Discover 2016's Top 100 Popular Hispanic Boy Names

Whether you are looking for a popular name for your baby boy or a name that not many families have chosen, you're in the right place! Our comprehensive list showcases the 100 most popular Hispanic baby names for boys in 2016, including timeless classics like Santiago, Mateo, and Sebastian. Hispanic names often carry rich cultural heritage and beautiful meanings that have made them increasingly popular across all communities. From traditional Spanish names to those with Latin American origins, this collection offers wonderful options that honor Hispanic traditions while providing strong, melodic choices for your son. Browse through our carefully curated list to find inspiration or to see if your preferred name made the top rankings!

Interested in seeing the most recent list of popular Hispanic baby boy names? We've compiled the 100 most popular Hispanic names for boys from 2016. These names reflect rich cultural traditions and heritage across Spanish-speaking countries. From classic choices like Santiago, Mateo, and Sebastian to rising stars like Leonardo and Emiliano, our comprehensive list offers wonderful inspiration for parents seeking a name with Hispanic roots. Check out our most popular Hispanic baby names from more recent years to see how naming trends have evolved.

2016 trends and choices in boys' names

Popular naming patterns for Hispanic boys

According to Momcozy survey of more than 17,000 parents across the United States, Latin America, and Spain, several distinct patterns emerged in Hispanic boys' naming choices for 2016. Traditional names with strong cultural roots like Santiago, Mateo, and Sebastián continued to dominate the top positions. Religious influences remained significant, with names like José, Jesús, and Ángel appearing frequently among popular choices. Many parents also opted for internationally recognized names that work well in both Spanish and English contexts, such as Daniel, David, and Matías. Another notable trend was the preference for shorter, two-syllable names like Leo, Ian, and Dylan, which have gained popularity across Hispanic communities. Family traditions also played an important role, with many boys receiving names that honor grandfathers or other significant relatives, continuing important cultural naming practices that connect generations.

In 2016, Hispanic families continued to embrace both traditional and modern naming trends for their baby boys. The survey found that most parents selected names simply because they liked the sound or meaning, while others chose names to honor family traditions or cultural heritage. Names like Santiago, Mateo, and Sebastian ranked among the favorites, blending classical appeal with contemporary style. Many parents also favored shorter names such as Leo and Ian, which work well in both Spanish and English contexts. Biblical names including Daniel, David, and Gabriel remained consistently popular choices. More than half of Hispanic parents reported conducting online searches about potential names to ensure no negative associations existed. Some families chose names with strong meanings like Alejandro (defender) or Valentino (strong, healthy), reflecting their hopes for their children's future. Regional variations were also evident, with certain names being more popular in specific Hispanic communities across the United States.

In 2016, Hispanic parents showed distinct preferences when naming their sons. They gravitated toward shorter Spanish names like Mateo, Leo, and Diego that carried cultural significance while being easy to pronounce in both Spanish and English contexts. Many families sought balance by choosing names that honored their heritage yet integrated well into American society. Traditional names with religious significance such as Santiago, Gabriel, and Angel remained consistently popular. Latino parents also looked for names that didn't sound too extravagant and went well with their last name. Names ending with 'o' like Leonardo and Emiliano were trending, while longer English names saw a decline in popularity compared to 2015. Biblical names maintained their strong presence, with Matías, Sebastián, and Daniel appearing frequently on birth certificates. Many parents also embraced names that worked well across multiple Spanish-speaking countries, reflecting the diverse Hispanic communities throughout the United States.

In 2016, Hispanic parents showed distinctive preferences when naming their baby boys, often drawing inspiration from religious figures, cultural icons, and family traditions. Names like Santiago, Mateo, and Sebastian topped many lists, reflecting the strong Catholic influence in Latino communities. Musical influences were evident with names like Enrique and Luis gaining popularity, while historical figures inspired choices such as Alejandro and Carlos. Many parents also embraced dual-language names that work well in both Spanish and English contexts, such as Daniel, David, and Adrian. Traditional naming patterns included honoring grandfathers and godfathers with names like Jose and Juan, while modern Hispanic families increasingly incorporated unique spellings of classic names to create distinctive identities for their sons.

The winners (and losers) of 2016

Rising stars and declining favorites in Hispanic baby names

In 2016, several Hispanic baby names for boys saw significant shifts in popularity. Traditional favorites like Santiago, Mateo, and Sebastian maintained their strong positions at the top of the charts, while names such as Liam and Noah began crossing cultural boundaries to become popular choices in Hispanic families. Newcomers like Thiago and Gael made impressive climbs up the rankings, reflecting a growing trend toward names that honor cultural heritage while offering a contemporary feel. Meanwhile, once-popular names like Jose and Luis saw gradual declines, though they still remained in the top 100. Parents increasingly sought names with global appeal that worked well in both Spanish and English, showing a thoughtful balance between tradition and modernity in 2016's naming trends.

This year marked a significant shift in Hispanic baby naming trends with Mateo dethroning Santiago after its impressive nine-year reign at the top. Parents seem drawn to Mateo's beautiful meaning of "gift of God" and its cross-cultural appeal. Other names climbing the charts include Leonardo, Thiago, and Sebastián, reflecting a preference for names with both traditional roots and contemporary flair. Meanwhile, once-popular choices like José, Carlos, and Miguel have seen a gradual decline, though they remain respected classics. Names with international appeal such as Liam and Noah are also making inroads among Hispanic families, showing the increasing influence of global naming trends. Traditional Spanish names with royal connections like Felipe and Enrique have seen modest gains as parents seek names with historical significance.

The landscape of Hispanic baby names saw interesting shifts in 2016, with clear winners emerging from previously lower rankings. Most notably, Lucas made a remarkable leap into the top 10, jumping from 16th place in 2015 to 9th place this year. Meanwhile, Samuel experienced a significant decline, falling from 7th position to 15th. Other names showing upward momentum included Mateo, Leonardo, and Thiago, reflecting growing preferences for names with both traditional roots and contemporary appeal. Conversely, previously popular choices like Diego and José maintained strong positions but showed slight decreases in popularity. These trends illustrate how Hispanic naming practices continue to evolve while honoring cultural heritage.

The Hispanic baby name landscape saw notable shifts in 2016, with several names making significant jumps in popularity. Adrián emerged as the biggest climber, ascending an impressive 39 spots in the rankings. Other names gaining substantial ground included Izan, which rose 24 positions, Salvador with a 22-spot increase, and Hugo, which climbed 20 places. Meanwhile, some traditionally popular names experienced declines, with José and Carlos seeing their rankings drop for the third consecutive year. Parents seemed drawn to names with strong cultural roots but modern appeal, reflecting a balance between heritage and contemporary trends.

The landscape of Hispanic baby names for boys showed interesting shifts in 2016, with several names gaining unprecedented popularity while others experienced a notable decline. Names like Santiago, Mateo, and Sebastián continued their upward trajectory, capturing the hearts of many Hispanic parents with their classic yet contemporary appeal. Meanwhile, some names that were trending strongly in 2015 lost significant ground this year, including Juan, Ethan, Alonso, Máximo, and Damián. This shift reflects changing preferences among Hispanic families, who are increasingly embracing names that work well across cultures while still honoring their heritage. Traditional names with international appeal seem to be the winning formula for 2016, while exclusively traditional or overly trendy choices have seen their popularity wane.

2016 was a transformative year for Hispanic baby names, with several newcomers making impressive gains. Names like Mateo, Santiago, and Sebastian continued their upward trajectory, while traditional favorites such as José and Carlos saw slight declines. Cultural influences played a significant role, with names inspired by celebrities and sports figures gaining popularity—Leo and Thiago saw notable increases, likely influenced by soccer stars. Regional variations remained strong, with Joaquin and Adriel performing better in certain areas. Parents also showed increased interest in names with strong meanings and cultural heritage, balancing tradition with contemporary appeal.

Looking at the top Hispanic baby names for boys in 2016, we saw some clear winners emerging. Names like Leonel, Jacob, Sergio, and Marcos continued to dominate the popularity charts, reflecting traditional preferences while incorporating some modern trends. Meanwhile, several previously popular names saw declining rankings, giving way to fresh alternatives. For parents seeking distinctive names that aren't on the top 100 list, options beginning with 'C' and 'D' like Caleb, Ciro, Derek, and Dominic remain excellent choices that maintain Hispanic heritage while standing out from the crowd. The year showed a fascinating balance between time-honored family names and emerging contemporary selections influenced by global cultural exchanges.

The importance of baby name meanings

Understanding the cultural significance behind Hispanic names

When selecting a name for their baby boy, Hispanic families often consider both the meaning behind the name and its cultural significance. In 2016, our survey showed that parents valued names that conveyed strength (56%), intelligence, and leadership—qualities especially important in Hispanic naming traditions. Names like Santiago (meaning "saint"), Mateo ("gift of God"), and Sebastian ("revered") carry deep historical connections to Hispanic heritage while embodying these desired attributes. Many traditional Hispanic names honor family lineage, religious devotion, or cultural heroes, creating a meaningful connection between a child's identity and their ancestry. Some parents choose names that work well in both Spanish and English, such as Daniel, Adrian, and David, reflecting the bicultural experience many Hispanic families navigate in the United States. Understanding these naming patterns provides insight into how Hispanic families preserve cultural values while embracing contemporary trends in 2016.

Hispanic baby names often carry rich cultural heritage and deep historical significance that connect children to their roots. In 2016, many parents chose names that reflected traditional values while still feeling contemporary. Names like Santiago, Mateo, and Sebastian remained popular choices, combining religious significance with melodic sounds characteristic of Spanish language. Many Hispanic names honor saints or religious figures, making them meaningful beyond their aesthetic appeal. Others like Leonardo and Diego celebrate historical figures or carry powerful meanings about strength and character. Understanding the etymology of these names helps parents select options that not only sound beautiful but also convey the qualities and values they hope their sons will embody. The cultural significance extends beyond the name itself, creating a lasting connection to family traditions and Hispanic heritage.

• Hispanic names often carry deep cultural and historical significance, with many Aarón-like names having biblical origins that reflect strong family values
• Traditional Hispanic naming conventions frequently honor family members, saints, or express aspirational qualities like the strength implied in names such as Santiago
• Regional variations exist across Spanish-speaking countries, with some names like Mateo or Miguel maintaining popularity throughout the Hispanic world
• Many Hispanic names have beautiful meanings that parents select to bestow positive qualities on their children, similar to how Prince represents leadership
• The preservation of heritage through naming practices remains important for Hispanic families, especially in multicultural environments
• Modern Hispanic families often blend traditional names with contemporary choices, creating a rich tapestry of naming options

This year's top 100 Hispanic baby boy names

The complete ranking of most popular names for 2016

Choosing the perfect name for your baby boy is one of the most meaningful decisions you'll make as new parents. In 2016, Hispanic families continued to embrace both traditional and modern naming trends, with names like Santiago, Mateo, and Sebastián maintaining strong popularity. Many parents are selecting names that honor cultural heritage while also working well in multiple languages. Names with strong religious connections such as José, Jesús, and Miguel remain timeless choices, while newer favorites like Dylan and Iker show the influence of global trends. Whether you're looking for a name that celebrates your Hispanic roots or simply appreciate the beautiful sounds and meanings of these names, our comprehensive list offers wonderful options for your little one. Explore the complete ranking to find inspiration for your baby boy's perfect name.

Choosing the perfect name for your baby boy is an important decision, and many Hispanic parents look to both tradition and trends for inspiration. This comprehensive list features the 100 most popular Hispanic baby boy names in 2016. Names like Santiago, Mateo, and Sebastián continue to top the charts, while names such as Leonardo, Emiliano, and Thiago have gained significant popularity. Whether you're drawn to classic names with deep cultural roots or contemporary choices that blend Hispanic heritage with modern sensibilities, this ranking offers valuable insights into what Hispanic families across the United States and 22 Spanish-speaking countries are choosing for their sons.

1. Mateo- A variation of Matthew, meaning "gift of God," this name has risen in popularity across Hispanic communities.
2. Santiago- Meaning "Saint James," this powerful name combines religious significance with a melodic sound.
3. Matías- The Spanish form of Matthias, carrying the meaning "gift of God" with a distinctive accent.
4. Sebastián- Derived from the Greek for "venerable," this classic name has maintained strong popularity.
5. Benjamín- Meaning "son of the right hand" in Hebrew, this name blends biblical heritage with modern appeal.
6. Martín- Derived from Mars, the Roman god of war, this name suggests strength and determination.
7. Nicolás- The Spanish form of Nicholas, meaning "victory of the people," combining history with elegance.
8. Alejandro- The Spanish version of Alexander, meaning "defender of mankind," with a rich historical legacy.
9. Lucas- From the Latin meaning "light," this name has gained popularity for its brevity and warmth.
10. Diego- A Spanish name possibly meaning "supplanter" or derived from Santiago, popular for its strong sound.
11. Leonardo- Meaning "brave lion," this name carries artistic and intellectual associations.
12. Daniel- A biblical name meaning "God is my judge," appreciated for its timeless appeal.
13. Thiago- A variation of Santiago, offering a more contemporary sound while maintaining traditional roots.
14. Joaquín- Meaning "God will judge," this name has distinctive Spanish heritage and sophistication.
15. Samuel- A biblical name meaning "heard by God," blending traditional values with a friendly sound.
16. Gabriel- Named after the archangel, meaning "God is my strength," with both religious significance and melodic quality.
17. Tomás- The Spanish form of Thomas, meaning "twin," offering classical appeal with a Spanish accent.
18. Emiliano- Derived from the Roman family name Aemilius, suggesting industrious character and determination.
19. Dylan- A Welsh name meaning "son of the sea," adopted into Hispanic naming traditions for its modern sound.
20. Felipe- The Spanish form of Philip, meaning "lover of horses," with royal associations across Spanish-speaking countries.
21. Gael- Of Celtic origin meaning "generous" or "kind," this name has gained popularity in Hispanic communities.
22. David- A biblical name meaning "beloved," this classic choice spans many cultures with consistent popularity.
23. Maximiliano- A grand name meaning "greatest," offering numerous nickname possibilities while maintaining formality.
24. Ian- A Scottish form of John meaning "God is gracious," appreciated for its brevity and international appeal.
25. Bruno- From the Germanic meaning "brown" or "armor," this name has a strong, distinctive sound.
26. Hugo- Of Germanic origin meaning "mind" or "intellect," this name combines brevity with substance.
27. Adrián- Derived from Hadrian, meaning "from Hadria," this name has classic roots with contemporary appeal.
28. Leo- Meaning "lion" in Latin, this name suggests strength and courage in a concise form.
29. Iker- A Basque name meaning "visitation," popularized by Spanish sports figures.
30. Agustín- The Spanish form of Augustine, meaning "venerable" or "majestic," with philosophical associations.
31. Pablo- The Spanish equivalent of Paul, meaning "small" or "humble," with artistic and religious connections.
32. Emmanuel- A biblical name meaning "God is with us," offering spiritual significance with a formal sound.
33. Julián- Derived from Julius, meaning "youthful" or "downy-bearded," combining classical roots with modern appeal.
34. Isaac- A biblical name meaning "he will laugh," appreciated for its historic significance and pleasant sound.
35. Ignacio- From the Latin name Ignatius, meaning "fiery," with strong religious and historical associations.
36. Lorenzo- The Italian and Spanish form of Lawrence, meaning "crowned with laurels," suggesting victory and honor.
37. Francisco- Meaning "Frenchman" or "free man," this name has religious significance and a distinguished heritage.
38. Liam- An Irish short form of William, meaning "strong-willed warrior," increasingly popular in Hispanic communities.
39. Emilio- From the Roman family name Aemilius, suggesting industrious character and gentle strength.
40. Dante- Of Italian origin meaning "enduring," this name has literary prestige and a distinctive sound.
41. Aarón- The Spanish form of Aaron, meaning "high mountain" or "exalted," with biblical significance.
42. Valentino- Meaning "strong" or "healthy," this name suggests love and romance with Italian flair.
43. Bautista- Meaning "baptist," this name has strong religious connections while maintaining a distinctive sound.
44. Jerónimo- The Spanish form of Jerome, meaning "sacred name," combining religious heritage with melodic quality.
45. Rodrigo- Of Germanic origin meaning "famous ruler," this name has historic significance across Spanish-speaking countries.
46. Manuel- Derived from Emmanuel, meaning "God is with us," this name has been consistently popular in Hispanic culture.
47. Simón- The Spanish form of Simon, meaning "he has heard," with biblical resonance and a strong sound.
48. Pedro- The Spanish equivalent of Peter, meaning "rock" or "stone," suggesting steadfastness and reliability.
49. Ángel- Meaning "messenger" or "angel," this name combines spiritual significance with gentle character.
50. Álvaro- Of Germanic origin meaning "all cautious" or "guardian," this distinctly Spanish name has historic depth.
51. Alexander- Meaning "defender of mankind," this name offers international appeal with historical significance.
52. Vicente- From the Latin "vincens" meaning "conquering," suggesting strength and determination.
53. Franco- Meaning "free man" or "from France," this name has a strong, concise sound with Latin roots.
54. Álex- A short form of Alexander, offering the same strong meaning in a more casual, contemporary package.
55. León- Meaning "lion" in Spanish, this name suggests courage and nobility with a distinctive accent.
56. Andrés- The Spanish form of Andrew, meaning "manly" or "brave," with apostolic significance.
57. Santino- A diminutive of Santos, meaning "little saint," combining religious significance with an endearing quality.
58. Alonso- A Spanish form of Alfonso, meaning "noble and ready," with royal associations and historic depth.
59. Noah- A biblical name meaning "rest" or "comfort," increasingly adopted in Hispanic communities.
60. Luca- A variation of Lucas meaning "light," popular for its brevity and international appeal.
61. Juan José - A traditional compound name combining John ("God is gracious") and Joseph ("God will increase").
62. Fernando- Of Germanic origin meaning "brave journey," this name has historic significance throughout Spanish culture.
63. Antonio- From the Roman family name Antonius, this classic name has endured across centuries in Hispanic tradition.
64. Javier- Derived from the Basque place name Etxeberria, meaning "new house," with a distinctive Spanish character.
65. Rafael- Meaning "God has healed," this name references the archangel and suggests protective qualities.
66. Carlos- The Spanish form of Charles, meaning "free man," with royal associations across Spanish-speaking countries.
67. Juan Pablo - A compound name combining John ("God is gracious") and Paul ("small"), with religious significance.
68. Elías- The Spanish form of Elijah, meaning "Yahweh is God," with strong biblical connections.
69. Benicio- Derived from the Latin "benedictus" meaning "blessed," combining spirituality with a distinctive sound.
70. Enzo- Of Italian origin, likely derived from Henry meaning "home ruler," appreciated for its brevity and strength.
71. Oliver- From the Latin for "olive tree," symbolizing peace and fruitfulness, with growing popularity in Hispanic communities.
72. Marcos- The Spanish form of Mark, meaning "warlike" or "dedicated to Mars," with evangelical connections.
73. Damián- From the Greek "to tame" or "subdue," this name has religious significance and a distinctive sound.
74. Salvador- Meaning "savior" in Spanish, this name has deep religious significance and cultural resonance.
75. Máximo- Meaning "greatest" or "largest," suggesting excellence and achievement with Latin roots.
76. Izan- A modern name possibly derived from Ethan, gaining popularity in Spanish-speaking regions.
77. Facundo- From the Latin meaning "eloquent" or "fertile," this distinctive name has particular popularity in Argentina.
78. Sergio- From a Roman family name meaning "servant," suggesting dependability with Latin heritage.
79. Eric- Of Norse origin meaning "eternal ruler" or "ever powerful," adopted into Hispanic naming traditions.
80. Mario- Possibly derived from Mars, the Roman god of war, this name has a friendly sound with historic depth.
81. Luciano- Meaning "light" or "illumination," suggesting brightness of character and intellect.
82. Miguel- The Spanish form of Michael, meaning "who is like God," with archangelic associations.
83. Matthew- A biblical name meaning "gift of God," increasingly adopted in Hispanic communities.
84. Alan- Of Celtic origin possibly meaning "harmony" or "stone," appreciated for its brevity and international appeal.
85. Juan Martín - A compound name combining John ("God is gracious") with Martin ("dedicated to Mars").
86. Jacob- A biblical name meaning "supplanter," with growing popularity across cultural boundaries.
87. Christopher- Meaning "Christ-bearer," this name has religious significance with international recognition.
88. Esteban- The Spanish form of Stephen, meaning "crown" or "garland," suggesting honor and achievement.
89. Gonzalo- Of Germanic origin meaning "battle genius," this distinctively Spanish name has historic depth.
90. Áxel- The Spanish spelling of Axel, derived from the Hebrew Absalom meaning "father of peace."
91. Ethan- A Hebrew name meaning "strong" or "firm," increasingly popular in Hispanic communities.
92. Christian- Meaning "follower of Christ," this name has obvious religious associations with wide appeal.
93. Eduardo- The Spanish form of Edward, meaning "wealthy guardian," combining nobility with strength.
94. Jorge- The Spanish form of George, meaning "farmer" or "earth-worker," with saintly associations.
95. Juan- The Spanish equivalent of John, meaning "God is gracious," consistently popular across generations.
96. Bastián- A shortened form of Sebastián, maintaining the same meaning with a more contemporary sound.
97. Leonel- Meaning "little lion," this name suggests courage and nobility in a distinctive form.
98. Mauricio- Derived from the Latin "Maurus" meaning "dark-skinned" or "Moorish," with a sophisticated sound.
99. Tadeo- The Spanish form of Thaddeus, meaning "heart" or "courageous," with apostolic connections.
100. Marco- The Italian and Spanish form of Mark, meaning "warlike," with a strong, concise sound.