Choosing a baby name can feel surprisingly personal. A name may connect a child with family traditions, a particular region, a language, or simply a sound that parents love. If you are searching for 50 popular boys names in Spain, the latest official data gives an interesting picture of what Spanish families are choosing today. According to Spain’s National Statistics Institute, the latest available national birth-name data covers babies born in 2024, with Mateo ranking first among boys, followed by Hugo, Martín and Leo.
Spanish naming culture is particularly interesting because Spain is not linguistically or culturally uniform. A name that feels traditional in Andalusia may sound different in Catalonia, Galicia or the Basque Country. Regional languages also influence naming choices, which is why names such as Marc, Pau, Biel, Unai, Julen and Martí appear alongside widely used Spanish names.
There is also a noticeable balance between old and new. Traditional choices such as Manuel, Pablo, Alejandro, Antonio and Juan remain familiar, while shorter and more internationally recognizable names such as Leo, Enzo, Liam, Luca and Noah have become increasingly visible among younger generations.
The following list focuses on the 50 most frequently registered boys’ names among newborns in Spain in 2024, using the national ranking based on data from the Instituto Nacional de Estadística, or INE. The list is therefore more useful for understanding current baby naming preferences than a list based on the names of the entire Spanish population. The distinction matters because names that are extremely common among adults are not necessarily the names parents are choosing most often for babies today.
What Are the Most Popular Boys Names in Spain?
The latest national birth data shows a clear leader. Mateo was the most frequently registered boys’ name in Spain in 2024, with 3,289 newborn boys receiving the name. Hugo followed with 2,734, while Martín ranked third with 2,693. Leo occupied fourth place with 2,550 registrations.
Here are the 50 names in order:
- Mateo
- Hugo
- Martín
- Leo
- Manuel
- Lucas
- Pablo
- Alejandro
- Enzo
- Álvaro
- Daniel
- Thiago
- Luca
- Gonzalo
- Mario
- Liam
- Adrián
- Oliver
- Bruno
- Diego
- Gael
- Nicolás
- Alex
- Marcos
- David
- Marco
- Antonio
- Juan
- Miguel
- Gabriel
- Javier
- Izan
- Rodrigo
- Marc
- José
- Ángel
- Carlos
- Dylan
- Darío
- Noah
- Adam
- Jaime
- Samuel
- Nico
- Santiago
- Pau
- Guillermo
- Jorge
- Héctor
- Eric
The national ranking is based on births registered in 2024. The INE states that its newborn-name statistics provide the 100 most frequent names nationally and the 10 most frequent names in each autonomous community.
1. Mateo
Mateo currently sits at the top of Spain’s boys’ baby-name ranking. It is a traditional name with biblical roots and is widely recognized beyond Spain as well.
Its popularity makes sense for parents looking for something that feels established without sounding old-fashioned. Mateo is also relatively easy to pronounce in many languages, giving it an international quality.
In 2024, 3,289 boys born in Spain were registered with the name Mateo, making it the country’s most frequently chosen boys’ name.
2. Hugo
Hugo has remained one of Spain’s strongest modern favorites. It is short, distinctive and easy to pronounce.
The name has Germanic roots and is associated with the idea of mind, intellect or spirit. Its simple spelling also makes it practical in an increasingly international environment.
Hugo ranked second nationally in the 2024 newborn data with 2,734 registrations.
3. Martín
Martín combines a traditional European history with a contemporary sound. The name is associated with Saint Martin and ultimately derives from the Roman name Martinus.
It has a particularly natural rhythm in Spanish and remains familiar across generations.
Martín was the third most frequently registered boys’ name in Spain in 2024, with 2,693 newborns receiving the name.
4. Leo
Leo is one of the clearest examples of the appeal of short names.
With only three letters, it is easy to remember, easy to say and highly adaptable internationally. It can also be used as an independent name rather than simply a nickname.
Leo ranked fourth nationally in 2024, with 2,550 registrations.
5. Manuel
Manuel is a classic Spanish favorite with deep historical and religious associations. It is closely related to Emmanuel and has been used across Spanish-speaking communities for generations.
Although traditional, Manuel continues to appear among new baby names, showing that classic names have not disappeared from modern Spanish naming culture.
6. Lucas
Lucas is another name that successfully combines tradition and modern appeal. It has biblical origins and is recognizable throughout Europe and Latin America.
Its straightforward pronunciation makes it particularly suitable for families who want a Spanish-friendly name that also travels well internationally.
Lucas ranked sixth among Spanish newborn boys in 2024.
7. Pablo
Pablo is the Spanish form of Paul and has been a familiar name throughout Spain for generations.
It has strong religious and historical associations but still sounds natural in everyday modern Spanish.
The name is especially appealing to families who want a recognizable classic rather than a newly emerging trend.
8. Alejandro
Alejandro is the Spanish form of Alexander and carries a long historical tradition.
The name is often associated with strength, leadership and protection through its historical meaning and famous bearers.
Although longer than names such as Leo or Hugo, Alejandro has remained a major choice because it offers several familiar shortened forms while retaining a formal full name.
9. Enzo
Enzo stands out among the more traditional names in the Spanish ranking.
Its popularity reflects the growing appeal of names with an international sound. The exact historical development of Enzo is complex, with multiple linguistic associations, but in modern naming culture it is strongly associated with Italian usage and has spread well beyond Italy.
In Spain, it has become a recognizable choice for parents looking for something short and contemporary.
10. Álvaro
Álvaro is an old Iberian name with a distinctly Spanish character.
Its pronunciation and spelling immediately feel familiar in Spanish, while the name still works comfortably in formal and everyday settings.
It also became notable in the 2024 national ranking by entering the top ten boys’ names, replacing Daniel in that group.
11. Daniel
Daniel is a biblical name with international recognition.
It has remained popular because it works equally well for children and adults and is easily recognized in many languages.
Although it moved outside the top ten in the 2024 national ranking, it remains one of the most frequently selected boys’ names in Spain.
12. Thiago
Thiago is increasingly visible among contemporary Spanish-speaking families.
It has connections to the Santiago family of names and has become particularly familiar across Spain and Latin America.
Its strong rhythm and modern feel make it appealing to parents looking for a traditional connection with a fresher sound.
13. Luca
Luca is closely related to Lucas but has a slightly different international character.
Its use in Spain reflects the broader movement toward short names that work across several European languages.
It is especially attractive for parents who want something familiar without choosing one of the most traditional Spanish forms.
14. Gonzalo
Gonzalo is a name with strong Spanish historical associations.
It has medieval roots and has long been connected with Spanish history and literature.
For parents who want a name that feels unmistakably Iberian, Gonzalo offers a combination of heritage and individuality.
15. Mario
Mario is concise, familiar and widely understood.
It has Roman roots and has been used extensively throughout Spain and other European countries.
The name feels traditional without being overly formal, which helps explain its continued presence among modern newborn names.
16. Liam
Liam is an Irish-origin name that has become increasingly international.
Its appearance in Spain’s top 50 demonstrates that Spanish baby naming is not limited to names of Spanish or Latin origin.
Liam is short, recognizable and strongly connected with modern global naming trends.
17. Adrián
Adrián is the Spanish form of Adrian and has Latin roots.
It has a polished but approachable sound and is familiar throughout Spanish-speaking communities.
The accented spelling is part of standard Spanish usage, giving the name a distinctly Spanish appearance even though related forms are used internationally.
18. Oliver
Oliver has become increasingly popular across Europe.
Its presence in Spain reflects a broader interest in names that sound natural in multiple languages.
It feels modern but not invented, and its simple pronunciation makes it convenient for internationally connected families.
19. Bruno
Bruno has Germanic roots and has long been used across Europe.
It is short, distinctive and easy to remember.
In Spain, Bruno occupies an interesting middle ground between a traditional European name and a modern baby-name choice.
20. Diego
Diego is strongly associated with Spanish language and culture.
It has a long history of use and remains familiar across Spain and Latin America.
For parents looking for a name with a clear Spanish identity, Diego is one of the most recognizable choices in the ranking.
21. Gael
Gael has a compact, contemporary sound and has gained attention among younger families.
The name has associations with Gaelic identity and has also developed a strong presence in Spanish-speaking countries.
Its growing popularity reflects the increasing willingness of parents to choose names with cultural connections outside traditional Spanish naming patterns.
22. Nicolás
Nicolás is the Spanish form of Nicholas.
The name has Greek roots and has a long Christian and European history.
It feels traditional while still being suitable for modern children, making it a flexible choice for families who want something recognizable but not overly common.
23. Alex
Alex is one of the most internationally adaptable names on the list.
It can function as a short form of Alejandro or Alexander, but many families also use it independently.
Its simplicity makes it especially attractive in multilingual households.
24. Marcos
Marcos is the Spanish form of Marcus.
It has ancient Roman roots and has been used throughout the Spanish-speaking world for generations.
The name is familiar without feeling excessively formal, giving it strong everyday appeal.
25. David
David is one of the most universally recognized biblical names.
Its long history, simple pronunciation and international familiarity have helped it remain popular across generations.
In Spain, David continues to be a dependable classic even as newer names rise around it.
26. Marco
Marco is closely related to Marcos but has a distinctly international and Italian feel.
Its short length and strong pronunciation make it appealing to parents who want a European-style name.
It also demonstrates how Spanish naming preferences increasingly overlap with wider European naming trends.
27. Antonio
Antonio is one of Spain’s great traditional names.
Interestingly, the distinction between names popular among newborns and names common across the entire population is very important here. Antonio remains the most frequent male first name among residents of Spain according to the latest population census data, with 590,938 men bearing it as of January 1, 2025.
Its position among newborns is lower, showing how naming preferences can change across generations.
28. Juan
Juan is the Spanish equivalent of John and has centuries of history.
It is strongly established in Spanish culture and frequently appears in compound names.
Despite its traditional character, it remains recognizable and relevant to modern families.
29. Miguel
Miguel is the Spanish form of Michael.
It has biblical origins and has long been popular throughout Spain.
The name feels classic, strong and familiar, making it a natural option for families who prefer traditional choices.
30. Gabriel
Gabriel has biblical roots and is widely recognized internationally.
Its soft opening and strong ending give it a distinctive sound in Spanish.
It has also become popular across many countries, making it a useful choice for families with international connections.
31. Javier
Javier is particularly associated with Spanish naming culture.
The name is connected historically with Xavier and has been widely used in Spain.
It carries a mature, established character while remaining perfectly natural for a newborn.
32. Izan
Izan represents the more modern side of Spanish naming trends.
Its appearance in the national top 50 shows that contemporary parents are increasingly open to shorter names with modern sounds.
It is less traditional than names such as Juan or Antonio, which gives it a distinctly younger feel.
33. Rodrigo
Rodrigo is an old Germanic-origin name that became deeply established in Iberian history.
It is associated with medieval Spain and therefore carries a strong historical character.
At the same time, its distinctive rhythm keeps it from sounding dated.
34. Marc
Marc is particularly interesting from a regional perspective.
It is widely associated with Catalan usage and appears alongside other regionally distinctive names in the national ranking.
Its short form makes it easy to use internationally while retaining a clear cultural identity.
35. José
José is one of the most enduring traditional names in Spain.
It is the Spanish form of Joseph and has deep religious and cultural significance.
Although today’s newborn-name trends favor shorter or more international choices, José remains firmly established in Spanish society.
36. Ángel
Ángel has a distinctive Spanish identity and religious association.
It can sound traditional while still being relatively short.
The accented spelling is important in Spanish because it reflects the standard pronunciation of the name.
37. Carlos
Carlos is the Spanish form of Charles.
It has a long European history and remains a familiar name across generations.
Its straightforward pronunciation and strong cultural recognition make it a dependable classic.
38. Dylan
Dylan represents another international influence on Spanish baby naming.
Originally associated with Welsh language and culture, it has become globally recognizable through literature and popular culture.
Its appearance in Spain’s top 50 illustrates how contemporary families draw inspiration from a much wider naming landscape.
39. Darío
Darío has ancient Persian roots and has been used in Spanish-speaking cultures for generations.
The name has an elegant sound and a clear historical background.
Its continued popularity shows that parents do not necessarily choose only the newest names. Some prefer distinctive names with deep historical roots.
40. Noah
Noah is a biblical name with enormous international recognition.
Its short spelling and cross-language familiarity make it particularly appealing to modern parents.
Its appearance in Spain’s ranking is another sign that international names are becoming a visible part of contemporary Spanish naming culture.
41. Adam
Adam is another biblical name used across many languages and cultures.
Its simplicity makes it easy to pronounce and spell.
In Spain, it is also part of the broader multicultural naming landscape, particularly noticeable in communities with diverse cultural backgrounds.
42. Jaime
Jaime is a classic Spanish name related historically to James.
It has a particularly established place in Spanish naming tradition and has been used across many generations.
For parents who want a traditional name that is less common among today’s youngest children than Mateo or Hugo, Jaime can offer a good balance.
43. Samuel
Samuel has biblical origins and remains widely used internationally.
It works naturally in Spanish and many other languages.
The name has a warm, traditional quality while still feeling contemporary enough for today’s families.
44. Nico
Nico is short, friendly and internationally recognizable.
It can be used as an independent given name or as a familiar form of Nicolás and related names.
Its presence in the ranking reflects the growing appeal of concise names.
45. Santiago
Santiago is one of the most culturally significant Spanish names.
It is traditionally associated with Saint James and has a particularly strong connection with Spanish history and religious heritage.
Unlike many short modern choices, Santiago has a long, distinctive form that remains immediately recognizable.
46. Pau
Pau is strongly associated with Catalan and Valencian naming traditions and is also related to the broader Paul family of names.
Its three-letter form fits the current preference for short names while retaining regional character.
Its presence in the national top 50 is a useful reminder that Spain’s naming culture includes several languages and regional traditions.
47. Guillermo
Guillermo is the Spanish form of William.
It has Germanic roots and a long European history.
The name feels formal and traditional, but its continued use demonstrates that longer classic names remain part of Spain’s modern naming landscape.
48. Jorge
Jorge is the Spanish form of George.
It is historically established and has strong international equivalents.
Its pronunciation is unmistakably natural in Spanish, making it a straightforward choice for families seeking a familiar traditional name.
49. Héctor
Héctor comes from the Greek name associated with the famous figure in Homer’s Iliad.
It has a strong literary and historical background.
The name has also remained popular in Spanish-speaking communities because it combines an ancient origin with a modern, easy-to-pronounce form.
50. Eric
Eric is a Scandinavian-origin name that has become widely international.
Its appearance at number 50 shows how Spanish naming preferences include names from many European linguistic traditions.
It is short, simple and recognizable, qualities that are increasingly attractive to modern parents.
Regional Diversity in Spanish Boys Names
One of the most fascinating parts of Spanish naming culture is regional variation.
Spain contains several official languages and strong regional identities, and these differences can be reflected in baby names.
The latest INE data shows that Mateo was the leading boys’ name in many autonomous communities, but regional favorites differed in several areas. For example, Manuel was the leading boys’ name in Extremadura and Andalusia, while Martí was the leading boys’ name in Catalonia. Ceuta and the Canary Islands also showed distinctive patterns compared with much of mainland Spain.
This means that asking for the “most Spanish” boys’ name does not necessarily produce one answer.
A family in Barcelona might naturally consider names such as Marc, Pau, Martí or Biel. A Basque family may prefer names such as Unai or Julen. In Andalusia, traditional names such as Manuel can remain particularly strong.
That regional diversity is one of the reasons Spanish baby names are so interesting.
Why Short Boys Names Are So Popular
Look at the top of the 2024 list and a pattern quickly becomes obvious.
Mateo, Hugo, Leo, Lucas, Enzo, Luca and Liam are all relatively short.
Short names are not automatically better, of course, but they have practical advantages. They are usually easy to say, easy to remember and often easier to pronounce in different languages.
For families living in multilingual environments, this can be particularly useful.
A child may grow up speaking Spanish while also encountering English, Catalan, Basque, French or another language at school or through family connections.
A name that works comfortably across languages can therefore feel like a practical long-term choice.
Traditional Versus Modern Spanish Boys Names
The 2024 ranking does not show a complete shift away from tradition.
Instead, it reveals a mixture.
Traditional names such as Manuel, Pablo, Alejandro, Antonio, Juan, Miguel, Javier and José continue to appear.
At the same time, names such as Leo, Enzo, Liam, Noah, Dylan and Eric reflect international influences.
This combination is important.
Modern Spanish parents are not necessarily abandoning traditional naming culture. Many appear to be combining cultural familiarity with international usability.
That creates a naming landscape where Mateo can sit comfortably beside Liam, while Pablo appears alongside Enzo.
How to Choose a Spanish Boys Name
If you are choosing a name for a baby, popularity is only one consideration.
A useful approach is to think about the name from several angles.
Consider the Full Name
Say the first name together with the family surname.
A name that sounds wonderful on its own may sound different when combined with one or two surnames.
Think About Pronunciation
If your family lives internationally, consider how the name will sound in other languages.
Names such as Leo, Lucas, Daniel and Gabriel tend to travel easily.
Consider Family Heritage
A traditional family name can carry emotional value that cannot be measured by a popularity ranking.
A less common name may also be meaningful if it connects a child with grandparents or earlier generations.
Check Regional Associations
If your family has a strong Catalan, Basque, Galician or other regional identity, you may want to explore names from that linguistic tradition.
Do Not Choose Solely Because a Name Is Trending
Popularity changes.
A name at number one today may move down the ranking in a few years.
The most important question is whether the name feels right for your family and works well with the child’s full name.
Popular Spanish Boys Names Versus Most Common Adult Names
There is an important difference between a popular baby name and a common name in the overall population.
For example, Antonio is the most common male first name among residents of Spain in the latest population data, with 590,938 men carrying the name as of January 1, 2025.
Yet Mateo was the most frequently registered boys’ name among newborns in 2024.
This tells us something valuable about naming trends.
The names most common among adults often reflect choices made decades ago.
Baby-name rankings reveal what the newest generation of parents is choosing now.
Looking at both sets of information gives a much clearer picture of how Spanish naming culture is evolving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular boys name in Spain?
Mateo was the most frequently registered boys’ name among newborns in Spain in 2024, with 3,289 registrations according to the INE.
What are the top five boys names in Spain?
The top five boys’ names for newborns in Spain in 2024 were Mateo, Hugo, Martín, Leo and Manuel.
What is the most common male name in Spain?
Among the entire male resident population, Antonio was the most frequent first name in the latest INE population data, with a reference date of January 1, 2025. This is different from the newborn ranking, where Mateo led in 2024.
Is Mateo a Spanish name?
Mateo is widely used in Spain and throughout the Spanish-speaking world. It is the Spanish form of Matthew and has biblical origins.
What are some modern Spanish boys names?
Modern popular choices include Mateo, Leo, Enzo, Luca, Liam, Gael, Izan, Noah and Nico. Several of these also have strong international usage.
What are some traditional Spanish boys names?
Traditional choices include Manuel, Pablo, Alejandro, Antonio, Juan, Miguel, José, Carlos, Javier, Jorge and Santiago.
Which Spanish boys names work well internationally?
Names such as Leo, Lucas, Mateo, Daniel, Gabriel, David, Liam, Oliver and Noah are relatively easy to recognize across different languages and cultures.
Are Catalan boys names included in Spain’s national ranking?
Yes. The national ranking includes names registered across Spain, including names associated with regional languages and cultures. Names such as Marc and Pau appear in the national top 50, while Martí is especially associated with Catalan usage.
Are Basque boys names popular in Spain?
Some Basque names are particularly popular in the Basque Country and may appear differently in regional rankings than in the national list. Names such as Unai and Julen are examples of distinctive Basque choices.
Is Hugo still a popular name in Spain?
Yes. Hugo remains extremely popular. It ranked second nationally among boys born in 2024, with 2,734 registrations.
Is Leo a popular Spanish boys name?
Yes. Leo ranked fourth nationally among boys born in Spain in 2024, with 2,550 registrations.
Are international names becoming more common in Spain?
International names are clearly represented in the current ranking. Liam, Oliver, Dylan, Noah and Eric all appeared among the 50 most frequently registered boys’ names in 2024. This suggests that Spanish baby naming is influenced by a broader international naming culture as well as traditional Spanish and regional names.
The list of 50 popular boys names in Spain offers a fascinating snapshot of how naming preferences are changing.
Mateo currently leads the national newborn ranking, followed by Hugo, Martín and Leo. These names share a combination of familiarity, easy pronunciation and strong cultural recognition. At the same time, traditional names such as Manuel, Pablo, Alejandro, Juan and Miguel remain firmly present.
Then there are the names that show Spain’s increasingly international character. Liam, Oliver, Dylan, Noah and Eric demonstrate that parents are drawing inspiration from beyond traditional Spanish naming conventions.
Regional identity also continues to matter. Names associated with Catalan, Basque and other linguistic traditions add another layer of diversity to the national picture.
The most useful takeaway is that popularity is only part of the story. A name can be fashionable, traditional, regional, international or deeply connected to family history. The best choice depends on what matters most to the people choosing it.
If you are exploring names for a baby, it can also be helpful to consider broader cultural and travel interests when thinking about names and their origins. For example, readers interested in wider geographic culture can explore this complete guide to the East Coast of the United States for another look at how places, history and culture shape the way people experience the world.
For families making the final decision, say the name aloud, combine it with the surname, consider its pronunciation in the languages your child may encounter, and think about whether you still love it after the initial excitement of seeing it on a popularity list has passed.
After all, a popular name may tell you what many families are choosing. Your child’s name should ultimately tell your own family’s story.
Informational Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational and educational purposes. Baby-name rankings can change from year to year and may differ by autonomous community, language, methodology and reference period. The national ranking discussed here is based on the latest available Spanish newborn-name data for 2024 published by the INE.
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