Lorraine Williamson
The most popular baby names in Spain for 2025 show a clear departure from tradition. Data released by Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE) points to an increasing preference for short, international names over those influenced by religion or family heritage.
Names such as Hugo and Lucía continue to dominate, but newer entries reflect changing demographics and wider cultural influences.
Historical influence: Church, state, and law
Up until the late 20th century, names in Spain were largely dictated by Catholic tradition and legal restrictions. Following the Council of Trent in the 16th century, Christian names were promoted. By 1917, religious names became a legal requirement, further reinforced under Franco’s regime, which banned regional and non-Catholic names altogether.
After the 1980s, legislation relaxed, opening the door for foreign, secular, and more individualistic names. This shift allowed names like Leo, Emma, and Mia to enter mainstream use—many of which have no religious or familial link.
Hugo and Lucía still lead the charts
According to the most recent INE data, Lucía has remained the most chosen name for girls since 2003. Hugo, meanwhile, has regularly topped the boys’ list since 2013. The top ten names for 2023 were:
Girls: Lucía, Sofía, Martina, María, Julia, Valeria, Olivia, Emma, Paula, Vega
Boys: Hugo, Mateo, Martín, Leo, Lucas, Manuel, Pablo, Alejandro, Enzo, Daniel
The consistency of Lucía and Hugo signals some continuity amid the broader changes.
Regional variation plays a key role
Spain’s autonomous regions continue to shape naming practices. In Catalonia, names like Montserrat honour local saints. The Basque Country favours Iker and Ainhoa, while in Ceuta and Melilla, Arabic names such as Mohammed and Yasmina dominate due to regional demographics.
From Antonio to Enzo: A generational contrast
Though modern names are on the rise, traditional ones still represent a significant portion of the population. Antonio remains the most common name among men in Spain, with an average age of over 58. María Carmen, the top name among women, averages over 61 years old.
The gap between current trends and generational naming habits illustrates a wider transformation in societal values.
Baby names mirror the spirit of the times
Names in Spain have always reflected historical and social contexts. During the Spanish Republic, names like Libertad and Democracia emerged. Under Franco, compound Catholic names like José Antonio became common. Today, globalisation, media, and migration are key influences.
The growing popularity of unique and culturally diverse names, such as Ayzal or Zunaisha, points to a more open and multicultural society. Even the use of diminutives—like Lola for Dolores or Pepe for José—demonstrates a tendency to modernise tradition.
As Spain continues to evolve, so too does the way its citizens name their children—balancing identity, heritage, and the globalised world around them.
These names are forbidden to give to your child in Spain