128 Spanish Names and Meanings

Spanish baby names originate from Spain and in many other Spanish-speaking regions in Latin America. Traditional Spanish names are heavily influenced by the names of saints and the Catholic religion. Spain is one of the oldest practicing Christian countries, and its explorers and conquerors brought the religion to the Americas in the 16th century. Maria, for example, is one of the most popular names for girls in Spanish-speaking places worldwide; it is a name that honors the Virgin Mary. 

Names are also commonly influenced by history and literature. In their heyday, the Spanish traveled far and wide and were influenced by many cultures and places. They share a border with Portugal and also share many names with Portuguese origins. 
A common tradition is that If someone has two given names, the first name generally reflects gender, while the second may be from either gender to honor a saint or relative, followed by two surnames. So, for example, a boy may be named something like Jose Maria. 

Spanish Girl Names

From charming to classic, these feminine Spanish names celebrate the heritage and traditions of Spanish culture.

1. Adriana - Refers to a person from Hadria 
2. Alma - Soul, nurturing 
3. Ana - A variant of the Hebrew name Hannah, which means one who God favors 
4. Andrea - Strong and manly. This name is a feminine form of the Greek name Andrew 
5. Ángela - Angelic messenger 
6. Beatriz - Bringer of joy 
7. Camila - Attendant, noble 
8. Catalina - Pure 
9. Clara - Bright, clear 
10. Elena - Shining light 
11. Elisa - Devoted to God 
12. Elsa - Pledged to God 
13. Esmeralda - Precious emerald 
14. Estela - Star 
15. Eva - Life, living one 
16. Fernanda - Adventurous, bold 
17. Gabriela - Also from Portuguese: God is strength 
18. Gloria - Glory, fame 
19. Isabel - Devoted to God, one who loves God. Alternative spellings include Isabelle and Isabella 
20. Isabella - Devoted to God or one who loves God 
21. Juana - God is gracious and merciful 
22. Julia - Youthful 
23. Lara - Cheerful, famous 
24. Laura - Laurel, as in the plant. Also a 9th century Spanish saint and martyr 
25. Lucía - Light 
26. Luna - Moon 
27. María - Beloved or star of the sea. A variant of Mary, Christ’s mother in the Bible 
28. Marta - Lady, mistress 
29. Natalia - Christmas Day
30. Noelia - Birth or Christmas 
31. Olivia - Olive tree 
32. Paloma - Dove, peace 
33. Paula - Also found in Latin and Portuguese roots. Means small 
34. Rebecca - Tied, bound, captivating 
35. Rocío - Dew drops 
36. Rosa - Rose, flower 
37. Sofía - Wisdom 
38. Teresa - Harvester 
39. Valentina - Healthy, strong 
40. Vera - True, faith 
41. Zara - Blooming flower 

Spanish Boy Names

Name meanings are often essential to parents, and Spanish names for boys have some of the most intriguing and powerful translations. Take a look at our favorites on this list!

42. Adrián - Dark one, rich 
43. Alejandro - Defender of men. A variant of the Greek name Alexander 
44. Álvaro - Cautious guardian, elf warrior. It’s also a Spanish saint’s name 
45. Benjamín - Son of the right hand 
46. Carlos - Free man 
47. Cristóbal - Bearer of Christ 
48. Daniel - God is my judge 
49. David - Beloved 
50. Diego - Teacher, supplanter 
51. Eduardo - Wealthy guardian 
52. Elías - My God is Yahweh 
53. Enrique - Home ruler 
54. Felipe - Lover of horses 
55. Gabriel - God is my strength 
56. Guillermo - Resolute one; a protector 
57. Héctor - Steadfast, hold fast 
58. Ignacio - Fiery one 
59. Ismael - God will hear 
60. Javier - New house or bright 
61. Joaquin - A unique name meaning established by God or raised by God 
62. Jose - Also from Portuguese, meaning God will add or increase 
63. Juan - God is gracious
64. Julio - Youthful, downy 
65. Leonardo - Brave lion 
66. Luis - Renowned warrior 
67. Manuel - God is with us, also common in Portuguese 
68. Mateo - Gift of God 
69. Nicolás - Victory of the people 
70. Óscar - Divine strength 
71. Pablo - Small, humble, little 
72. Pedro - Rock or stone 
73. Rafael - God has healed; one who has been healed by God 
74. Ramiro - Supreme judge 
75. Ramón - Wise protector 
76. Raúl - Wolf counsel 
77. Ricardo - Powerful ruler 
78. Roberto - Bright fame 
79. Rodrigo - Famous one 
80. Samuel - Heard by God 
81. Santiago - Supplanter, also tied to Saint James 
82. Sebastián - Venerable, revered 
83. Tomás - Twin 
84. Xavier - New house 
85. Zacarías - Remembered by God 

What Are Rare Spanish Names?

Spanish names can be beautiful and timeless, but what about some hidden gems? Read on to discover some of the more rare options for Spanish baby names!

86. Ángel - Angelic messenger 
87. Ariel - Lion of God 
88. Carmen - Vineyard, song 
89. Cruz - Cross 
90. Dominique - Belonging to God 
91. Elián - God is my strength 
92. Frances - Free one 
93. Gabriele - God is my strength 
94. Gael - Irishman, joyful 
95. Jaime - Supplanter 
96. Jesús - God is salvation 
97. Luca - Bringer of light 
98. Marin - Of the sea 
99. Nico - Victory of the people 
100. Noel - Christmas 
101. Pascual - Easter-related 
102. Patricio - Nobleman 
103. Rae - Beautiful, unique 
104. Reyes - King, royal 
105. Río - A river 
106. Santana - Holy, venerable 
107. Silvano - Of the forest 
108. Teo - God 
109. Toni - Beyond praise 
110. Vidal - Life-giving 
111. Zen - Wholesome, truth 
112. Zuri - White, pure
113. Valeriano - Strong, healthy 

Spanish Names Inspired by Christianity

Christianity, in particular Catholicism, has played a significant role in the cultural development of Spain and regions settled or conquered by Spanish inhabitants. Many of the most popular baby names in Hispanic parts of the world stem from the religion, which remains popular around the globe today. In particular, a lot of the most popular names in Spanish can be traced back to spiritual traditions and Bible stories, like the following ones.

114. Ángeles - Angels  
115. Belén - Bethlehem  
116. Carmen - Garden of God  
117. Catalina - Pure  
118. Esteban - Crown  
119. Francisco - Free man, after Saint Francis  
120. Isidoro - Gift of Isis, but significant in Christian tradition  
121. Jesús - God is salvation  
122. Lucía - Light  
123. María - Of the sea, beloved  
124. Matías - Gift of God  
125. Pablo - Small, humble  
126. Rafael - God has healed  
127. Santiago - Saint James  
128. Victoria - Victory, triumphant

Summing Up Spanish Names

Often, parents say that they know a name is right for their child when it feels like it already belongs to their baby. And Spanish names are certainly some of the most gorgeous and meaningful options out there! We hope our list of Spanish names and meanings has given you some inspiration in your parenting journey. Happy naming!

For more information check out these popular topics:

• Hispanic Last Names and Meanings
• Portuguese Names and Meanings
• 37 Stunning Spanish Middle Names for Girls

Do you have any parenting questions for our parenting coach and expert, Dr. Ana Aznar? Ask for free today!