Many parents find inspiration for naming their baby from all over the world: Grecian names, Celtic names, Chinese names, Hawaiian names, Mexican names. If you’re looking for a name with Mexican roots or something to honor your child’s indigenous ancestry, we’ve compiled a list of excellent Mexican names.
Mexican Naming Traditions & History
When choosing a Mexican name, it is important to understand the rich culture and conventions behind them.
Mexico’s history of colonization by Spain means that many of the most popular names have Spanish origins. As a currently majority Catholic country, there are many popular names that stem from religious icons or saints. There are also quite a few indigenous names in use, particularly Nahuatl names. Dozens of tribes make up around 10% of Mexico’s population.
First, Middle, and Last Names
In Mexico, many people do not have a middle name as we understand/use them in the U.S. They may have one or two first names (or composite names). For example, “Jose Luis” is a common first name.
Last names originated after colonization. Children traditionally are given two last names. Each one connects to a parent. The appelido paterno, their father’s last name, is listed first. After, they list their mother’s last name, apellido materno.
Using both demonstrates a connection to both lines of ancestry.
Mexican Names & Cultural Appropriation
If you do not have Mexican heritage, you may wonder if it’s appropriate to use a Mexican name. This ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, there are a few points you can keep in mind.
Using a name without significant cultural significance of indigenous origin can be a way to avoid appropriation. Maria, for example, is another version of Mary. Many religious names have origins in multiple cultures as well.
It becomes more complicated when using an indigenous name. As a white Latinx person or a white person, it can bring up the difficult history of colonization and violence against Native peoples.
Whatever name you and your family choose, do the research into the history of the name. Be respectful of the culture. And don’t use the name to claim heritage that is not yours or your child’s. Appreciation is the goal.
Popular Mexican Names
The below list has some traditional Mexican baby boy names and Mexican baby girl names. Keep them in consideration. They’re popular for a reason!
Adriana is a feminine name that means “dark.”
Alejandro or Alejandra mean “defending men.”
Alicia means “noble truth.”
Ana is a popular name that means “favor” or “grace.”
Andrés is similar to the English “Andrew.” The name means “masculine.”
Ángel refers to the biblical messenger.
Angelina is a feminine Mexican name meaning “angel.”
Antonio / Antonia are names with Spanish and Italian roots that means “flourishing.”
Bianca is another popular name. It means “white.”
Carlos is another name that means “strong and manly.”
Carmen means “garden” or “song.”
Daniel is a name of Hebrew origin used quite commonly in mexico. It means “God is my judge.”
Elena means “shining light.”
Elisa is a name that means “devoted to God.”
Fernando or Fernanda is a name that means “adventurer.”
Francisco or Francisca means “free man.”
Gabriela or Gabriel is a religious name that means “God is my strength.”
Gloria is another name that references the Virgin Mary.
Guadalupe is another common religious name that refers to the Virgin Mary.
Guillermo, or “resolute protector,” is the Spanish form of the English William.
Isabel means “my God is an oath.”
Javier means “bright” and “splendid.”
Jesús is a common name in the majority Catholic country.
José or Josefina, like Joseph, means “may God add to.”
Jorge is the Spanish form of George. It means “farmer.”
Juan is a very popular name that means “gracious and merciful.”
Leticia, often shortened to Leti, means “happy.”
Lucía refers to light.
Luis or Luisa is a common name that means “famous warrior.”
Lupe is a common name that is shortened from Guadalupe.
Luna means “moon.”
Manuel is a shortened form of Emmanuel which means “God is with us.”
Maria means “bitter or may refer to the Virgin Mary.
Margarita refers to daisies. In Latin, it means “pearl.”
Martha is another popular name. It means “master.”
Miguel is the spanish variation of Michael which means “who is like God.”
Miranda is a name with Latin roots. It means “extraordinary.”
Óscar is a traditional name meaning “deer.”
Patricia means “noble one.”
Pedro means “rock.”
Rafael is another name with religious significance. It means “God heals.”
Ricardo means “strong ruler.”
Roberto has Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese origins. It means “bright.”
Santiago comes from the Spanish word for “saint.” It’s also the Spanish form of “James.”
Salvador means “savior.”
Silvia has Latin origins. It means “forest.”
Teresa means “summer” or “harvest.”
Verónica stems from the Latin Berenice. It means “true image.”
Victor is a common name that means “conqueror.”
Yolanda means “violet.”
Unique Mexican Names
If you’re looking to venture further afield, try some rarer Mexican and Mexican-American names.
Alvaro is a name with Spanish and Portuguese origins. The name describes someone who is cautious and on guard.
Amor is one of the few gender-neutral Mexican names. It means “love.”
Araceli is an uncommon Mexican name that means “altar of heaven.”
Azul, which means “blue, ”can also be used for boys, girls, and everyone in between.
Ciro is a name fit for a king. It means “throne” or “sun.”
Desi is another rare Mexican name which means “desired.”
Iago has Hebrew, Welsh, and Spanish roots. The name means “one who supplants.”
Izar means “star.”
Kemena refers to the “strong one.” Another variation is Keemena.
Mireya is a name meaning “miraculous.”
Orlan means “famous in the land.”
Pacorro is another unique name that means both “free” and “man from France.”
Ursulina is a variation on Ursula. The name means “little bear.”
Videl means “life.”
Yomaris is an uncommon name meaning “sun” or “the giver of light and supporter of life.”
Zaneta means “small apple.”
Indigenous Mexican Names
There are many beautiful indigenous Mexican names. Many of them have meanings connected to nature.
Anam is a Huasteco name meaning “earth.”
Atl, or water, has Nahua origins.
Citlali is a name of Nahua origin meaning “star.”
Danaá is a Pame name for “stream.”
Inda Jani is a composite name of Zapoteco origin meaning “water that is born.”
Nakawé is from the Huichol tribe and means “ owner of the stars and water”
Nima is the Quiché for “big.”
Rahui means “day” and has Tarahumara roots.
Séneca, another name meaning “water,” stems from Mayan origins.
Soona is the Otomí name for “moon.”
Yatzil is Mayan for “loved one.”
Yooko means “tiger” and has Yaqui roots.
Now that you have selected a name, the next step on your parenting journey is finding quality child care. Use Sittercity to find someone local, compassionate, and caring today.
