As the cultural richness of Mexico continues to influence the world, so does the charm and uniqueness of its baby names. The deep-rooted history, vibrant traditions, and melodious language of this Latin American country have given birth to a plethora of baby names that are beautiful and carry significant meanings.
Diving into the realm of Mexican baby names, one finds a perfect blend of originality, cultural significance, and poetic beauty. These names are deeply tied to the country’s heritage, each carrying a story or tradition within its syllables. From traditional to modern, this list will introduce you to twenty of the most favored names for newborns in Mexico, offering a glimpse into Mexican culture’s rich tapestry.
Most Popular Baby Names for Girls in Mexico
10. Renata
According to the latest data from Mexico’s national statistics agency, INEGI, Renata is the tenth most given baby name for girls. The name is rising in the US and is widespread across the Americas. Renata comes from a Latin root that means “reborn.”
9. Victoria
One of the Western World’s most beloved names is also home in Mexico. Victoria comes from a Latin root that means “victorious.” The name ranks 43rd in the US but ninth in Mexico.
8. María Fernanda
The compound appellation María Fernanda is more popular than standalones María and Fernanda which are both beloved in Mexico. María comes from a Hebrew root that means “bitter,” while Fernando is of Germanic origin, meaning “bold voyager.”
7. Ximena
Ximena is a feminine form of Ximeno, an appellation of Spanish origin that means “son.” Ximena is wildly popular in the Latino community, making it a cherished choice in the US, where it ranks 143.
6. Valeria
Valeria is popular in many countries, including the US, but it is most prevalent in Spain and Mexico today. Valeria comes from a Latin root that means “strength.”
5. Camila
Mexico’s fifth most popular appellation is enjoying its best performance ever in the US. It rests just outside the top ten. Camila is the Spanish preferred spelling of Camilla, a name with a Latin root that means “young ceremonial attendant.”
4. Regina
St. Regina was a third-century virgin martyr, and giving her name to little girls became common in the Middle Ages. This appellation is likely popular in Mexico thanks to its connection to Regina Coeli, one of the Virgin Mary’s many titles. While Regina is going strong in Mexico, the name has slipped in the US, but it does show signs of a comeback.
3. Valentina
Valentina is a name that performs well in dozens of countries worldwide. Mexico’s third most given name is more popular than ever in the US, ranking just outside the top 50. Valentina comes from a Latin root that means “strength.”
2. María José
María José is often given in reference to the mother and foster father of Jesus. María is the Latinate form of Mary, meaning “bitter.” José is Joseph’s Spanish and Portuguese form, meaning “Jehovah increases.” This compound appellation is beloved in Mexico and Portugal.
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1. Sofia
The thirteenth most given name in the US ranks first in Mexico. Sofia is the preferred spelling of Sophia across most of Europe and the Americas. Sofia comes from a Greek root that means “wisdom.”
Most Popular Baby Names for Boys in Mexico
10. Diego
Diego is rising in the US, but it is tenth in Mexico. The name is a form of James, meaning “supplanter.” One famed artist with the name is Diego Rivera, a worthy namesake.
9. Miguel Ángel
Miguel Ángel is a compound Spanish appellation that references the archangel Michael. Miguel is the Spanish form of Michael, meaning “who is like God?” Ángel is a popular masculine given name among Spanish speakers.
8. Gael
Gael is a name that is most popular among Spanish and Portuguese speakers, but it is on the rise in the US as well. The name is of Breton origin and means “Gaelic.” We likely have actor Gael Garcia Bernal to thank for the prevalence of this appellation.
7. Daniel
Daniel is a popular name for boys in countless countries. Of all of them, it is most commonly given in Mexico. Daniel comes from a Hebrew root that means “God is my judge.” The name has been in the top-fifteen in the US since 1972.
6. Emiliano
Emiliano is a Latinate name that means “rival.” The appellation has profound significance in Mexico, as Emiliano Zapata Salazar was a leading figure in the Mexican Revolution who helped establish the country as we know it today.
5. Matías
Matías is the Spanish form of Matthias, a name of Aramaic origin, meaning “gift of God.” We see it more commonly as Matthew in English-speaking communities.
4. Leonardo
Leonardo is more prevalent in the US than ever before. The appellation is of Italian and Spanish origin, meaning “brave lion.” Leonardo is the top name for boys in Italy and ranks fourth in Mexico.
3. Sebastián
Sebastián comes from Greek and Latin and means “from Sebastia.” Sebastian, without the accent, performed its best ever in the US in the most recent tally, ranking thirteenth. Where in the world are boys given this appellation most? Mexico!
2. Mateo
The US and Mexico have so much in common. Mateo is the most popular name for Spanish-speaking families in the US. It has rocketed up the charts to the eleventh spot. In many other countries where Spanish is spoken, Mateo is the top name, including Chile and Argentina. It means “gift of God.”
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1. Santiago
The patron saint of Spain, Santiago, is a massive hit in Mexico. This name originated in Latin and means “Saint James.” Santiago is more prevalent in the US than ever, ranking in the top 50. It only ranks number one in one country, Mexico.
The allure of Mexican baby names lies in their rich cultural resonance and profound meanings. These names are not just monikers but a celebration of heritage, values, and hopes parents have for their children. Whether you’re of Mexican descent or love the sound and significance these names carry, we hope this list of the 20 most popular baby names in Mexico has inspired you. Remember, choosing a name is an important decision that helps shape your child’s identity and the unique individual they will become.