230 Popular & Unique Spanish Names for Boys & Girls (With Meanings)

By

Jenny Altman

Nov 23 2022

·

12 min read

hero image

Spanish baby names are classics. They have been used for decades, often generationally, around the globe.

These traditional names are both cool and bursting with cultural flavor, whether they’re paying homage to abuela/abuelo or your favorite Isabel Allende novel. From the luminescent Alba,, Blanca, and Clara to the grounded Pedro and Miguel, you can’t go wrong (although you may think twice about Ferula). And let's not forget about those traditionally Hispanic baby girl names like Sofia, Isabella and Valentina that have reached celebrity status in their popularity. Other traditional Latino names like Mateo, Santiago and Alejandro have also become mainstream Spanish baby boy names in the 2020s.

No wonder it’s Spanish custom to have four names! There’s a lot to choose from but we know you want the Spanish name that fits your little one just right. Look no further.

In this article: 📝

What are unique Spanish names?

What are cute Hispanic names?

What is a pretty Spanish name?

What are unique Spanish names?

What is a popular Spanish name for a girl?

What are some Spanish names for a boy?

What are unisex Spanish baby names?

What are baby names from Latin America?

Find new friends nearby

A connection is made every 3 seconds on Peanut.

Meet, chat and learn from like-minded women.

What are unique Spanish names?

Spanish names often have deep, religious meanings that give naming your baby an even bigger importance. It may take years before they understand the true meaning of their Hispanic names, but you and your family all know these names mean baby is special.

Unique Spanish baby names with religious references

Inspire virtue and faith with these popular religious names.

  1. Alejandro: Meaning “defender of the people”.
  2. Camila: Meaning “priest's helper”.
  3. Elisa: Meaning “devoted to God”.
  4. Mateo: A Spanish variation of the Latin name Matthew meaning “gift of God”.
  5. Isaac: Meaning “one who rejoices”.
  6. Luz: Shortened from the Portuguese Nossa Senhora Da Luz — “Our Lady of light” — Luz means “light”.
  7. Pablo: Meaning “small” or “humble”.
  8. Juan Pablo: Meaning “God is gracious”.
  9. Sofia: The name of a Roman saint, Sofia is a beautiful meaning wisdom.
  10. Isabella: From the Hebrew name Elisheba, meaning “pledged to God”.
  11. Salvador: A Spanish boy’s name that means “savior” in reference to Jesus Christ.
  12. Maria: Meaning “of the sea”.
  13. Maria Jose: A combination of Maria and Jose honoring the mother and foster father of Jesus.
  14. Natalia: Meaning “Christmas day”.
  15. Mercedes: A popular Hispanic girl’s name that means “mercy” from the Latin word mercies.
  16. Samantha: Hebrew in origin, Samantha means “told by God”.
  17. Ximena: A unique take on the Hebrew Simeon meaning “one who hears”.
  18. Daniela: Meaning “God is my judge”.
  19. Josefina: A Mexican girl’s name meaning “the Lord adds”.
  20. Constanza: Capturing the virtue of firm religious faith, Constanza is a Latin-inspired Spanish baby name meaning “constant” or “steadfast”.

What are cute Hispanic names?

There is no denying your little one is an absolute cutie but how to capture in words? The cutest Hispanic names are short and sweet — only 1-2 syllables — meaning your little one could be tooting their own name as soon as they learn to talk! That’s pretty cute…

  1. Ana: Meaning “favored grace” — super adorable.
  2. Alba: Meaning “light”.
  3. Ambar: Meaning “the sky”.
  4. Ava: Meaning “lively” or “birdlike”.
  5. Alex: This unisex Spanish name may appear cute as a button but its meaning “defender of mankind” packs quite the punch.
  6. Alma: Means “nurturing soul”. Seriously.
  7. Bella: What better way to celebrate baby’s beauty than a Spanish name meaning “beautiful”.
  8. Bonita: Meaning “pretty”.
  9. Clara: Meaning “bright” or “clear”.
  10. Ciro: A cute hispanic name that means “sun”. ☀️
  11. Esmeralda: Meaning “emerald”.
  12. Eva: Meaning “life”.
  13. Felipe: While technically a 3-syllable name, we could not resist Felipe’s meaning “friend of horses”. 🐎 🐎 🐎
  14. Lara: Meaning “cheerful”.
  15. Luna: Meaning “moon”. 🌙
  16. Hugo: Meaning “mind”.
  17. Leo: For your little “lion”.
  18. León: Another fierce Spanish boy’s name that means “lion”.
  19. Lola: Meaning “sorrows” from the Spanish name Dolores.
  20. Luca: Meaning “bringer of light”.
  21. Maia: Encourage baby to embrace their nurturing side with this Greek-inspired name that means “great mother”.
  22. Mia: Meaning “beloved”.
  23. Milo: Meaning “soldier”.
  24. Sara: Meaning “princess”. 👸
  25. Tia: Meaning “aunt” in Spanish.

Find new friends nearby

A connection is made every 3 seconds on Peanut.

Meet, chat and learn from like-minded women.

What is a pretty Spanish name?

Spanish baby names have long been sought after for their beauty in Hispanic and non-Hispanic communities alike. Read on and discover the prettiest Spanish names that will captivate hearts everywhere.

  1. Aurora: Kickstarting our list is this beautiful Spanish name that means “dawn”.
  2. Alicia: Meaning “noble”.
  3. Adriana: Meaning “from Hadria”.
  4. Bianca: Meaning “white” or “pure”.
  5. Carmen: Meaning “song”. 🎵
  6. Catalina: Another Spanish girl’s name meaning “pure”.
  7. Celeste: Meaning “heavenly” — it doesn’t get much prettier than that!
  8. Carla: Meaning “free woman”.
  9. Elena: Meaning “light”.
  10. Emily: Meaning “rival” or “eager”.
  11. Gabriela: Meaning “God is my strength”.
  12. Gloria: Meaning “immortal glory”.
  13. Isabel: Meaning “pledged to God”.
  14. Isabella: Meaning “God is my oath”.
  15. Miguela: Meaning “who resembles God”.
  16. Olivia: Meaning “olive tree”.
  17. Stella: Meaning “star”. 🌟
  18. Valentina: A Roman-inspired name that means “healthy” or “strength”. 💪
  19. Violeta: Meaning “purple”.

What are unique Spanish names?

Spanish is the official language in 21 countries and has a significant presence in more than four territories including the United States. The Hispanic population is spread across the world and each community boasts its own unique flavor, traditions, history, and beloved Spanish names.

What better culture to discover a fitting name for your unique little soul?

Unique Spanish girl names

Find the perfect title for your little queen in the making.

  1. Abigail: A sweet name meaning "my father's joy"
  2. Abril: Meaning “April”.
  3. Agustina: Meaning “great”.
  4. Ainhoa: Meaning the “Virgin Mary”.
  5. Aitana: Meaning “our people”.
  6. Alana: Meaning “precious”.
  7. Amaia: Meaning “high place”.
  8. Amalia: Meaning “work”.
  9. Amelia: Meaning “industrious”.
  10. Amparo: Meaning “shelter”.
  11. Ana Paula: A beautiful combination of “grace” and “humble”.
  12. Antonella: Meaning “firstborn”.
  13. Ariadna: Meaning “most holy”.
  14. Danna: Meaning “God is my judge”.
  15. Delfina: Meaning “dolphin”. 🐬
  16. Fernanda: Meaning “bold voyager”.
  17. Florencia: Meaning “blooming”. 🌼
  18. Francesca: Meaning “free one”.
  19. Guadelupe: Meaning “river of the wolf”.
  20. Maya: Meaning “water”.
  21. Maite: Meaning “love”.
  22. Noa: Meaning “rest”.
  23. Pilar: Meaning “pillar”.
  24. Regina: Meaning “queen”. 👑
  25. Renata: Meaning “reborn”.
  26. Romina: Meaning “from the land of Christians”.
  27. Salome: Meaning “peace”.
  28. Samara: Meaning “guardian”.
  29. Valentina: Meaning health and strength.
  30. Zoe: Meaning “life”.

Unique Spanish boy names

Unearth a fitting title for your rising little king.

  1. Axel: Meaning “father of peace” from the biblical name Absalom.
  2. Agustin: Meaning “magnificent”.
  3. Alvaro: Meaning “elf warrior” — a perfect pick for any fantasy lover!
  4. Bautista: Meaning “baptist”.
  5. Bastian: A form of Sebastian and means “sublime”.
  6. Dante: Meaning “steadfast” or “enduring”.
  7. Diego: Meaning “supplanter”.
  8. Elias: Meaning “the Lord is my God”.
  9. Facundo: Meaning “eloquent”.
  10. Gael: As a possible variation of the Hebrew name Abigail, Gael means “my father’s joy”.
  11. Gaspar: Meaning “treasurer”.
  12. Gonzalo: Meaning “battle”.
  13. Ignacio: Meaning “born from fire”. 🔥
  14. Iker: A rare Basque name that means “visitation”.
  15. Izan: A Spanish variation of Ethan that means “steadfast”.
  16. Jeronimo: Meaning “sacred name”.
  17. Joaquin: Meaning “established by God”.
  18. Maximiliano: Meaning “greatest”.
  19. Maximo: Another striking Spanish boy’s name that means “greatest”.
  20. Rafael: Meaning “God has healed”.
  21. Santiago: Meaning “Saint James”, the patron saint of Spain.
  22. Santino: Meaning “little saint”.
  23. Thiago: Meaning “supplanter”.
  24. Valentino: Best known as one of Hollywood’s earliest heartthrobs, this Spanish boy’s name means “strength” or *health”.
  25. Vicente: From the Latin word vincere, meaning "conquering”. Unique and powerful!

Here's a list of the most popular Spanish baby girl names — most have roots in Spanish, but many others are found elsewhere in Europe:

  1. Alejandra: Meaning “defender of mankind”.
  2. Alexa: Meaning “to defend”.
  3. Andrea: Meaning “virile”.
  4. Antonia: Meaning “praiseworthy”.
  5. Elizabeth: Meaning “God is my oath”.
  6. Emilia: Meaning “rival”.
  7. Isadora: Meaning “gift of Isis”.
  8. Juana: Meaning “God is gracious”.
  9. Julia: Meaning “youthful”.
  10. Juliana: A melodic variation of Julia that also means “youthful”.
  11. Julieta: Meaning “love’s child”.
  12. Justina: Meaning “fair” or “just”.
  13. Laura: Meaning “bay laurel plant”.
  14. Leah: Meaning “weary one”.
  15. Lucia: Meaning “light”.
  16. Luciana: A joyful Spanish baby name meaning “light”.
  17. Mariana: Meaning “star of the sea”.
  18. Martina: Meaning “warlike”.
  19. Miranda: Meaning “worthy of admiration”.
  20. Paula: Meaning “humble”.
  21. Paulina: Meaning “small”.
  22. Sergio: Meaning “guardian”.
  23. Valeria: Meaning “to be strong”.
  24. Vera: Meaning “faith”.
  25. Victoria: Meaning “victory”.

Find new friends nearby

A connection is made every 3 seconds on Peanut.

Meet, chat and learn from like-minded women.

What are some Spanish names for a boy?

Spanish boys’ names rank high in the top names every year. Miguel, Sebastian, Leonardo, Carlos, Luis, and Alejandro are all very popular these days (and all days). These Spanish names never go out of style, and do just as well with a Jr or Sr after them.

Here are some of the most popular names in Spain — some with Spanish origins, others drawing inspiration from other European countries:

  1. Aarón: Meaning “exalted”.
  2. Adrian: Meaning “son of Adria”.
  3. Alejandro: Meaning “warrior”.
  4. Alexander: Meaning “defender of man”.
  5. Alonso: Meaning “ready for battle”.
  6. Antonio: Meaning “priceless”.
  7. Benicio: Meaning “blessed”.
  8. Benjamin: Meaning “son of the right hand”.
  9. Carlos: Meaning “free man”.
  10. Eduardo: Meaning “wealthy guard”.
  11. Emiliano: Meaning “eager”.
  12. Emilio: Meaning “rival”.
  13. Emmanuel: Meaning “God is with us”.
  14. Enzo: Meaning “home ruler”.
  15. Fernando: Meaning “adventurous”.
  16. Francisco: Meaning “free man”.
  17. Franco: Another popular Spanish boy’s name meaning “free man”.
  18. Gabriel: Meaning “God is my strength”.
  19. Javier: A household name thanks to Javier Bardem, this Spanish variation of Xavier means “new house”.
  20. Jorge: Meaning “farmer”. 🚜
  21. Juan: Meaning “God is gracious”.
  22. Juan Diego: Meaning is “singing eagle”.
  23. Julian: Meaning “youthful”.
  24. Leonardo: Recognized by most as an Italian name, Leonardo holds just as much sway in Spanish culture thanks to its undeniably cool meaning “brave as a lion”. 🦁
  25. Leonel: Meaning “young lion”.
  26. Lorenzo: Meaning “laurel crown”.
  27. Luciano: Meaning “shining”.
  28. Luis: Meaning “famous warrior”.
  29. Manuel: Meaning “God with us”.
  30. Marcelo: Meaning “young warrior”.
  31. Marco: Meaning “warlike”.
  32. Marcos: Meaning “dedicated to Mars”.
  33. Mario: Meaning “manly”.
  34. Martin: Meaning “the God of War”.
  35. Matias: Meaning “gift of God”.
  36. Miguel: Meaning “who is like God”.
  37. Nicolas: Meaning “victory of the people”.
  38. Oliver: Meaning “olive tree”.
  39. Pedro: Meaning “rock”.
  40. Rodrigo: Meaning “famous ruler”.
  41. Samuel: Meaning “God has heard”.
  42. Sebastian: Meaning “revered”.
  43. Simon: Meaning “he has heard”.
  44. Tomas: Meaning “twin”.
  45. Valentin: Meaning “strong”.

What are unisex Spanish baby names?

If you want to add a little intrigue or ambiguity to your kids’ lives, you may want a gender-neutral Spanish name like one of these:

  1. Angel: Meaning “messenger”.
  2. Azul: Meaning “blue”.
  3. Baez: Meaning “son of Pelayo”.
  4. Dali: A unique Spanish name that means “drawn before God”.
  5. Dulce: Last but not least from the Spanish word for “candy”, Dulce is a sweeter-than-sweet Spanish baby name the whole family can appreciate.
  6. Elian: Meaning “the Lord is my God”.
  7. Jules: Meaning “youthful”.
  8. Madrid: Meaning “water stream”.
  9. Paz: Meaning “peace”.
  10. Sage: Meaning “wise”.
  11. Valentine: Meaning “strong” or “healthy”.

What are baby names from Latin America?

Baby names from Latin America are steeped in cultural heritage, reflecting virtues, natural beauty, and religious roots. Spanning Central and South America and parts of the Caribbean, these names blend indigenous, Spanish, and European influences. Here’s a selection of unique unisex names from the region for your little one:

  1. Arena: Meaning “sand,” inspired by nature and tranquility.
  2. Azul: Meaning “blue,” a serene and vibrant choice.
  3. Cielo: Meaning “sky” or “heaven.”
  4. Luz: Meaning “light,” a radiant and classic name.
  5. Mar: Meaning “sea,” evoking tranquility and vastness.
  6. Nieve: Meaning “snow,” a delicate and unique name.
  7. Paz: Meaning “peace,” a short yet meaningful name.
  8. Rio: Meaning “river,” symbolizing flow and movement.
  9. Sol: Meaning “sun,” a name that radiates warmth and energy.
  10. Vida Meaning “life,” a name filled with vitality and hope.

What are Latin American baby girls' names?

Celebrate femininity with these culturally significant names for girls:

  1. Adelina: Meaning “noble.”
  2. Aitana: Meaning “our people.”
  3. Anahi: Of Tupi origin, meaning “flower.”
  4. Catalina: Meaning “pure.”
  5. Dalia: Meaning “flower.”
  6. Estela: Meaning “star.”
  7. Ivanna: A variation of Ivana, meaning “God is gracious.”
  8. Leonor: Meaning “light” or “compassion.”
  9. Marisol: A combination of "mar" (sea) and "sol" (sun).
  10. Verónica: Meaning “true image.”

What are Latin American baby boys' names?

These names embody strength, tradition, and cultural pride for boys:

  1. Amado: Meaning “beloved.”
  2. Baltasar: Meaning “God protects the king.”
  3. Dario: Meaning “possessor of good.”
  4. Diego: A beloved name meaning “supplanter.”
  5. Iñigo: A Basque name meaning “fiery.”
  6. Jeronimo: Meaning “sacred name.”
  7. Rafael: Meaning “God has healed.”
  8. Santino: Meaning “little saint.”
  9. Teodoro: Meaning “gift of God.”
  10. Vicente: Meaning “conquering.”

Find new friends nearby

A connection is made every 3 seconds on Peanut.

Meet, chat and learn from like-minded women.

So, is your little one destined to rule the roost as Javier or light the way as Alba? Why not share your top picks with other mamas on Peanut? 🥜

Facebook logo
Threads logo
x logo
Copy link icon

Trending in the community

Do active babies in the womb become active newborns?

I had my 40 week ultrasound yesterday (on my due date) and the doctor mentioned how active my baby is. Curious as to your experiences regarding if your baby was active in the womb, are they likely to be active when they’re newborn? 😊

Avatar

10

Small bumps

I have a really small bump, at 27 weeks pregnant. People keep commenting on the fact my bump is so small and its starting to worry & get me down. Has anyone here had a small bump with a baby that weighed measured average size? Its really worrying me! I have a 30 week scan and one at 37 weeks because im on a moderate pathway - had a gastric sleeve in 2023 so its to check she is growing but as the comments are coming im now panicking where I wasnt before 😫

Avatar

11

Early Labour?

I’m 34 weeks today, since 3am I’ve been having irregular cramping which becomes quite intense and has caused me to vomit. I’ve also had diarrhoea. Could I be in early labour or could I just have a bad stomach? I feel generally well in myself

Avatar

3

Since baby has been born…

I’m getting non stop calls, midwife’s health visitors doctors like honestly I don’t even know what day it is can you piss off🥲

Avatar

1

4

7 w post c-section running

When is it ok to start running again? Health visitor advised to wait longer before running but did anyone start at 7 weeks and how?
I know I won't be running marathons any time soon and probably have to start back at a couch to 5k but when?! I'm getting restless legs! Advice please

Avatar

11

28wk5days growth scan📈

I’ve just been to my first growth scan as my bump was measuring small, for the lady to say that baby should be between 2pound 2ounces - 2pound 5ounces and my baby is measuring 2pound 15ounces which is above average, any one else has similar measurements?x

Avatar

6

Read more on Peanut

Want to find your village?

qr code

Scan to Join

Rated 4.4

star
star
star
star
star half

Trusted by 5M+ women

join peanut