Many factors will likely influence the name you choose for your baby, including your family’s cultural background. There’s just something special about giving a nod to your roots and, for me, that meant honoring my family’s Mexican heritage when naming my daughter. In turn, I fell in love with the beauty and strength of Latin baby names.
While the Latinx community is diverse and full of many cultures, they (mostly) share a common language—Spanish. The following names are best pronounced in their original language and show the diversity, strength, and beauty of Latin America. Plus, Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15th to October 15th, so now is the perfect time to explore Hispanic culture and baby names.
More Baby Name Ideas to Consider:
- 45 Gorgeous Greek Baby Names and Their Meanings
- Bonjour, Mon Amour! 40+ of Our Favorite French-Inspired Baby Names
- The Italian Baby Names Americans Are Loving in 2025
Read on for 50 Latinx inspired baby names we love for both boys and girls.
Latin baby names for girls
Adriana
Pronunciation: ay-dree-ah-nuh
The name Adriana means “From Hadria” or “dark one,” and originates from the ancient Italian city of Hadria on the Adriatic Sea. It carries ties to ancient Rome and nobility, and above all else, has an air of elegance that makes it an ideal choice for your little girl.
Camila
Pronunciation: kuh-mih-luh
Derived from a latin word meaning “priest’s helper,” the name Camila has ties to ancient Rome. However, today it is gaining popularity due to Latinas like Camila Cabello and Camila Alves McConaughey.
Carmen
Pronunciation: kahr-mehn
Meaning “garden,” Carmen would be a fitting name choice for a baby girl born in the spring or summer.
Carolina
Pronunciation: kah-ɾoh-lee-nah
A variation of Caroline, Carolina is a timeless name that rolls off the tongue beautifully and is the namesake of iconic fashion designer Carolina Herrera. Try calling your baby “Caro” for short.
Celia
Pronunciation: see-lee-uh
Celia is of Latin origin and means “heavenly.” Music lovers can pay homage to Celia Cruz, who is one of the most popular Latin artists of the 20th century. Originally from Cuba, Cruz helped popularize salsa music.
Elena
Pronunciation: eh-leh-nah
Elena means “bright, shining light” and gives nod to the bright, sunny skies much of Latin America is known for.
Emilia
Pronunciation: eh-meel-ee-uh
Meaning “industrious” or “eager,” Emila is elegant and beautiful while also carrying associations with ambition and hard work.
Eva
Pronunciation: eh-va
Meaning “life,” Eva is the perfect name to inspire a love of living in your baby girl. Famous “Evas” include Eva “Evita” Perón and Eva Mendes.
Gabriela
Pronunciation: gab-ree-eh-luh
Literature lovers take note: Gabriela has deep roots in literary history. Gabriela Mistral, a Chilean poet, was the first Hispanic person to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Isabel
Pronunciation: ee-sah-behl
Isabel is the Spanish variation of Elizabeth and comes with a host of nicknames including Isa, Izzy, or Bel. A variation of Isabel, Isabella is the name of the renowned Queen Isabella I of Spain.
Luna
Pronunciation: Loo-nuh
This may be one of the most popular choices on the list. Luna translates directly to “moon” and is short, simple, and sweet.
Paloma
Pronunciation: pah-loh-mah
Meaning “dove” in Spanish, Paloma is a name that symbolizes peace. It is also the name of jewelry designer Paloma Picasso, daughter of artists Pablo Picassco and Françoise Gilot.
Selena
Pronunciation: seh-leh-nah
Selena means “moon goddess” and is the namesake of one of the most famous Mexican-American singers in recent history, Selena Quintanilla. Selena is an iconic and powerful name choice.
Sofía
Pronunciation: soh-fee-uh
Though originally of Greek origin, Sofía is a popular choice for girls in Hispanic culture. The name itself translates to “wisdom” and is an elegant and simple choice.
Valentina
Pronunciation: Val-en-tee-nuh
Meaning “strong” or “healthy,” Valentina is a longer option for a girl name and carries with it ties to strength and vitality.
Other Latin baby girl names
- Ana
- Anita
- Fernanda
- Karla
- Maya
- Mira
- Ramona
- Raquel
- Sierra
- Valeria
Latin baby names for boys
Alejandro
Pronunciation: ah-leh-hahn-droh
Alejandro is a variation of Alexander and means “defender” or “warrior” making this a strong name choice.
Benito
Pronunciation: beh-nee-toh
This baby name is for the music lovers—Benito Antonio Martnez Ocasio, aka Bad Bunny, could be the reason for this name’s resurgence. Meaning “blessed,” Benito is a sweet choice for your little boy.
Carlos
Pronunciation: car-lohs
A variant of the British name “Charles,” Carlos means “free man,” and has both Spanish and Latin roots. With ties to freedom, this name is the perfect choice to remind your little boy to live his life to the fullest.
Cesar
Pronunciation: seh-sahr
Cesar is an alternative to the Roman Caesar and the name of farm workers’ rights activist Cesar Chavez. This name is sure to inspire a little leader.
Diego
Pronunciation: dyeh-goh
The name Diego has long been popular in Latin America and its influence can be seen cross-culturally. Your Diego would join famous Latinos such as artist Diego Rivera and actor Diego Luna.
Emiliano
Pronunciation: eh-mee-lee-AH-noh
Emiliano boasts Italian, Spanish, and Latin roots. It means “eager” or “rival” and carries ties to enough prominent historical figures that your little boy is sure to feel inspired.
Enrique
Pronunciation: ehn-rree-keh
This name has strong ties to music thanks to Enrique Iglesias and Enrique “Ricky” Martin. It means “home ruler” which may be an appropriate title for your new baby.
Luis
Pronunciation: loo-ess
The name Luis means “famous warrior,” making the name full of strength and courage. If you name your baby Luis, he will share a name with Luis Miguel, one of the most successful music artists in Latin America.
Mateo
Pronunciation: ma-tay-oh
In addition to its Spanish and Latin roots, Mateo is also a biblical name literally meaning “Gift of God.” It stems from Matthew, one of the New Testament’s 12 apostles.
Pedro
Pronunciation: peh-droh
Meaning “stone” or “rock,” the name Pedro shows strength. It has literary roots and was used in Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. It’s also been made famous by actor Pedro Pascal.
Rafael
Pronunciation: Rah-fae-el
The Spanish variant of the Hebrew name Raphael, this name means “God heals,” and is the perfect choice if you to hope raise your baby in faith.
Roberto
Pronunciation: rroh-behr-toh
Meaning “bright fame,” Roberto may be the name for you if you love baseball. Legendary right fielder Roberto Clemente was the first Latino baseball player inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame.
Santiago
Pronunciation: sahn-tyah-goh
Meaning “Saint James,” Santiago is a tried-and-true name in the Spanish-speaking world. Santiago is the patron saint of Spain making this name a timeless choice.
Sebastián
Pronunciation: seh-bahs-tee-ahn
The name Sebastian, meaning “revered,” has gained popularity across cultures in recent years. The Spanish pronunciation is a great way to differentiate your baby’s name.
Xavier
Pronunciation: hah-vee-air (Spanish) OR zay-vee-ur (American English)
Xavier is a masculine name with both Spanish and Basque origins. It literally translates to “new house,” which makes it a charming choice to celebrate a new addition to your family.
Other Latin baby boy names
- Adrian
- Alonso
- Cortez
- Elian
- Gabriel
- José
- Leo
- Luca
- Ramiro
- Victor
Dana Peters, Contributing Writer
Dana Peters is a writer and registered dietitian specializing in family and kids nutrition living in Wisconsin. She is mom to Charlie and Eva, a wannabe baker, and a farmer’s market enthusiast.
Rebecca Smith, Editorial Intern
As editorial intern, Rebecca works with The Everymom team on updating existing content, photo sourcing, pitching original articles, and more. She’s passionate about creating authentic and diverse online content, and is thrilled to help women of all ages feel represented by contributing to The Everymom.
