86 Exciting Spanish Dog Names And Their Meanings

A rose by any other name would smell just as sweet, there’s a lot in a name – especially when it comes to your furry best friend.

Whether you’ve just adopted a new dog into your life or you’re planning to soon, you may be looking for the best name for your new four-legged family member.

Here are 86 exciting Spanish dog names to spark your imagination and help pick the perfect nombre for your perro. 

Cute Spanish Dog Names

All dogs are cute, but some need a name that truly shows it off. 

• Manchitos/as (Little Spots or Little Stains):  Looking for a Spanish twist on the traditional name Spot? Look no further than Manchitos (or Manchitas), which provides a cutesy alternative to a traditional dog name that’s perfect for the special spotted dog in your life, especially Dalmatians. 
• Dulce (Sweet): This name is great for the sweetest pup in your life. 
• Frida (Peace): While Frida means peace, it’s also a great way to remember renowned Mexican painter Frida Kahlo.
• Bella (Beautiful): You’ll be surprised to learn this common name has a Spanish origin! Belle is popular among all dog breeds, although it seems to pop up especially when dealing with huskies. 
• Uno (One): Uno provides the perfect name for your number one companion.
• Esperanza (Hope):  Esperanza is an especially great name for rescue dogs that needed a bit of hope in their lives. 
• Patitas (Little Paws): Whether used affectionately for a small dog or ironically for a large dog, Patitas highlights one of the cutest puppy features around. 
• Amigo/a (Friend): This name highlights the number one quality of your furry friend.
• Amor (Love): Amor is a popular name for all dogs, but especially those who you just have to love at first sight.
• Princessa (Princess): Some dogs know that they rule the household: give them a name that shows it off. 
• Patas (Paws):  If Patitas is a little too cutesy, Patas provides a still sweet alternative. 
• Corazon (Heart): The perfect name for the dog that has stolen yours. 

Exciting Spanish Dog Names Related to Food

Naming a new furry family member can be a fun and creative way to bond with your pet.

Whether you’re looking for some inspiration for a future dog or a puppy you’re looking at right now, this is the perfect Spanish dog names list for you!

If you have a new dog that loves to eat, look no further than these tasty Spanish dog names related to food. 

• Baya (Berry): For the sweet, small puppy in your life.
• Rosquillo/a (Donut): Rosquillo provides a unique, funny twist compared to some of the more common Spanish dog names. 
• Arroz (Rice): While rice isn’t native to Mexico, it’s an important part of Mexican culture. Show it off with this exciting Spanish dog name.
• Frijol (Bean): Beans, or frijoles, are another important dish in Latin culture. It can also make a cute dog name. 
• Quesadilla: Quesadillas are a popular Mexican dish that combines tortillas with cheese. It’s also fun to say, making it a great Spanish dog name. If you need a nickname, you can even shorten it to “queso”, or cheese. 
• Frito (Fried): This name is great for dogs like Golden Retrievers who have achieved that perfect golden-brown color only frying can accomplish. 
• Nacho: a Tex-Mex dish that can be as unique as your special pup.
• Churro: Churros are a popular dessert in Spanish and Latin countries, as well as many others across the world. They’re also the perfect name for your sweet furry friend.
• Galleta (Cookie): a sweet Spanish twist on a popular dog name. 

Most Popular Names in Spanish-Speaking Countries

If you’re looking to name your dog something a little more serious – or a little more human – you may be interested in some of the most popular names in Spanish-speaking countries. 

• Sofía: a popular name in Mexico meaning “wisdom”.
• Santiago: a popular name in Mexico meaning “Saint James”, the patron saint of Spain.
• Lucia: a popular name in Spain meaning ‘light”.
• Hugo: a popular name in Spain meaning “mind”.
• Mateo: a popular name in Chile meaning “gift of God”.
• Augustina: a popular name in Chile meaning “great and magnificent”.
• Alejandro: a popular Spanish name meaning “Defender of Mankind”.
• Alejandra: This is the female version of Alejandra.
• Romeo: The perfect name for the charming pooch in your life. 
• Eva: a popular Spanish name meaning “eve”. 

Spanish Names for Dogs Related to Popular Media and Literature

You’ve probably seen dogs named after popular American media. Just think about it: Bolt, Pluto – all of these are examples. Here are some related to popular Spanish media and literature. 

• Don Quixote: the titular adventurous and eccentric knight from Don Quixote
• Sancho: Sancho Panza, Don Quixote’s sidekick
• Tita: the main character of the popular novel, Like Chocolate for Water by Laura Esquivel 
• Magdalena: the kid sister to the main character of The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
• Coco: the name of a popular Disney/Pixar movie revolving around Mexican culture
• Dante: the name of the lovable dog, a clumsy Xoloitzcuintle, in Coco
• Bruno: Bruno is a popular name in many Spanish and Latin films, including the newest Encanto.

Spanish Dog Names Related to Nature

If you’re looking for the perfect nature-themed name for your dog, look no further than this list. While each name may not have a special meaning, their translations may just be the perfect way to describe your dog.

After all, can you think of a better name for a clever pup than Zorro?

• Soleado/a (Sunny)
• Zorro (Fox)
• Rosa (Rose)
• Pato/a (Duck)
• Oso/a (Bear)
• Alba (Sunrise)
• Leon (Lion)
• Toro (Bull)
• Cielo (Sky)
• Paloma (Dove)
• Perla (Pearl)
• Lobo/a (Wolf)
• Ratón (Mouse)
• Tigre (Tiger)
• Flor (Flower)
• Luna (Moon)
• Tierra (Earth)
• Estrella (Star)
• Perro (Dog)
• Sombra (Shadow)
• Primavera (Spring)

Spanish Dog Names that are Adjectives

Chances are, it can be hard to describe your favorite furry family member in one word. These Spanish dog names help with that. 

• Gordito/a (Chubby)
• Descarado/a (Sassy)
• Encantada (Enchanted)
• Alfonso (Noble)
• Bueno (Good)
• Vivo (Alive)
• Feroz (Fierce)
• Pequeñito/a (Tiny)
• Mullido/a (Fluffy)
• Chico (Boy)
• Chica (Girl)
• Bonito/a (Beautiful)
• Damian (Tame)
• Bendito (Blessed)

Other Exciting Spanish Dog Names

Some names are exciting all on their own, even if they don’t fit into a specific category. Here are some other exciting Spanish dog names that don’t quite fit anywhere else on this list. 

• Pedro: in the popular 2004 film Napoleon Dynamite, Pedro Sanchez is a shy exchange student who ends up winning class president.
• Abril (April)
• Alma (Soul): Some people say their dog is their soulmate. This name helps put that feeling into words (or a single word)
• Fiesta (Party)
• Piloto/a (Pilot): Piloto provides the perfect name for the dog fast enough to seem airborne. 
• Rojo/a (Red): there are many popular red dogs out there, including the Irish Terrier, Redbone Coonhound, and Irish Setter. This name helps capture their tell-tale coloring. 
• Azul (Blue): This name is especially popular for breeds where blue eyes are common. This can include Siberian huskies, pit bulls, and Australian shepherds. 
• Salsa: The salsa dance includes many different Latin and American cultures, including Mexican influences. This makes it the perfect exciting Spanish dog name for the pup that loves to perform their own little dances. It can also refer to the Mexican condiment. 
• Diez (Ten): Diez is the perfect name for your ten out of ten pup.
• Paco (Free): Whether you have a free-spirited dog or a mischievous pup, Paco helps describe the dog who loves to be free. 
• Diego: Not only is Diego a popular Spanish name, but it’s also the name of a beloved child’s show character. In Go, Diego, Go!, Diego helps teach kids about Spanish while also exploring the world of animals. 
• Chispa (Spark): Chispas provides a unique, fun twist to the traditional dog name, Sparky. It can also be a great name for that new dog that you just seem to have a special spark with. 

What is the Spanish Slang For Dogs?

In English-speaking countries, a dog is often referred to as a mutt. Spanish-speaking countries often use this term as well but they also have a few other terms of endearment. One word used to refer to their dogs is ‘Chucho’, which is the translation for mutt. This is an affectionate term that Spanish speakers use for their pets. It is important to know that this term is only used for your own pet, as it can be considered rude to call a stranger’s dog, or the dog of someone you don’t know too well, ‘Chucho’.

Another word that can be used is ‘peludo’ for males, and ‘peluda’ for females. This has a literal translation of ‘hairy’ but when used for pets, it is understood to mean ‘furry’ or ‘furball’. As this is a more casual way of referring to your pets, you can use this with friends and their dogs.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Photography by Adri