Argentine names are deeply influenced by the country's history, a mix of indigenous, Spanish, Italian, and other European cultures. Following the Spanish colonization, many names in Argentina reflect Spain's traditions, with strong Catholic roots. Popular first names often honour saints or biblical figures, such as Juan (John) or María (Mary), common throughout the Spanish-speaking world.
Immigration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries brought many Italians to Argentina, which influenced both surnames and given names. Names like Francesco, Giovanni, and Matteo reflect this Italian heritage. Additionally, Argentina’s diverse regions have retained some indigenous influences, with names from the Quechua and Mapuche peoples still present, particularly in rural areas.
In modern Argentina, a blend of classic and contemporary names is common. For boys, names like Santiago, Mateo, and Joaquín are frequently given, with Santiago being one of the most popular choices in recent years. These names often reflect Argentina’s strong Catholic tradition and the influence of saints or biblical figures. For girls, names such as Sofía, Valentina, and Isabella are popular, blending elegance with a Latin flair.
Argentines also adopt international names, especially from English and French-speaking countries. Lucas, Emilia, and Emma are examples of names that have gained popularity in recent years due to global trends.
Surnames in Argentina are usually inherited from both parents, a custom brought from Spain. This practice means many people have two surnames: their father’s and their mother’s. The first surname typically comes from the father, while the second comes from the mother. Some of the most common surnames in Argentina include González, Rodríguez, and Fernández, reflecting the country's Spanish heritage.
Name | Full Meaning | Origins | Gender | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Agustyna | Agustyna: an elegant, unique name meaning "majestic" with... | Argentinian | Girl | |
Alejito | Alejito: affectionate diminutive of Alejandro, meaning "defender of... | Argentinian | Boy | |
Antanella | Antanella: an elegant, uncommon Argentinian name meaning "grace"... | Argentinian | Girl | |
Ataliva | Ataliva: Unique Argentinian name meaning "young warrior" or... | Argentinian | Boy | |
Barbarita | Barbarita: Argentinian name meaning "foreign," unique and feminine... | Argentinian | Girl | |
Bertita | Bertita: Argentinian name meaning "bright," elegant, and culturally... | Argentinian | Girl | |
Chanar | Chanar: a unique, gender-neutral name symbolizing strength and... | Argentinian | Unisex | |
Chipa | Chipa: Unisex Argentinian name meaning "bread," gaining cultural... | Argentinian | Unisex | |
Daiana | Daiana: Argentinian name meaning "divine," elegant, and increasingly... | Argentinian | Girl | |
Felipito | Felipito: Argentinian name meaning "little Felipe," charming and... | Argentinian | Boy | |
Foyth | Foyth: Unique Argentinian name symbolizing strength, courage, and... | Argentinian | Boy | |
Gianninna | Gianninna: Unique Argentinian name meaning "God is gracious,"... | Argentinian | Girl | |
Juanchi | Juanchi: Argentinian name meaning "God is gracious," commonly... | Argentinian | Boy | |
Juanchín | Juanchín: Unique Argentinian name, masculine, culturally significant, three... | Argentinian | Boy | |
Juanchis | Juanchis: Argentinian name meaning "God is gracious," unique... | Argentinian | Boy | |
Lautaro | Lautaro: Argentinian name meaning "swift hawk," symbolizes strength... | Argentinian | Boy | |
Louta | Louta: Unique, gender-neutral Argentinian name gaining popularity in... | Argentinian | Unisex | |
Luisana | Luisana: Argentinian name meaning "renowned warrior," unique and... | Argentinian | Girl | |
Mailen | Mailen, a Mapuche name, means "princess" or "queen... | Argentinian | Girl | |
Maipe | Maipe: Unique name meaning "fragrant," rooted in Mapuche... | Argentinian | Unisex | |
Mallea | Mallea: Unique Argentinian name, feminine, elegant, with Spanish... | Argentinian | Girl | |
Maximiljiano | Maximiljiano: Argentinian name meaning "greatest," gaining popularity for... | Argentinian | Boy | |
Mayra | Mayra: Feminine name meaning "great moon," popular in... | Argentinian | Girl | |
Messina | Messina: Italian name meaning "middle," associated with Sicily's... | Argentinian | Unisex | |
Nacha | Nacha: Argentinian name meaning "graceful," unique, and culturally... | Argentinian | Girl | |
Pablin | Pablin: Argentinian name meaning "small," associated with males,... | Argentinian | Boy | |
Paolo | Paolo: Italian masculine name meaning "small" or "humble,"... | Argentinian, Italian | Boy | |
Pato | Pato: Argentinian name meaning "duck," simple, masculine, culturally... | Argentinian | Boy | |
Patrico | Patrico: Spanish masculine name meaning "nobleman," derived from... | Argentinian, Latin, Spanish | Boy | |
Pietro | Pietro: Italian masculine name meaning "rock," popular since... | Argentinian | Boy |