Whether you have Spanish/Latino roots or you just like the lilt of this Romance language, Spanish names sit quite well with canines. From Diego to Frida, there is a myriad of Spanish names that your pup will gladly respond to. Vamos!
Most popular Spanish names
Although ethnic stereotypes aren’t something to joke about, there is a set of Spanish names that are more popular than others. Take “Diego” for example, as both soccer legend Maradona and Frida Kahlo’s husband, the painter Diego Riviera, bore the same name.
Then we have Corazón, for all the lovely (and hearty) pups out there. Benito & Benita are popular names también, as they mean “blessed/blessing” in English. For smaller breeds, Pequeño & Pequeña (“the little one”) present a natural choice.
The Spanish equivalent of “Fluffy” is Mullido/Millida, while Almo/Alma would be the way we say “Soul.” Then there is Amor (“love” in Latin), Feliz for a happy mutt, Risa for a smiling dog, and Querida for a “dear” little pup.
Finally, we have Dulce for a “sweet” canine, Mariposa (a butterfly), Hermoso (“isn’t he a pretty boy”), Brisa (for a fast mutt), Diez, Rojo (if your dog has a fiery personality), Pablo (a classic), Zorro (for all Antonio Banderas fans), Soledad, and Uno, which is the way Italians too say “you’re my number one.”
Corazón is a perfect name for all the lovely (and hearty) pups out there.
Male vs female Spanish names
As you have seen from our suggestions so far, numerous dog names can have both masculine and feminine forms. Take for instance the name Alejandro, immortalized in Lady Gaga’s 2009 eponymous hit song. When naming a female pup, it’s easy to transform it into Alexandra (like the actress Alexandra Daddario).
Male name ideas
When you have a perro, i.e. a male dog, then you can name it Carlos, meaning “a free man.” This name would be ideal for a mischievous dog hard to train or for a hairless breed reminding you of Roberto Carlos, the lauded Brazilian football star.
Another all-time favorite is Fernando (or Ferdinand), which is the name of a cartoon bull that literally translates as “a bold voyager.” Not that famous but still an ideal name for a boisterous puppy is Inigo, meaning “fiery.”
If these three names aren’t quite what you are looking for, can we offer Chico/Chiquito (both variants mean “a small boy”), Domingo, Federico, José (sounds more exotic than Joseph, definitely), Dali (or use the famous painter’s first name: Salvador), etc.
Truth be told, the full list of male Spanish names is endless: Antonio, Enrique (we’ve all heard of the famous singer named Iglesias or his father, Julio), Armando, Mario, Marco, Paco, Hernando (for an inquisitive animal), Felipe, Miguel, etc.
Truth be told, the full list of male Spanish names is endless!
Female name ideas
If a perra stole your heart, then a suitable name for your female pup could be Carina, Carissa, Bonita, Eva, or Querida. One of the most popular Spanish names is Bella (also found in Italian), meaning “beautiful,” but much easier to pronounce than the English counterpart.
We’ve already mentioned that Frida is a great name for a feisty and artsy girl dog but did you know that this name translates as “peace?” Esperanza is a name full of “hope” and Consuela will provide “comfort” for any lonely person.
Other names suitable for señoritas include Elena, Rosa (a name you can’t go wrong with), Estrella (for a pup that is the star of your life), Emilia, Coqueta, María, Gitana, Dahlia (if your dog is gentle as a flower), etc.
One of the most popular Spanish names is Bella (also found in Italian), meaning “beautiful.”
Spanish dog names based on the animal’s color
You’re probably encountered human and canine names such as Churro, Lobo, or Cuervo before but did you know they were based on colors? Whether your new pup is white, black, or brown, here are some “colorful” Spanish names that would perfectly suit them.
Spanish names for white dogs
Even though you own an American Eskimo, why not name it Blanco or Blanca. Fantasma, meaning a “ghost,” is another reference to the color white, while Relámpago is an original name for a “lightning” fast canine.
If your dog is a (white) ray of light in your light, then the name Lucia is more than appropriate. Luz is also a good alternative (literally meaning “light”), while the name Diamante has a certain shine to it. Cielo, Chispa, Bombón, Luna, Perla, Paloma, Corderito (a “little lamb”), and Santama are among other suggestions.
Even though you own an American Eskimo, why not name it Blanco or Blanca.
Spanish names for black dogs
Although the color black is associated with darkness, night, and mostly negative stuff, there is hardly anything cuter than a black pup. Perhaps its name is Cuervo, Frijon, or Ensueño? Spanish words related to blackness are useful for name ideas; just consider how innocent Diablito (a “little devil”) sounds.
Instead of naming your dog Pepper, use the Spanish variant Pimiento. Ocaso is “twilight” and Diablo goes perfectly with a large black hound.
Pantera would be great for a canine with silky fur, while Rebelde goes well with a pup with a rebellious temper. Noche, Morena, and Regaliz are some other names to consider.
Spanish names for brown dogs
Brown and light brown dogs are quite common, so why not make your animal unique with a Spanish-sounding name! Churro is a sweet name taken from a Spanish dessert; Galleta is Spanish for “cookie,” and Lobo (a “wolf”) is the name best suited for a ferocious canine.
On the other side, if you own a cute little put, Pepito is a great naming option. Then there are Caramelo, Castaña, and Canela (“cinnamon”), as well as Avellana (the English variant would be “Hazel”) or Oro (an appropriate name for a Golden Retriever).
Bandito is a great name for a tiny rascal and Gordito suits a dog that is constantly hungry.
Bonus category: Wacky Spanish dog names
Have people ever made fun of your pet Chihuahua in the street? Disregard such vile tongues and embrace your four-legged goofball by giving it a wacky Spanish name. For instance, Bandito is a great name for a tiny rascal and Gordito suits a dog that is constantly hungry.
A stumpy French Bulldog can become Canijo, while Torpe is a good name for a clumsy pup. Chorizo goes well with a Dachshund, Delgado is for all the skinny mutts out there, and Fiesta (“party”) is suitable for a restless dog.
After English, Spanish is the second most spoken language in the United States. Naming your dog Rojo or Bella means most folks will probably understand the symbolism behind your choice.
Plus, a Spanish dog name will evoke images of fiestas and sunshine every time you call Chilito to come back into the house.
Did you know that some of our veterinarians speak Spanish? Schedule your appointment today to keep your amigo healthy and happy.
