong, timeless. ♂️
5. Alfonso: Meaning "noble and ready." Classic and confident, with a natural leader's energy. ♂️
6. Alicia: Means "noble" — a timeless name that carries grace and quiet power in equal measure. ♀️
7. Andres: Spanish for "brave and manly" — also the name of revolutionary hero Andres Bonifacio. ♂️
8. Antonio: From Latin roots meaning "priceless." Timeless, romantic, and full of heart. ♂️
9. Aurora: Spanish/Latin for "dawn." Soft, hopeful, and a little dreamy. ♀️
10. Baltazar: After one of the Three Wise Men. Regal and historic. ♂️
11. Barbara: Greek roots meaning "foreign" or "traveler," but a long-loved Hispanic classic. Barbara's got adventurous spirit and old-school charm. ♀️
12. Bartolome: Spanish, "son of Talmai." Old-world and distinguished. ♂️
13. Belen: Spanish for "Bethlehem." Soft, reverent, and lovely. ♀️
14. Bernardo: Meaning "brave as a bear." Bold, warm, and deeply loyal to his pack. ♂️
15. Caridad: Spanish for "charity." A classic virtue name with real warmth. ♀️
16. Carlos: Spanish for "free man." Easygoing, charming, and always his own person. ♂️
17. Carmelita: Spanish for "little garden" or "vineyard," this name blooms with warmth, love, and a touch of sunshine. ♀️
18. Carmen: Spanish for "garden." Soft, classic, and still going strong generations later. ♀️
19. Cecilia: Means "blind," but symbolically linked to inner vision and creativity — she sees the world differently, and that's her magic. ♀️
20. Cesar: Meaning "long-haired" or "ruler." Regal, strong, and effortlessly cool. ♂️
21. Charito: Spanish for "little darling" or "beloved." Gentle and full of affection. ♀️
22. Cielo: Spanish for "sky" or "heaven." Short, dreamy, and a little bit celestial. ♀️ ♂️
23. Cipriano: Spanish, "from Cyprus." Rare and elegant. ♂️
24. Clara: Spanish/Latin for "clear, bright, famous." Short, timeless, no notes. ♀️
25. Consuelo: Spanish for "comfort" or "consolation." Warm and grounding. ♀️
26. Corazon: Spanish for "heart," this name is full of love, strength, and soul — literally. It was also the name of the Philippines' first woman president, Corazon Aquino. ♀️ ♂️
27. Cristina: A name that means "follower of Christ," but it's also a symbol of kindness, compassion, and faith. ♀️
28. Cristobal: Spanish, "bearer of Christ." Strong and faithful. ♂️
29. Damian: Spanish/Greek, "to tame" or "subdue." Cool and confident. ♂️
30. Diego: Meaning "supplanter." Artistic, adventurous, and full of charisma. ♂️
31. Divina: Means "divine" or "heavenly," this one's all about light, grace, and a sprinkle of celestial energy. ♀️
32. Dolores: Spanish for "sorrows," but don't be fooled — it represents resilience, empathy, and deep emotional strength. ♀️
33. Enrique: Spanish for "ruler of the home." Smooth, confident, and born to lead. ♂️
34. Ernesto: Meaning "serious" or "resolute." Calm, thoughtful, and dependable — the strong, silent type. ♂️
35. Esmeralda: Spanish for "emerald." Rich, jewel-toned, and full of old-world glamour. ♀️
36. Esperanza: Spanish for "hope." One of the most beautiful virtue names around. ♀️
37. Evangelina: Means "bringer of good news." A hopeful, radiant name that's pure joy to say out loud. ♀️
38. Federico: Spanish, "peaceful ruler." Dignified and classic. ♂️
39. Ferdinand: Meaning "brave journey" or "bold protector." A name that echoes deep into Philippine history — Ferdinand Magellan was the first European to reach the islands, back in 1521. ♂️
40. Fernando: Meaning "brave traveler." A wanderer at heart with courage in his soul. ♂️
41. Flordeliza: A Spanish-Tagalog hybrid meaning "flower." Romantic and old-fashioned in the best way. ♀️
42. Francisco: Meaning "free." Timeless, expressive, and full of generosity. Often shortened to Paco or Pancho. ♂️
43. Gaspar: After one of the Three Wise Men. Rare and regal. ♂️
44. Gemma: Spanish/Italian for "precious stone." Small, sparkly, and sweet. ♀️
45. Gilberto: Meaning "bright pledge." Warm, trustworthy, and a total light in the room. ♂️
46. Gloria: Means "glory," this name shines bright with pride, triumph, and an undeniable sparkle. ♀️
47. Gregorio: Spanish for "vigilant." Steady, dependable, old-school strong. ♂️
48. Guadalupe: A beloved Marian name, used widely across the Philippines. ♀️
49. Ignacio: Spanish, "fiery one." Bold and passionate. ♂️
50. Imelda: A Spanish name meaning "powerful fighter." Strong, grounded, and full of quiet determination. ♀️
51. Jacinto: Spanish for "hyacinth," a flower symbolizing peace and sincerity. ♂️
52. Jorge: Spanish form of George, "farmer" or "earth-worker." Grounded and strong. ♂️
53. Jose: The Spanish form of Joseph, meaning "he will add." Simple, strong, and full of faith. ♂️
54. Josefina: Spanish, feminine of Joseph, "God will add." Elegant and traditional. ♀️
55. Juan: Spanish for "God is gracious." A classic that never goes out of style. ♂️
56. Juana: Spanish, feminine of Juan, meaning "God is gracious." A real old-generation classic. ♀️
57. Lourdes: A Marian name, deeply rooted in Filipino Catholic tradition. ♀️
58. Luis: Meaning "famous warrior." Loyal, brave, and built for greatness. ♂️
59. Manuel: Spanish for "God is with us." Reliable, steady, and deeply rooted in tradition. Goes by Manny. ♂️
60. Maria: The ultimate classic — meaning "beloved" or "wished-for child." A name that's stood the test of time for a reason. (Fun fact: plenty of Filipina women carry "Ma." as a prefix on their birth certificate — short for Maria — before their actual first name.) ♀️
61. Maricar: A beloved Filipino combo of Maria + Carmen, meaning "beloved garden." Traditional, beautiful, and full of heart. ♀️
62. Maricel: A Filipino fusion name (Maria + Celeste) meaning "heavenly." A beautiful nod to tradition and grace. ♀️
63. Maricris: Another Filipino fusion (Maria + Cristina), meaning "beloved follower of Christ" — faith-filled and graceful. ♀️
64. Marisol: A blend of "mar" (sea) and "sol" (sun) — basically a whole beach day in one name. ♀️
65. Melchor: Spanish, after one of the Three Wise Men. Solid and reverent. ♂️
66. Mercedes: Spanish for "mercies." Graceful and dignified. ♀️
67. Miguel: Spanish form of Michael, "who is like God." A quiet, dependable classic. ♂️
68. Miko: A friendly short form of Miguel, meaning "who is like God." Short, modern, and full of quiet strength. ♂️
69. Patricia: Meaning "noble," this one's elegant, dependable, and totally timeless. ♀️
70. Paulo: The Filipino-Hispanic form of Paul, meaning "small" or "humble." Simple, thoughtful, and kind-hearted. ♂️
71. Rafael: Spanish for "God has healed." Warm, faithful, and timeless. ♂️
72. Ramon: Meaning "wise protector." Loyal, grounded, and a natural leader. ♂️
73. Regine: Meaning "queen." Elegant, confident, and born to shine. ♀️
74. Reyna: The Spanish word for "queen," used as a first name across the Philippines. Regal and to the point. ♀️
75. Rico: Meaning "rich" or "powerful." Suave, confident, and effortlessly magnetic. ♂️
76. Socorro: Spanish for "help" or "succor." Old-fashioned and full of heart. ♀️
77. Teresa: Meaning "harvester" or "to reap," it carries the energy of nurture, care, and quiet strength. ♀️
78. Trinidad: Spanish for "trinity." Deeply spiritual and historic. ♀️
79. Venancio: A rare name meaning "hunter." Unique, bold, and full of focus. ♂️
80. Victoria: Latin for "victory" — bold, triumphant, and made for a little one destined to conquer anything she sets her mind to. ♀️
81. Yolanda: Spanish for "violet flower." Soft, floral, and generations-old. ♀️

## Nature-inspired Filipino names

Filipino naming culture loves a good word-name, and nature is one of the richest sources of them. These are lifted straight from Tagalog and Visayan vocabulary — no translation needed, just pure poetry.

1. Adlaw: The Cebuano word for "sun." A lovely regional twist on Araw. ♂️
2. Agila: Means "eagle." Soaring and powerful. ♂️
3. Alon: Means "wave." Works just as well for a boy — it's a lovely unisex option. ♀️ ♂️
4. Apoy: Means "fire." Bold, warm, and full of energy. ♀️♂️
5. Araw: Means "sun" — and also "day." Warm, bright, and full of life. ♂️
6. Bagwis: Means "wing" or "feather." Light, soaring, and a little bit poetic. ♂️
7. Bahaghari: Means "rainbow." Colorful and full of hope. ♀️♂️
8. Banoy: A Tagalog word for "eagle." Strong and free-spirited. ♂️
9. Bituin: Means "star" in Tagalog. Simple, radiant, and unforgettable. ♀️
10. Bughaw: Means the color "blue." Cool, calm, and a little unexpected. ♀️♂️
11. Bulalakaw: A mythic shooting-star bird from Visayan folklore. Rare and poetic. ♀️♂️
12. Bulan: The Cebuano/Bikol word for "moon." A regional cousin of Buwan. ♀️♂️
13. Bundok: Means "mountain." Sturdy, grounded, and built to stand tall. ♂️
14. Buwan: Means "moon." Just as lovely for a girl, honestly — this one's unisex through and through. ♀️ ♂️
15. Dagat: Means "sea" or "ocean." Deep, calm, and grounding. ♀️
16. Dagundong: Means "rumble" or "thunder." Bold and dramatic. ♂️
17. Gubat: Means "forest." Wild, green, and full of life. ♂️
18. Gumamela: The Tagalog word for hibiscus. Bright and cheerful. ♀️
19. Hangin: Means "wind." Light on its feet and completely unisex. ♀️ ♂️
20. Ilog: Means "river." Ever-moving, ever-flowing. ♂️
21. Kawayan: Means "bamboo" — the plant at the heart of the Filipino creation myth. ♀️♂️
22. Kidlat: Means "lightning." Bold, fast, and impossible to ignore. ♂️
23. Langit: Means "sky" or "heaven." Vast and dreamy. ♀️♂️
24. Lawiswis: Means the rustling sound of leaves. Soft and poetic. ♀️
25. Liwayway: Means "dawn." A beautiful pick for a new beginning. ♀️
26. Luntian: Means the color "green" — the color of growth, in Tagalog. Lovely for any gender. ♀️ ♂️
27. Lupa: Means "earth" or "land." Grounded, literally. ♀️♂️
28. Molave: A native hardwood tree, long a symbol of Filipino strength and resilience. ♂️
29. Narra: The Philippines' national tree. Strong, rooted, and proud. ♀️♂️
30. Perlas: Means "pearl," borrowed from Spanish but fully at home in Tagalog. Precious, simple, and elegant. ♀️
31. Rosal: Means "gardenia." Soft, fragrant, and a little old-fashioned in the best way. ♀️
32. Rosas: The Spanish-Tagalog word for "rose." Romantic and classic. ♀️
33. Sampaguita: The Philippines' national flower (a type of jasmine), and a genuinely gorgeous name choice. ♀️
34. Silahis: Means "ray of light" or "radiance." Warm and hopeful. ♀️♂️
35. Suga: The Cebuano word for "light." Short, bright, and easy to say. ♀️♂️
36. Tubig: Means "water." Simple, essential, and calming. ♀️♂️
37. Ulap: Means "cloud." Dreamy and light, just like it sounds. ♀️

Filipino mythology names

Long before Spanish and American influence, the Philippines had its own rich, sprawling mythology — gods of the sun and moon, guardian spirits, and legendary first humans. These names barely show up on other Filipino baby name lists, which is a shame, because they're stunning (and a genuinely unique way to connect your baby to pre-colonial Filipino heritage).

1. Alunsina: A powerful Visayan goddess of the eastern skies. ♀️
2. Amihan: In Tagalog myth, the mythical bird who freed the first man and woman from a bamboo stalk; the word itself also means the cool northeast wind. Poetic on every level. ♀️
3. Anagolay: The goddess of lost things. A sweet, slightly whimsical pick. ♀️
4. Anitun Tabu: The fickle-minded Tagalog goddess of wind and rain. ♀️
5. Apolaki: The Tagalog sun god and patron of warriors. Bold, fiery, and legendary. ♂️
6. Bakunawa: The legendary moon-eating serpent of Visayan myth — one of the most famous figures in Philippine folklore. ♂️
7. Bathala: The supreme creator god of the ancient Tagalogs. About as strong a name as they come. ♂️
8. Dian Masalanta: The goddess of lovers and childbirth. A gorgeous, meaningful choice for a much-wanted baby. ♀️
9. Diwata: A general Tagalog/Visayan word for a nature spirit or deity — and already a widely used, much-loved given name across the Philippines. ♀️
10. Dumakulem: The guardian of the mountains and a hunter deity. Grounded, strong, and a little wild. ♂️
11. Dumangan: The Tagalog sky god of good harvest, husband of Idianale. ♂️
12. Haliya: A moon goddess from Bicolano mythology, said to bathe in earthly waters by night. ♀️
13. Idianale: The goddess of labor and good deeds. ♀️
14. Ikapati (also Lakapati): A fertility goddess and provider of food and prosperity — one of the most powerful figures in the old Tagalog pantheon. ♀️
15. Kaptan: The supreme god of the sky in Visayan mythology. ♂️
16. Lalahon: The Visayan goddess of agriculture and good harvests. ♀️
17. Liadlaw: The Visayan god of the sun. ♂️
18. Libulan: The Visayan god of the moon. ♂️
19. Lidagat: The Visayan goddess of the sea. ♀️
20. Lihangin: The Visayan god of the wind. ♂️
21. Lisuga: The Visayan goddess of the stars. ♀️
22. Lumabat: A Bagobo sky god and hunter deity from Mindanao mythology. ♂️
23. Maganda: Means "beautiful" — and she's literally the first woman in Filipino creation mythology, born from a bamboo stalk alongside Malakas. ♀️
24. Magbabaya: The highest-ranking deity in Bukidnon mythology. ♀️♂️
25. Magwayen: The Visayan goddess of the sea, said to ferry souls to the afterlife. ♀️
26. Makaptan: A Visayan god associated with sickness in the mortal world. ♂️
27. Malakas: Means "strong" — the first man in Filipino creation mythology, born alongside Maganda. ♂️
28. Mapulon: The god of the seasons. Understated, but genuinely lovely. ♂️
29. Mayari: The moon goddess of Tagalog mythology, and sister of the sun god Apolaki. ♀️
30. Mebuyan: The Bagobo goddess of the underworld, who cares for the spirits of the dead. ♀️
31. Pamulak Manobo: The supreme creator god of the Bagobo people. ♂️
32. Sitan: The Tagalog ruler of the underworld's place of punishment. ♂️
33. Tagbusan: The Manobo supreme god who rules the destiny of gods and humans. ♂️
34. Tala: The goddess of the stars in Tagalog mythology — one of the most beloved mythological names in the Philippines today. ♀️
35. Tuglay: A Bagobo deity responsible for births, marriages, and customs. ♂️
36. Tuglibon: A Bagobo co-creator figure, paired with Tuglay. ♀️
37. Tungkung Langit: The powerful Visayan sky god, husband of Alunsina. ♂️

Modern Filipino names with main character energy

Filipino parents have a well-earned reputation for naming creativity — think mashed-up parent names, backward spellings, and English words repurposed as given names because they simply sound (or mean) something beautiful. This is where Filipino naming culture gets really, delightfully weird, in the best way. Here's some of our favorites, past and present.

1. Adhika: A modern name meaning "honorable." Confident and contemporary. ♀️
2. Arjo: A modern name symbolizing "strength" and "charm." Cool, creative, and confident. ♂️
3. Bato: Cebuano for "rock" or "stone" — a real, recognizable modern Filipino name. ♂️
4. Blessica: A modern blend meaning "blessing" — because that's exactly what she is. ♀️
5. Boy: Does what it says on the tin. ♂️
6. Bulawan: A modern name meaning "gold" or "golden-skinned." Rich and radiant. ♀️
7. Chesa: A short, trendy modern name meaning "celestial." ♀️
8. Cheska: A cute, modern take on Francesca, meaning "free." Playful yet timeless. ♀️
9. Elmarie: A soft modern blend meaning "gentle" or "nice." ♀️
10. Empress: Bold, confident, and full of power. ♀️
11. Eraño: A modern coinage built from "new era." Fresh, literally. ♂️
12. Estrellita: A sweet diminutive meaning "little star." ♀️
13. Gabby: Short for Gabriel or Gabriela, meaning "God is my strength." Bright, warm, and charismatic. ♀️♂️
14. Goryo: A playful Tagalog diminutive of Gregory. ♂️
15. Heaven: Pure, peaceful, and full of light. ♀️♂️
16. Hermilando: A modern blend combining "whole" and "land." Rare and distinctive. ♂️
17. Isko: A Filipino nickname for Francisco, meaning "free one." Humble, clever, and full of drive. ♂️
18. Jejomar: A real, famous combo of Jesus, Joseph, and Mary — worn by a former Philippine vice president. ♂️
19. Jennylyn: A blend of Jenny and Lynn, meaning "fair" or "gracious." ♀️
20. Jomar: A combo of Jose and Maria — one of the most classic "parent mashup" names around. ♂️
21. Joy: Simple, cheerful, and impossible to overstate. ♀️
22. Lando: A friendly diminutive of Rolando or Orlando. ♂️
23. Lotlot: A cute diminutive of Charlotte, made famous by a real Filipino actress. ♀️
24. Lovely: Sweet, romantic, and one-of-a-kind. ♀️
25. Luzviminda: A famously ambitious portmanteau of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao — the Philippines' three main island groups, all in one name. ♀️
26. Maybelyn: A soft, modern blend meaning "beautiful one." ♀️
27. Mikee: A cute, modern nickname for Michelle or Michael — fun and approachable. ♀️♂️
28. Odesa: A modern name meaning "long journey." ♀️
29. Pabling: A warm Filipino diminutive of Pablo. ♂️
30. Piolo: A distinctly Filipino name — solid, dependable, and quietly strong (you'll recognize it from actor Piolo Pascual). ♂️
31. Precious: Because she absolutely is. ♀️
32. Prince: The boy version — charming, confident, and full of charisma. ♂️
33. Princess: Regal, sweet, and completely on the nose. ♀️
34. Queenierich: A modern gem meaning "royally blessed" — unique and totally unforgettable. ♀️
35. Quito: Means "fifth." Short, punchy, and modern. ♂️
36. Renz: A modern name meaning "strong" or "wise." Cool and contemporary. ♂️
37. Rizalina: A feminized homage to national hero José Rizal. ♀️
38. Sadire: An Ilocano word meaning "pure." Regional and refreshing. ♂️
39. Sharmaine: A Filipino-flavored take on Charmaine, meaning "song" or "delight." Melodic, joyful, and bright. ♀️
40. Sunshine: Warm, bright, and full of joy. ♀️♂️
41. Tagumpay: Means "victory" or "triumph." A bold, aspirational word-name. ♂️
42. Taraki: An Ilocano word meaning "handsome." ♂️
43. Teejay: A fun, modern blend — friendly, laid-back, and always up for adventure. ♂️
44. Tito / Tita: Literally "uncle" and "auntie" in Filipino, but also used affectionately as actual given names or nicknames — proof that Filipino naming culture doesn't take itself too seriously. ♀️♂️
45. Vandolph: A modern Filipino blend, unique and unforgettable. ♂️
46. Wynwyn: A playful modern double-name that sparkles with positivity. ♀️
47. Zanjoe: A modern name meaning "gift of God." Stylish, strong, and one of a kind. ♂️
48. Zoren: A rare, modern name meaning "dawn" or "light." Calm, mysterious, and full of quiet power. ♂️

That's our full roundup of Filipino baby names — Tagalog classics, Spanish-influenced picks, nature words, mythology, and some genuinely unhinged modern gems. Whether you're leaning toward something traditional or you're still torn between three totally different vibes, you don't have to decide alone.

Come share your favorites (and your shortlist) with the other moms-to-be on Peanut — we love a good name debate, and someone in the community has probably already been there.