Baby names with an international flare can be very special and unique. Spanish baby boy names can reflect your ancestral heritage, notable people, or personal preference. Based mostly on Latin influence, there are hundreds of names to choose from. Here are some of the top Hispanic names for baby boys and their meanings. In the list there are some of the more popular names and some rarely used but interesting names.
15 Recommended Spanish Names for Your Boy
1. Armando
Meaning: army man or warrior
This name actually has German roots and is a variation of Herman. It spread to Italy and Spain during war time and was adapted to create the Spanish version we use today. Those with this name have a strong need to be leaders and organize.
2. Carlos
Meaning: manly, strong
This name is actually the Spanish version of the American name Charles. It is also a variation of Karl in Germany and Carlo in Italy. The name was popular in medieval times and stems from the famous Roman Emperor Charlemagne. People named Carlos are adventurous, easy-going, and Intellectual.
3. Cristiano
Meaning: follower of Christ
Cristiano is the same as Christian. Back in medieval times when this name originated it was actually a girl’s name. More recently it has become a popular boy’s name. Those with this name are creative, social, and happy.
4. Diego
Meaning: supplanter
Diego is actually a variant of James or Jacob. How it got to that is a rather confusing history with a little bit of Greek and Hebrew intertwined and ended up the shortened version of, Santiago. Boys named Diego are dependable, hard-working, and conservative.
5. Hugo
Meaning: heart, mind, spirit
This is perhaps one of the most commonly used Spanish baby boy names. Hugo is the Spanish version of Hugh, which is actually derived from the word “hug.” Those with the name Hugo are compassionate, humanitarian, and loving.
6. Jaime
Meaning: supplanter
This is the Spanish version of James and is pronounced “Hy-May.” In America it is often pronounced “Jay-mee.” It is also closely related to the French word for I love “j’aime.” Currently, this is the most popular Spanish boy name. People named Jaime are caring, considerate, and gracious.
7. Luis
Meaning: fighter, famous warrior
Stemming from the French name Ludwig it morphed into Louis and the Spanish shortened it to Luis. Those who carry this name are inspired by the arts, crave understanding and affection.
8. Martin
Meaning: warlike, god of war
This name stems from “Mars,” and very popular in the Roman and Catholic Church in ancient times. You may not be unfamiliar with this Spanish boy name. Famous people with the name Martin include Martin Luther King Jr. and Martin Van Buren (U.S. President). People with this name are optimistic, popular and social.
9. Vicente
Meaning: conqueror, winner
This is the Spanish form of Vincent and was popular in Spain because of the number of Saints with the name Vincent. The most popular is Saint Vincent de Paul who served the poor in France in the 16th century. Those with this name are humanitarian, community minded, and compassionate.
10. Xavier
Meaning: new house
This name actually stems from the Portuguese Basque name that represents the meaning “new house.” The most popular holder of this name is Saint Francis Xavier who founded the Jesuits. This name is tightly used among Portuguese and Spanish Catholics. People named Xavier are mystical, intuitive, and philosophical.
11. Jesús
Meaning: to save, salvation
In Spanish this name is pronounced “Hey-zoos.” The biblical form of Jesus is believed to stem from the name Joshua or Yeshu’a. Spanish Christians believe those with the name come under special protection from the Son of God.
12. Miguel
Meaning: who is like God
This is the Spanish version of Michael. The archangel Michael defeated the devil and threw him from Heaven and is the patron Saint of soldiers. People with this name are dependable, practical, and hard-working.
13. Rodrigo
Meaning: famous power
This is the Spanish version of Roderick and the name can be shortened to, Rod. The Germanic tribes brought the name to Spain during wartime. It is the 25th most popular male name in Mexico. Those named Rodrigo are free-loving, adaptable and adventurous.
14. Rey
Meaning: wise, protective, counselor
This name is the shortened version of Ramon, Reynaldo, and Raymond. It actually originated in France and brought to the Spanish in the middle ages. People with this name are powerful, authoritative, and achievers.
15. Santiago
Meaning: Saint James
“San” is the Latin name for Saint and “Tiago” is the Latin name for James. Santiago is the patron Saint of Spain and this has become a very popular name in that country. Those with this name are intellectual, progressive, and easygoing in life.
List of Other Spanish Baby Boy Names Recommended:
- Adolfo
- Alberto
- Benito
- Carlito
- Cesar
- Domingo
- Eduardo
- Enrique
- Fabio
- Fernando
- Geraldo
- Hector
- Ignacio
- Jose
- Luciano
- Manuel
- Orlando
- Paco
- Umberto
- Vito