100 most popular Spanish baby names for boys in 2012

The most popular baby names for boys chosen by Momcozy Hispanic parents are here! This comprehensive list features traditional Spanish names like Santiago, Mateo, and Sebastián, as well as international favorites that have gained popularity in Spanish-speaking communities. Whether you're looking for a name with historical significance, religious meaning, or simply a beautiful sound, this collection of the 100 most popular Spanish boy names from 2012 offers wonderful options for your little one. (Also see our list of the most popular Spanish baby names for girls in 2012 .)

Interested in discovering the most traditional and popular Spanish names for baby boys from 2012? This comprehensive list showcases the top 100 names that Spanish-speaking families chose for their sons. Names like Santiago, Mateo, and Sebastián dominated the charts that year. For more recent naming trends, check out our most popular boy names from 2018 list to see how Hispanic naming preferences have evolved over time.

Spanish baby names for boys on the move in 2012

Boys' names in Spanish-speaking countries tend to be more conservative and traditional than girls' names, and 2012 was no exception to this trend. There were minimal changes in the top 10 most popular names, with Santiago maintaining its dominant position at number one and Matías climbing one spot to secure second place. Other enduring favorites like Sebastián, Alejandro, and Diego continued to appear in the top rankings, reflecting Spanish parents' preference for classic, strong masculine names with historical significance. Unlike the girls' list, which saw several new entries, the boys' rankings demonstrated remarkable stability, with traditional saints' names and those with Latin or Hebrew origins remaining particularly popular among Spanish-speaking families.

The landscape of Spanish baby names saw interesting shifts in 2012, with several names making significant jumps in popularity. Leonardo made an impressive climb, rising 14 positions from the previous year to secure the number 11 spot, just outside the coveted top 10. His surge in popularity likely owes much to celebrity influence, particularly after being chosen by renowned Spanish actors Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem for their son. Other traditional Spanish names like Mateo, Hugo, and Diego maintained strong positions, while names with international appeal such as Daniel and Pablo continued to charm Spanish parents. The year also witnessed the revival of classic names including Manuel and Antonio, demonstrating Spain's enduring appreciation for its cultural naming heritage.

The landscape of Spanish boys' names saw significant shifts in 2012, with several names gaining remarkable popularity. In the sports world, goalkeeper Iker Casillas continued his rise to fame following the 2010 World Cup success, climbing an impressive 37 positions to reach number 20 on the popularity chart. His stellar performances for both Spain and Real Madrid cemented his name's appeal among new parents. Even more dramatic was the leap made by Esteban, which surged in popularity thanks to its classic appeal and strong cultural roots. Other traditional Spanish names like Mateo, Hugo, and Pablo maintained their steady presence, while newer entries such as Thiago and Leo began making their mark on the charts, reflecting evolving naming preferences among Spanish families.

Spanish baby names continued to evolve in popularity throughout 2012, with some dramatic shifts in the rankings. Names like Mateo and Hugo saw remarkable jumps, with Mateo climbing an impressive 48 places from the previous year. Cultural influences, celebrity babies, and a return to traditional Spanish naming patterns all contributed to these shifts. Other notable risers included Izan, Iker, and Bruno, reflecting Spain's blend of modern trends and rich heritage in naming practices. What makes a name suddenly capture the imagination of so many parents in such a short time?

The landscape of Spanish baby names for boys saw notable shifts in 2012, with several newcomers joining the ranks of the 100 most popular choices. Names like Patricio, Caleb, Marcos, and Salvador made impressive debuts, reflecting evolving parental preferences. Traditional compound names also gained traction, with Juan Ignacio, Mauricio, Juan Felipe, and Gonzalo entering the list. These names showcase the beautiful blend of classic Spanish heritage and contemporary appeal that continues to characterize naming trends in Spanish-speaking communities.

The landscape of Spanish baby names underwent significant shifts in 2012, with several previously popular names losing ground. Names that notably declined in popularity included Ignacio, Christian, Sergio, Anthony, Joshua, Juan Martín, Álvaro, and Valentín. (Curiously, Valentín's feminine counterpart, Valentina, continues to do very well on the list of most popular girls' names from 2012.) Meanwhile, traditional Spanish names like Hugo, Pablo, and Mateo maintained their strong positions, reflecting Spain's balance between honoring tradition and embracing modern naming trends.

Top 100 Spanish baby names for boys in 2012

1. Santiago - Derived from "Sant' Iago," the Spanish for "Saint James." He is the patron saint of Spain, and the name carries a strong, traditional, and historical significance throughout the Hispanic world.
2. Matías - The Spanish form of Matthias, which comes from the Hebrew name Mattathias, meaning "gift of God." It’s a classic and gentle name with deep biblical roots.
3. Sebastián - From the Greek name Sebastianos, meaning "venerable" or "revered." The name is associated with Saint Sebastian, a widely venerated Christian martyr, giving it a timeless and noble feel.
4. Mateo - The Spanish version of Matthew, also meaning "gift of God." It shares the same Hebrew origin as Matías but has become a more popular and modern-sounding choice in many countries.
5. Nicolás - The Spanish form of Nicholas, from the Greek name Nikolaos, meaning "victory of the people." It's a classic name known worldwide, associated with Saint Nicholas.
6. Alejandro - The Spanish form of Alexander, a Greek name meaning "defender of mankind." It’s a powerful and classic name, famous for historical figures like Alexander the Great.
7. Samuel - A Hebrew name meaning "heard by God" or "name of God." Samuel was a major prophet in the Old Testament, making this a respected and enduring biblical name.
8. Diego - A classic Spanish name whose exact origin is debated. It is often considered a short form of Santiago (Saint James), or it may derive from the Greek word *didache*, meaning "teaching."
9. Daniel - A Hebrew name meaning "God is my judge." Daniel is a major biblical prophet known for his wisdom and faith, making this a perennially popular and respected name.
10. Benjamín - The Spanish form of Benjamin, from a Hebrew name meaning "son of the right hand." In the Bible, Benjamin was the youngest and favored son of Jacob.
11. Leonardo - A name of Germanic origin, meaning "brave lion." It is famously associated with the ultimate Renaissance man, Leonardo da Vinci, giving it an artistic and intellectual flair.
12. Tomás - The Spanish form of Thomas, an Aramaic name meaning "twin." He was one of the twelve apostles, known for his initial doubt.
13. Joaquín - From the Hebrew name Yehoyaqim, meaning "God will establish." In Christian tradition, Joachim was the father of the Virgin Mary.
14. Gabriel - A Hebrew name meaning "God is my strength." Gabriel is one of the most important archangels in Abrahamic religions, known as a divine messenger.
15. Emiliano - A name of Latin origin, from the Roman family name Aemilianus, meaning "rival." It has a strong, classic, and slightly romantic sound.
16. Martín - The Spanish form of Martin, derived from the Latin name Martinus, which is related to Mars, the Roman god of war. It means "warlike."
17. Lucas - The Spanish and Latin form of Luke, meaning "from Lucania" (a region in Italy) or "light." St. Luke is the author of the third Gospel in the New Testament.
18. Agustín - The Spanish form of Augustine, a Latin name meaning "great" or "magnificent." It is famously associated with St. Augustine of Hippo, a key figure in Western philosophy.
19. David - A classic Hebrew name meaning "beloved." David was the second king of Israel, a heroic figure, and a major subject in art and literature.
20. Iker - A popular name of Basque origin, meaning "visitation." It gained widespread popularity thanks to the famous Spanish football goalkeeper, Iker Casillas.
21. Juan José - A very common compound name in Spanish, combining Juan ("God is gracious") and José ("God will add").
22. Maximiliano - The Spanish form of Maximilian, a Latin name meaning "greatest." It has a grand, imperial feel, used by emperors and saints.
23. Adrián - The Spanish form of Adrian, from the Latin name Hadrianus, meaning "man of Adria" (a town in northern Italy). It's a sleek and classic name.
24. Emmanuel - A Hebrew name meaning "God is with us." In the Bible, it is a prophetic name for the Messiah.
25. Felipe - The Spanish form of Philip, from a Greek name meaning "lover of horses." It is a traditional royal name in Spain.
26. Juan Pablo - A compound name combining Juan ("God is gracious") and Pablo ("small, humble"). It was popularized globally by Pope John Paul II.
27. Andrés - The Spanish form of Andrew, from a Greek name meaning "manly" or "brave." Andrew was one of the first apostles of Jesus.
28. Jerónimo - The Spanish form of Jerome, a Greek name meaning "sacred name." Saint Jerome is famous for translating the Bible into Latin.
29. Ángel - The Spanish word for "angel," derived from the Greek word *angelos*, meaning "messenger." It has a gentle and spiritual quality.
30. Rodrigo - A Spanish name of Germanic origin, meaning "famous ruler." It was the name of the last Visigothic king of Spain.
31. Bruno - A name of Germanic origin, meaning "brown" or "bear." It has a strong yet friendly feel.
32. Alexander - The Latinized form of the Greek name Alexandros ("defender of mankind"). It's a powerful, classic name used internationally.
33. Thiago - A popular Portuguese and Spanish name that is a variant of Tiago, itself a short form of Santiago (James). It means "supplanter."
34. Pablo - The Spanish form of Paul, from a Latin name meaning "small" or "humble." Saint Paul was one of the most influential figures in early Christianity.
35. Ian - A name of Scottish Gaelic origin, being the form of John. It means "God is gracious."
36. Isaac - A Hebrew name meaning "he will laugh." In the Bible, Isaac was the long-awaited son of Abraham and Sarah.
37. Miguel Ángel - A compound name combining Miguel ("who is like God?") and Ángel ("messenger"). It is forever linked to the great Renaissance artist Michelangelo.
38. Fernando - The Spanish form of Ferdinand, a Germanic name meaning "brave journey." It has a long history as a royal name in Spain.
39. Javier - A Spanish name of Basque origin, meaning "new house." It became famous through Saint Francis Xavier, a co-founder of the Jesuit order.
40. Emilio - The Spanish form of Emil, a Latin name meaning "rival." It is a classic and sophisticated name.
41. Juan Sebastián - A compound name combining Juan ("God is gracious") and Sebastián ("venerable"). It is strongly associated with the composer Johann Sebastian Bach.
42. Alonso - A Spanish name of Germanic origin, meaning "noble and ready." It is a variant of Alfonso and has a classic, strong character.
43. Aarón - The Spanish form of Aaron, a Hebrew name of uncertain meaning, possibly "mountain of strength" or "exalted." Aaron was the brother of Moses.
44. Rafael - The Spanish form of Raphael, a Hebrew name meaning "God has healed." Raphael is one of the archangels known for his healing powers.
45. Esteban - The Spanish form of Stephen, from a Greek name meaning "crown" or "wreath." Saint Stephen was the first Christian martyr.
46. Juan Diego - A compound name combining Juan and Diego. It is famously associated with Saint Juan Diego, the indigenous Mexican visionary of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
47. Axel - A Scandinavian name derived from the Hebrew name Absalom, meaning "father of peace." It has a modern and edgy feel.
48. Francisco - The Spanish form of Francis, from a Latin name meaning "Frenchman" or "free man." It is widely associated with Saint Francis of Assisi.
49. Bautista - The Spanish word for "baptist." As a name, it refers to Saint John the Baptist and has a strong religious connotation.
50. Carlos - The Spanish form of Charles, from a Germanic name meaning "free man." It is a classic and strong royal name.
51. Dylan - A name of Welsh origin, meaning "son of the sea" or "great tide." It has become popular internationally.
52. Juan - The Spanish form of John, from a Hebrew name meaning "God is gracious." It is one of the most common and classic names in the Spanish-speaking world.
53. Julián - The Spanish form of Julian, a Latin name meaning "youthful" or "downy-bearded," related to the Roman emperor Julius Caesar.
54. Manuel - A short form of Emmanuel, a Hebrew name meaning "God is with us." It is a very popular and classic name in Spanish culture.
55. Facundo - A name of Latin origin, meaning "eloquent" or "talkative." It is popular in South America, particularly Argentina.
56. Gael - A name of uncertain origin, possibly Welsh or Breton, which may mean "generous lord." It has become very popular in recent years.
57. Valentino - An Italian and Spanish name of Latin origin, meaning "strong, healthy, brave." It is associated with romance due to Saint Valentine.
58. Damián - The Spanish form of Damian, from a Greek name meaning "to tame" or "subdue." It is a strong and classic name.
59. Santino - A name of Italian origin, used in Spanish as well. It's a diminutive of Santo, meaning "little saint" or "holy."
60. Vicente - The Spanish form of Vincent, a Latin name meaning "conquering" or "victorious."
61. Máximo - The Spanish form of Maximus, a Latin name meaning "greatest." It has a powerful and heroic quality.
62. Christopher - A name of Greek origin, meaning "bearer of Christ." It refers to the legend of Saint Christopher who carried the Christ child across a river.
63. Jorge - The Spanish form of George, from a Greek name meaning "farmer" or "earth-worker." It is a classic and strong name worldwide.
64. Luciano - The Spanish and Italian form of Lucian, derived from the Latin name Lucius, meaning "light."
65. Dante - A name of Latin origin, short for Durante, meaning "enduring" or "steadfast." It is famously associated with the Italian poet Dante Alighieri.
66. Alan - A name of uncertain origin, possibly Breton or Celtic. The meaning might be "handsome" or "rock."
67. Cristóbal - The Spanish form of Christopher, meaning "bearer of Christ."
68. Jesús - The Spanish form of Jesus, from the Hebrew name Yehoshua, meaning "God is salvation." It is a very common and revered name in the Hispanic world.
69. Lorenzo - The Spanish and Italian form of Lawrence, a Latin name meaning "from Laurentum" (an ancient Roman city).
70. Alex - A short form of Alexander, meaning "defender of mankind." It is a popular and friendly standalone name.
71. Juan Esteban - A compound name combining Juan ("God is gracious") and Esteban ("crown").
72. Patricio - The Spanish form of Patrick, a Latin name meaning "patrician" or "nobleman."
73. Pedro - The Spanish form of Peter, from the Greek word *petros*, meaning "rock." Peter was one of the most important apostles.
74. Juan Manuel - A popular compound name combining Juan ("God is gracious") and Manuel ("God is with us").
75. Matthew - The English form of Mateo, from the Hebrew name meaning "gift of God."
76. Antonio - The Spanish and Italian form of Anthony, from a Roman family name of uncertain, possibly Etruscan, origin. It is often said to mean "priceless."
77. Iván - The Spanish and Slavic form of John, meaning "God is gracious." It offers a more modern alternative to Juan.
78. José - The Spanish form of Joseph, from a Hebrew name meaning "he will add" or "God will increase." Joseph was the earthly father of Jesus.
79. Hugo - A name of Germanic origin, meaning "heart, mind, spirit." It is a short, strong, and classic European name.
80. Josué - The Spanish form of Joshua, a Hebrew name meaning "God is salvation." Joshua was the leader of the Israelites after Moses.
81. Lautaro - A name of Mapuche (indigenous Chilean) origin, meaning "swift hawk." He was a famous Mapuche warrior leader.
82. Diego Alejandro - A compound name combining the popular classic Diego and the powerful Alejandro ("defender of mankind").
83. Miguel - The Spanish form of Michael, from a Hebrew name meaning "who is like God?" It is the name of one of the most powerful archangels.
84. Franco - A name of Germanic origin, meaning "Frenchman" or "free man." It can be a short form of Francesco.
85. Kevin - A name of Irish origin, from Caoimhín, meaning "handsome birth." It is popular internationally.
86. Luis - The Spanish form of Louis, from a Germanic name meaning "famous warrior." It has a long history of use by royalty.
87. Simón - The Spanish form of Simon, a Hebrew name meaning "he has heard." It was the original name of the apostle Peter.
88. Elías - The Spanish form of Elijah, a Hebrew name meaning "my God is Yahweh." Elijah was a major prophet in the Bible.
89. Caleb - A Hebrew name of uncertain meaning, possibly "dog," "devotion," or "whole-hearted." In the Bible, Caleb was a companion of Joshua.
90. Eduardo - The Spanish form of Edward, from an Old English name meaning "rich guard."
91. Ricardo - The Spanish form of Richard, a Germanic name meaning "powerful leader."
92. Juan David - A compound name combining Juan ("God is gracious") and the Hebrew name David ("beloved").
93. Marcos - The Spanish form of Mark, derived from the Latin name Marcus, which is related to Mars, the Roman god of war.
94. Salvador - A Spanish name meaning "savior." It directly refers to Jesus Christ and is famous for artist Salvador Dalí.
95. Jacobo - The Spanish form of Jacob, a Hebrew name meaning "supplanter." It is a more direct cognate of Jacob than the more common Santiago.
96. Juan Ignacio - A compound name combining Juan ("God is gracious") and Ignacio (from St. Ignatius, possibly meaning "fiery").
97. Camilo - A name of Latin origin that referred to a young, noble attendant in religious rituals. It has a soft and gentle sound.
98. Mauricio - The Spanish form of Maurice, a Latin name meaning "dark-skinned" or "Moorish."
99. Juan Felipe - A compound name combining Juan ("God is gracious") and Felipe ("lover of horses").
100. Gonzalo - A Spanish name of Germanic origin, from elements meaning "battle" or "war." It was a common medieval name.

This comprehensive list of the 100 most popular Spanish baby names for boys in 2012 was compiled based on data shared with us by Hispanic parents across the United States and 22 Spanish-speaking countries through our sister site, Momcozy en Español. These names reflect the rich cultural traditions and naming preferences among Spanish-speaking families who welcomed baby boys between January and November 2012. From traditional favorites like Santiago, Mateo, and Sebastián to rising stars like Leonardo and Emiliano, this collection showcases the beautiful diversity of Spanish male names that resonated with parents throughout the Hispanic world.