Top 1,000 Spanish Names

Spanish names carry the deep history of Spain and the international connections Spanish culture has made. On this page, you’ll find our curated lists of common Spanish names and popular Spanish baby names arranged by commonality and theme.

Spanish Names and Meanings

Spanish names are used in many countries and communities due to Spain’s cultural impact on colonized nations and in places where Spanish pop culture is enjoyed. These names have common themes around religious figures, references to geographic locations, and valued character traits, as religion has had a significant impact on Spanish naming practices. Spanish names are unique because they have deep histories yet perfectly encapsulate the complexity of modern Spanish identity. There is more than one language spoken in Spain: Spanish is the official language, but other languages like Valencian, Basque, and Aranese have made their mark on Spanish names. Spanish originates in Latin as a Romance language, and Latin words comprise the bulk of Spanish names’ roots. Over 70% of Spanish words come from Latin, and other languages like Greek and Arabic have also left their influence.

Spanish names consist of a given name and two surnames, with the first surname being the father’s first surname and the second the mother’s first surname. In the Spanish naming system, both surnames are typically used when addressing someone formally. It is also common to have two first names in Spain. On this page, we have collected lists of common Spanish names and curated lists of Spanish names by theme for our readers and researchers.

Top 100 Spanish Names

We have collected common Spanish names and their meanings. Popular Spanish names are often inspired by religion, particularly Catholicism, with many names being derived from saints, biblical figures, or attributes of the divine.

Unique Spanish Names

Spanish names are characterized by their unique flair that embodies Spain’s exotic and extraordinary culture. From its architecture to its people, there is no place like Spain, exemplified by these unique names.

Cute Spanish Names

Cute Spanish names are influenced by beauty and nature, with many names having roots in words related to flowers, stars, or admirable characteristics. Check out our list of cute Spanish names for a name that embodies charm and delight.

Beautiful Spanish Names

Spanish names are often noted for their musicality and lyrical quality, adding to their inherent beauty. These beautiful Spanish names echo the grandeur and glory of Spain’s art, cathedrals, and castles.

Pretty Spanish Names

Our list of pretty Spanish names is filled with the loveliest names a language can make. These names have soft consonants and long vowels, creating a pleasant flow that is easy on the ears.

Cool Spanish Names

These names stem from historical figures or saints or are inspired by nature and the arts, giving them a cool, unique vibe. This list of names honors Spain’s revolutionaries, avant garde legends, and celebrated writers.

Rare Spanish Names

In seeking uniqueness, Spanish parents also choose ancient or less common names from Spanish literature, mythology, or folklore. We uncovered these rare Spanish names throughout Spain’s history and presented them in one convenient list.

Names of Famous Spanish Men and Women

Salvador Dalí was a painter, photographer, and writer who became one of history’s greatest surrealist artists. Much of his work is painted in his distinct style that depicts events and philosophy through fantastical elements and designs. The Spanish name Salvador is of Latin origin and means ‘savior.’

Rafael Nadal, born in Spain in 1986, is among the world’s highest-ranked tennis players. Throughout his career, he has earned significant titles and awards. He has represented Spain at the 2008 and 2016 Olympic games, winning gold medals. Rafael is the Spanish form of a Hebrew name meaning ‘God has healed.’

Pablo Picasso was a sculptor and painter credited for helping found the Cubist movement. His works have significantly impacted art, and he is considered one of the 20th century’s most influential artists. The name Pablo is of Latin origin and means ‘humble’ or ‘small.’

Fernando Alonso is a champion race car driver in Formula One for Aston Martin. His love for racing began in childhood, and he became an award-winning kart racer by his teens. He has won numerous racing competitions, including two World Drivers’ Championships. Fernando is a Spanish name of Germanic origin and means ‘courageous.’

Esther Cañadas is an actress and fashion model known for representing major fashion houses on the catwalk and in ad campaigns. She has represented Gucci, Versace, and Carolina Herrera campaigns and has been featured on major magazine covers. Esther is a Spanish name of Persian origin and means ‘star.’

References

Information from the Spanish Statistics Office – Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE) which collects, analyses, and publishes information on Spanish baby names was used in the collection of this data. Information regarding illegal Spanish baby names was also used to eliminate banned names from this article. In Spain it is possible to be given two personal (first) names and two last names (surnames). If you are interested in learning more about Spanish naming conventions, Wikipedia has a Spanish naming guide.