176 names

176 Spanish dog names (with English meanings)

Spanish is made for calling dogs. Most words end in a clear vowel, the rhythm is bouncy, and plenty of everyday Spanish words, from Amigo to Churro, sound like they were invented for a wagging tail.

This list covers classic Spanish first names, affectionate words, foods, nature words and places you might associate with Spain, Mexico and Latin America. Each name comes with its English meaning, so you can pick one that fits your dog's coat, size or personality. A cinnamon-colored pup might be Canela, a scrappy small dog could be Chico, and a gentle soul could be Alma.

If you are a Spanish speaker, or just love the language, say the name out loud in your normal voice before you decide. Names with two syllables, like Paco, Rosa and Chico, are easiest to call and train.

Spanish Dog Names
Photo: Robert Simmons · CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

Classic Spanish boy names

  • Diego♂Classic Spanish name, often linked to the apostle James
  • Mateo♂Spanish form of Matthew, meaning gift of God
  • Santiago♂Spanish for Saint James
  • Carlos♂Spanish form of Charles, meaning free man
  • Pablo♂Spanish form of Paul, meaning small or humble
  • Paco♂Pet form of Francisco
  • Pancho♂Another pet form of Francisco
  • Pepe♂Pet form of José
  • Miguel♂Spanish form of Michael, meaning who is like God
  • Javier♂Basque in origin, meaning new house
  • Rafael♂Hebrew for God has healed
  • Alejandro♂Spanish form of Alexander, meaning defender of mankind
  • Joaquin♂Hebrew for raised up by God
  • Esteban♂Spanish form of Stephen, meaning crown
  • Rodrigo♂Germanic in origin, meaning famous ruler
  • Enrique♂Spanish form of Henry, meaning ruler of the home
  • Felipe♂Spanish form of Philip, meaning lover of horses
  • Hugo♂Germanic for mind or spirit
  • Ignacio♂Latin in origin, often read as fiery
  • Jorge♂Spanish form of George, meaning farmer
  • Julio♂Spanish form of Julius
  • Luis♂Spanish form of Louis, meaning renowned warrior
  • Manuel♂Hebrew for God is with us
  • Pedro♂Spanish form of Peter, meaning rock
  • Ramon♂Spanish form of Raymond, meaning wise protector
  • Ricardo♂Spanish form of Richard, meaning brave ruler
  • Roberto♂Spanish form of Robert, meaning bright fame
  • Salvador♂Spanish for savior
  • Tomas♂Spanish form of Thomas, meaning twin
  • Vicente♂Latin for conquering
  • Sancho♂Don Quixote's loyal squire in Cervantes's novel
  • Quijote♂The dreamer knight of Cervantes's novel
  • Chico♂Boy or little guy

Classic Spanish girl names

  • Rosa♀Rose
  • Carmen♀From the Spanish title Our Lady of Mount Carmel
  • Lucia♀Light
  • Camila♀Of Latin origin, meaning attendant
  • Paloma♀Dove
  • Esperanza♀Hope
  • Alma♀Soul
  • Marisol♀Sea and sun
  • Pilar♀Pillar
  • Inés♀Pure
  • Elena♀Bright light
  • Gabriela♀God is my strength
  • Catalina♀Spanish form of Catherine, meaning pure
  • Consuelo♀Consolation
  • Perla♀Pearl
  • Dulce♀Sweet
  • Bonita♀Pretty
  • Linda♀Pretty
  • Amapola♀Poppy
  • Azucena♀Lily
  • Margarita♀Daisy or pearl
  • Violeta♀Violet
  • Rocío♀Dew
  • Alba♀Dawn
  • Aurora♀Dawn
  • Lupe♀Pet form of Guadalupe
  • Paz♀Peace
  • Luz♀Light
  • Valentina♀Strong and healthy
  • Josefina♀Spanish form of Josephine
  • Rosita♀Little rose
  • Chica♀Girl or little girl

Affectionate and everyday words

  • Amigo♂Friend
  • Amiga♀Female friend
  • CariñoDarling or sweetheart
  • CorazónHeart
  • TesoroTreasure
  • Querido♂Dear one
  • MimoPampering or affectionate attention
  • Guapo♂Handsome
  • Guapa♀Pretty or good-looking
  • Bonito♂Pretty or nice
  • Chiquito♂Little one
  • Chiquita♀Little girl
  • Pequeño♂Small
  • FelizHappy
  • ValienteBrave
  • FuerteStrong
  • LibreFree
  • Travieso♂Mischievous
  • Loco♂Crazy
  • Bandido♂Bandit
  • ProntoQuickly
  • RapidoFast
  • FiestaParty
  • SiestaAfternoon nap
  • GraciasThank you
  • HolaHello
  • OleA cheer of approval
  • MuchoA lot
  • GrandeLarge

Spanish foods and treats

  • ChurroFried dough stick
  • TacoFolded tortilla with filling
  • NachoShort for Ignacio; also a favorite snack
  • BurritoRolled tortilla with filling; also little donkey
  • TamaleSteamed corn dough parcel
  • EmpanadaStuffed pastry
  • Paella♀Rice dish from Valencia
  • Tortilla♀Flatbread or Spanish potato omelet
  • Salsa♀Sauce
  • Chorizo♂Spicy cured sausage
  • FlanCaramel custard
  • TapasSmall plates
  • JalapeñoHot pepper
  • GuacamoleAvocado dip
  • Canela♀Cinnamon
  • CaféCoffee
  • Miel♀Honey
  • Azúcar♀Sugar
  • MaízCorn
  • FrijolBean

Nature, animals and weather

  • Oso♂Bear
  • Lobo♂Wolf
  • Toro♂Bull
  • León♂Lion
  • Tigre♂Tiger
  • Águila♀Eagle
  • Halcón♂Hawk
  • SolSun
  • Estrella♀Star
  • CieloSky or heaven
  • MarSea
  • RíoRiver
  • Playa♀Beach
  • Arena♀Sand
  • Fuego♂Fire
  • Viento♂Wind
  • Trueno♂Thunder
  • Relámpago♂Lightning
  • Tormenta♀Storm
  • Nube♀Cloud
  • Lluvia♀Rain
  • Nieve♀Snow
  • Selva♀Jungle
  • Bosque♂Forest
  • Flor♀Flower
  • Mariposa♀Butterfly

Colors

  • Negro♂Black
  • Blanco♂White
  • Rojo♂Red
  • AzulBlue
  • VerdeGreen
  • Dorado♂Golden
  • Plata♀Silver
  • Oro♂Gold
  • Moreno♂Dark-haired or dark-skinned

Festive names and places

  • Matador♂Bullfighter
  • Torero♂Bullfighter
  • Caballero♂Gentleman or knight
  • Conquistador♂Spanish conqueror
  • FlamencoSpanish dance and music
  • FandangoLively Spanish dance
  • BoleroSlow Spanish dance
  • MariachiMexican folk band
  • SombreroWide-brimmed hat
  • Piñata♀Party container that gets cracked open
  • Maracas♀Shaker instruments
  • Guitarra♀Guitar
  • Rumba♀Cuban dance
  • Madrid♂Spain's capital
  • Sevilla♀Southern Spanish city
  • Granada♀City of the Alhambra
  • Toledo♂Historic city in central Spain
  • Córdoba♂City in southern Spain with a famous mosque
  • Valencia♀Spanish port city
  • Barcelona♀Catalan capital
  • Mallorca♀Largest of the Balearic Islands
  • IbizaBalearic island
  • Havana♀Capital of Cuba
  • Acapulco♂Mexican beach resort
  • Durango♂Mexican state and city
  • Sonora♀Mexican state and desert
  • Sierra♀Mountain range

Tips for choosing

Check that the name does not sound like a cue you already use in English, such as no, sit or down. Say it out loud in a happy voice and in a firm voice, and ask a friend if it blurs with any command.

Spanish nicknames are also fun: add -ito or -ita to make a name smaller and sweeter. Perro becomes Perrito, Paco becomes Paquito, and Rosa becomes Rosita. Those diminutives are used all over the Spanish-speaking world.

For a foodie twist, browse our food dog names. If you have a Chihuahua, a Mexican-themed name feels especially fitting, since the breed is named for a Mexican state.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good Spanish name for a male dog?

Diego, Mateo, Pablo, Paco, Chico and Santiago are common choices. For a bolder feel, try Fuerte (strong), Valiente (brave) or Toro (bull).

What is a good Spanish name for a female dog?

Rosa, Paloma (dove), Estrella (star), Esperanza (hope), Bonita (pretty) and Dulce (sweet) are popular. Shorter options such as Luz (light) and Flor (flower) are crisp and easy to call.

How do you pronounce Spanish dog names?

Spanish vowels are consistent: a is ah, e is eh, i is ee, o is oh and u is oo. Churro is CHOO-rroh, Jalapeño is hah-lah-PEN-yoh and Paloma is pah-LOH-mah. Whichever version you choose, use it the same way each time.

What does Chico mean?

Chico means boy or little guy in Spanish, and chica means girl. Both are common affectionate names for small dogs.

More name ideas

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