86 Spanish and Latino Baby Names for Girls and Boys (With Meanings)

Spanish and Latino baby names are some of the most loved names in the U.S. today. In the Social Security Administration’s data for babies born in 2025, Isabella ranked No. 7 for girls, Sofia No. 9 and Mateo No. 8 for boys. These names are easy to say in both English and Spanish, which makes them a natural fit for bilingual families and for anyone who loves their warm, melodic sound.

Here you will find 86 Spanish and Latino names for girls and boys, with pronunciation, meaning and origin for each. We also explain two naming customs that often surprise American parents: compound first names like María José and the tradition of giving children two surnames.

Spanish vs. Latino Names: A Quick Note

“Spanish” describes a language and the country of Spain, while “Latino” usually refers to people with roots in Latin America. The names in this list are shared across Spain, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Latino communities in the U.S., though some are more popular in certain countries than others.

Spanish names come from many sources. Many arrived through Latin, Greek and Hebrew by way of Catholic saints (Juan, Pedro, Lucía). Some come from the Germanic peoples who ruled parts of Spain after the fall of Rome (Rodrigo, Luis, Carlos). The Basque language gave us Javier, Iker and Maite. In Mexico and Central America, names from Indigenous languages such as Nahuatl, including Xóchitl and Citlali, are a proud part of the mix.

A large group of Spanish girl names come from titles of the Virgin Mary. Dolores (“sorrows”), Mercedes (“mercies”), Pilar (“pillar”), Rocío (“dew”), Luz (“light”) and Guadalupe all began as part of a longer name, such as María de los Dolores, and later stood on their own. Nicknames grew from these too, like Lola for Dolores and Lupita for Guadalupe.

Spanish and Latino Girl Names

These girl names mix classic saint names, Marian titles, nature words and Indigenous names. Accent marks show where the stress falls, and the pronunciation column gives a simple guide.

Spanish and Latino Boy Names

From saints and kings to Basque and Nahuatl names, these boy names travel well between languages. Many have an English “twin,” like Mateo and Matthew or Tomás and Thomas.

Compound Names Like María José and Juan Pablo

In Spanish-speaking countries it is common to give a child two first names that are used together, almost like one name. A girl named María José is usually called María José (or the nickname Majo), not just María. Boys may be Juan Pablo, Juan Carlos or José Luis.

These names often honor saints or family members, and María can appear in a boy’s compound name, as in José María. Girl names can include a male saint’s name too, as in María José. If you choose a compound name in the U.S., decide whether the second part is a middle name or part of the first name, and use a space or hyphen consistently on forms.

Unisex Spanish Names

Most Spanish names are clearly masculine or feminine, often ending in -o or -a. A few, especially religious and nature words, are used for both boys and girls.

Two Surnames: How Spanish Naming Works

In most Spanish-speaking countries, a child traditionally receives two surnames. The first comes from the father’s first surname and the second from the mother’s first surname. For example, the child of Carlos García López and Ana Martínez Ruiz would traditionally be García Martínez.

Women in Spain and much of Latin America traditionally keep their own surnames after marriage. In Spain, parents can now choose which surname comes first. Customs vary by country and family, so there is no single rule for every Latino household.

Latino Naming in the U.S.

Many U.S. forms have room for only one last name, which can cause confusion. Some families hyphenate their two surnames (García-Martínez) so they stay together on school and medical records, while others use one surname in daily life. It is a personal choice, and it helps to be consistent from the birth certificate onward.

Accent marks and the letter ñ can be another hurdle. Some state vital records systems do not accept them, so ask before you finalize the spelling. Many bilingual families also choose names that sound natural in both languages, such as Sofia, Mateo, Daniela, Gabriel, Elena and Lucas, which is one reason these names have grown so popular across the country.

Saints’ Days and Religious Traditions

In many Spanish-speaking Catholic families, a child’s name has traditionally been tied to the calendar of saints. Some families celebrate a child’s saint’s day, called the santo or onomástico, in addition to the birthday. In the past it was also common to name a baby after the saint whose feast fell on or near the day of birth.

This tradition explains why so many Spanish names honor saints and titles of the Virgin Mary, and why names like José, Juan, María and Guadalupe have been used for generations. Today many families choose freely, but a saint’s name is still a meaningful option if faith is important to you.

Spanish Nicknames and Diminutives

Spanish is rich in affectionate nicknames, and some of them look nothing like the original name. Knowing them can help you picture what your child might actually be called at home.

• Adding -ito or -ita makes a name sweeter: Juanito, Anita, Carlitos.
• Pepe is a classic nickname for José, and Paco and Pancho are nicknames for Francisco.
• Nacho is short for Ignacio, and Chuy is a common nickname for Jesús in Mexico.
• Lalo is a nickname for Eduardo, and Memo is used for Guillermo.
• Lupe and Lupita come from Guadalupe, Lola from Dolores and Charo from Rosario.
• Concha and Conchita come from Concepción.

If you love a nickname, you can give the full name on the birth certificate and use the short form every day. That keeps both options open as your child grows.

Indigenous Names in Latino Families

Many Latino families honor Indigenous roots with names from languages spoken in the Americas long before Spanish arrived. In Mexico, names from Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs, include Xóchitl (“flower”), Citlali (“star”) and Cuauhtémoc, the name of the last Aztec emperor. In the Andes, Inti, the Quechua word for “sun” and the name of the Inca sun god, is used as a boy’s name.

These names often carry strong cultural pride. If you choose one, learn the correct pronunciation from native speakers or community sources, since spellings like Xóchitl do not follow English sound rules.

Tips for Choosing a Spanish or Latino Baby Name

• Say it in both languages. If your family speaks English and Spanish, make sure the name sounds right to grandparents and classmates alike.
• Think about accents. Sofía and Sofia are the same name, but the accent may not appear on every official record.
• Honor family in the middle. A compound name or a meaningful middle name can carry a saint’s name or a grandparent’s name. Our list of middle names for girls and boys has pairing ideas.
• Look to history and culture. Famous figures can inspire a name. Browse our lists of the most famous Spanish women and the most famous Mexican men.
• Check nickname options. Spanish names often come with built-in nicknames, like Pepe for José, Paco for Francisco and Lola for Dolores.

Tip: Compare your favorites with our list of popular baby girl names in the U.S. to see whether a name is common in your area or still feels distinctive.

Finding a Name With Corazón

A Spanish or Latino name can celebrate your heritage, honor a beloved relative or simply give your child a name with a beautiful sound. Start with names that carry meaning for your family, practice them with both surnames you plan to use, and think about how they will look on paper. For a step-by-step plan, see our guide on how to choose a baby name.

Emma Carter

Hello! I’m Emma Carter, born in 1990, and a passionate child development specialist. Alongside my work, I have a deep love for helping parents discover beautiful and meaningful baby names. I believe a name is more than just a label — it’s the beginning of a child’s story. I draw inspiration from languages, cultures, traditions, and even the hidden meanings behind names to help find the perfect fit for every little one’s bright future.