Popular Mexican male names!

Are you having a baby boy? Congratulations! You still don't have the name? Well, it’s not an easy task. It takes time, research, and even some discussions for parents to define a baby’s name. And we appreciate their effort because it’s not minor! Names have meanings, and they can be associated with positive or negative elements of specific cultures. Of course, there are legal ways to change your name if you don’t like it. But let’s say it goes with you all your life.

While choosing a name for a newborn, some parents look for uniqueness as a strategy to be distinguished from the rest. Others prefer names to honor natural elements, loved or admired people, too.

Names become a key aspect of people’s personalities. And popular names in a country may give interesting hints about its personality. If you are having a baby and looking for name choices, or if you are a traveling lover, just like us, this article is for you. Let’s discover together the most popular male names Mexicans choose for their babies!

What are the most popular Mexican male names?

The National Institute of Statistics and Geography of Mexico (INEGI) updates data every five or ten years. Previously, we’ve already shared the top names preferred by Mexicans to name their baby boys, based on the 2020 report. However, the institute published an update in 2022, so here you have the fifteen most popular Mexican male names.

Santiago

It’s a name with Spanish, Galician, and Portuguese roots. It’s derived from Saint James the Great, who was the brother of John the Apostle.

Mateo

It’s the Spanish version of the Hebrew name Matthew means “gift of God”. It traces back to the Hebrew name Mattityahu and one of the twelve apostles in the Bible.

Sebastián

Its origin is Greek (Sebastianos) and means “venerable”. It was popularized by Saint Sebastian, an early Christian martyr often depicted tied to a tree and shot with arrows.

Leonardo

The Italian version of Leonhard (leo-lion and hard-brave). It's a Germanic name that means “brave as a lion”. It gained fame through Renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci.

Matías

A Spanish variant of Matthias that also means “gift of God”. In the Bible, Matthias replaced Judas Iscariot as one of the twelve apostles after his betrayal.

Daniel

It means "God is my judge" in Hebrew. The biblical Daniel was known for interpreting dreams and surviving the lions' den, symbolizing faith and wisdom under pressure.

Emiliano

It’s the Italian and Spanish version of “Aemilianus”, a popular Roman family name. It means “rival” or "eager".

Miguel Ángel

This double name combines Miguel (Michael – "Who is like God") and Ángel ("angel" or "messenger"). It’s the name of the closest archangel to God, the one in charge of carrying out his judgments. It was famously carried by artist Michelangelo.

Diego

Short form of Santiago. Diego likely evolved from the Latin "Didacus," meaning "teacher" or "doctrine." It became widespread in medieval Spain and is famously associated with the legendary figure Diego de la Vega (Zorro).

Alejandro

Spanish version of Alexander that means "defender of men." It’s linked to Alexander the Great, the Macedonian conqueror who created one of the largest empires in history.

Alexander

Latin version of Alexandros, a Greek name meaning “defender of men”. This powerful name is immortalized by Alexander the Great and remains a symbol of leadership, strength, and ambition across cultures.

Ángel

Spanish version of the Latin “angelus” that means “messenger” or “God's messenger”.

Jesús

It means “Yahvé is the savoir”. It comes from the Aramaic “Yeshúa”. It honors the central figure of Christianity and salvation.

Gael

Originally, it was the way to call the descendants of the Celts in Scotland, “the one coming from the islands”. The name was associated with “healer, little, lovely”.

David

It means "beloved" in Hebrew. It became known from the biblical King David -poet, warrior, and unifier of Israel-, a figure in the Christian tradition and the Hebrew Bible.

What do the most popular Mexican male names show?

Popular Mexican male names show a preference for Spanish versions of historical and religious names. This could be understood if you consider Mexican History and the influence that Spain and Christianity had on the country. Mexicans also prefer traditional names over newer ones. This list also shows Mexicans have given a break to the double name use that has been very popular for years. Only “Miguel Ángel” remains in the top positions.

If you are missing popular names such as “Juan” or “José”, don’t worry! They are still in use! They just moved to lower positions in the popular name ranking. That’s good news because Mexico wouldn't be the same without Juanes and Josés! Remember, there are plenty of names, this top fifteen is only the tip of the iceberg. It just shows the latest preferences for naming Mexican male newborns.

Have you been to Mexico? Would you give one of these names to your baby boy? Would you change your name to one of these? Share with us the most popular male names in your country! Traveling is fun and a great source of inspiration. Don’t hesitate, just pack and go!

Source, INEGI, National Institute of Statistics and Geography of Mexico. 

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