Whether you're looking for a dog name that suits a chihuahua or other Mexican breed, a name that's compatible with your heritage, or you simply love the sound of Spanish language names, there are quite a few to choose from. These lists are by no means exhaustive, but you will find plenty of name choices for your pet in this genre.
Traditional Mexican Puppy Name Suggestions
Names are as much a form of creative expression as they are a way to identify an individual, so you can use traditional names as well as words that have various meanings. As long as you're happy with the way a particular name sounds, feel free to use it for your puppy. The lists below contain suggestions based on the gender of the Spanish word, but any of these names can be used whether your puppy is male or female. Each name is followed by its meaning or its equivalent name in English.
Traditional Male Spanish Dog Names
- Alejandro or Ale - Alexander
- Amigo - Friend
- Benito or Beni - Benedict
- Blanco - White
- Carlos - Charles
- Chavez - Cesar Chavez
- Che - Buddy or Dude
- Cruz - Cross
- Cordero - Lamb
- Diego - Spanish form of James
- Domingo - Sunday
- Eduardo - Edward
- Enrique or Quique - Henry
- Gabriel or Gabo - Gabriel
- Guillermo or Memo - William
- Jorge - George
- José - Joseph
- Manuel or Manu - short for Emmanuel
- Mateo - Matthew
- Pablo - Paul
- Paco or Pancho - short for Francisco
- Pedro - Peter
- Rico - Rich
- Rojo - Red
- Santo - Saint
- Sol - Sun
- Tajo - Slash
- Tigre - Tiger
- Toro - Bull
Traditional Female Spanish Dog Names
- Alba - Daybreak
- Alma - Soul
- Amelia or Meli - Work
- Amiga - Friend
- Aurora or Yoya - Dawn
- Blanca - White
- Bonita or Boni - Pretty
- Buena - Good
- Chabela or Bela - Isabelle
- Concha - Shell
- Consuelo or Chelo - Comfort
- Coqueta or Queta - Flirtatious
- Dama - Lady
- Emilia or Emi - Emily
- Fiesta - Party
- Flor - Flower
- Gitana - Gypsy
- Linda - Lovely
- Dolores or Lola - Aches
- Lorena or Lore - Lorraine
- Luna - Moon
- Manuela or Mani - short for Emmanuela
- Niña - Girl
- Palma - Palm
- Paloma - Dove
- Perla - Pearl
- Querida - Dear
- Rosario or Charo - Rosary
- Sierra - Mountains
- Solana - Sunny spot
Consider Mexican City and State Names
If you need more naming inspiration, many of Mexico's cities and states have attractive names that would also make great puppy names. Use a little imagination, and you just might find one of these is perfect for your pet.
- Acapulco
- Cancun
- Celaya
- Colima
- Chiapas
- Durango
- Ensenada
- Guadalupe or Lupe
- Hidalgo
- Jalisco
- Juarez
- Leon
- Matamoros
- Mazatlan
- Merida
- Mexicali
- Monterrey
- Morelia
- Oaxaca
- Quintana Roo
- Reynosa
- Saltillo
- Sonora
- Tabasco
- Tampico
- Tijuana
- Toluca
- Torreon
- Veracruz
Mexican Dog Names for Smaller Pets
Both Chihuahuas and hairless dogs, Xoloitzcuintli, are originally from Mexico. And while both breeds come in a variety of sizes, most are considered to be small dogs, especially when compared to larger breeds. Choose a name that either plays on the dog's natural cuteness, or name the puppy ironically, as though it's a mighty (yet tiny) warrior. Both male and female versions are listed with the respective name meaning.
- Diablito/Diablita - Little Devil
- Fiero/Fiera - Fierce
- Fuerte/Fuerza - Strength
- Loco/Loca - Crazy
- Osito/Osita - Little bear
- Perrito/Perrita - Little Dog
- Pulga - Flea
- Tonto/Tonta - Silly
Spanish Dog Names for Larger Pets
Though the one larger breed indigenous to Mexico is sometimes referred to as the "Mexican Pit Bull," its proper name is Chamuco, which translates to "Devil." Xolos can also be larger dogs, even though they're most well-known as smaller dogs. Larger breeds popular in Mexico today include Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and mixed breeds.
- Bandido/Bandida - Bandit
- Beso - Kiss
- Cuate/Cuata - Buddy
- Feliz - Happy
- Hombre/Mujer - Man/Woman
- Jej/Jefa - Boss
- Mancha - Spot
- Oso/Osa - Bear
Mexican Terms of Endearment
You can show your affection for your new puppy by addressing them with one of these Mexican terms of endearment. Note that some Spanish-language names have male and female forms. Each name suggestion has its own special meaning.
- Amor or Amorcito/Amorcita - Love
- Bebé or Bebecito/Bebecita - Baby
- Canijo/Canija - Tiny and/or Sly
- Cito/Cita - Cutesy diminutive
- Corazón - Sweetheart
- Coso/Cosa - Sweet thing
- Chaparro/Chaparra - Shorty
- Chico/Chica - Kid
- Chiquito/Chiquita - Little one
- Chispa - Spark
- Chucho/Chucha - Doggy
- Flaco/Flaca - Thing
- Gordo/Gorda - Chubby
- Güero/Güera - Light haired
- Precioso/Preciosa - Precious
- Príncipe/Princesa - Prince/Princess
- Moreno/Morena - Dark haired
- Mijo/Mija - Child
- Nene/Nena - Baby boy/girl
- Peluche - Stuffed toy
Iconic Mexican Celebrity Names
Some dog owners like to name their pets after notable people. There are endless stars with roots in Mexico who have beautiful and unique names. You could consider giving your pet the first name or even choosing the last name of a celebrity.
- Carlos Santana - Singer
- Diego Rivera - Painter
- Frida Kahlo - Painter
- Gael Garcia Bernal - Actor
- Guillermo del Toro - Film director
- Javier Hernández, also known as Chicharito - Soccer player
- Oscar de la Hoya - Boxer
- Selena - Singer and songwriter
- Thalia - Singer and songwriter
- Vicente Fernández - Singer
- Ximena Navarrete - Model
Names of Delicious Mexican Foods
Are you a foodie? Then consider naming your dog after one of these tasty treats. This list goes beyond common food names such as "Taco," and includes classic Mexican ingredients and snacks that roll off the tongue beautifully. Warning: if you choose one of these, you may become hungry while calling out your pet's name!
- Bombón or Bomboncito/Bomboncita - Marshmallow
- Chicle - Chewing gum
- Coco - Coconut
- Dulcinea or Dulce - Sweet
- Elote - Corn
- Gansito - Snack cake
- Horchata - Rice-based drink
- Leche - Milk
- Lima - Lime
- Nacho - Nacho
- Olivia or Oli - Olive
- Pimienta - Pepper
- Tajin - Seasoning
- Torta - Sandwich
- Tostilocos - Chip snack
- Uva - Grape
More Ideas for Mexican Dog Names
There are many other ways to come up with creative name ideas for your puppy. Alcohol-inspired names can be a fun option for dogs, and there are a number of Mexican cocktails to consider for inspiration. The names of traditional dances of Mexico and Mexican folk dance steps can also be used as unique puppy names that give homage to the culture. The same is true with terminology used to describe traditional Mexican clothing.
Choose a Name You Can Live With
Picking your puppy's name is a fairly big decision because you both are going to have to live with it for many years to come. You want to choose a name that rolls off your tongue easily. Try choosing two or three of the names you like best from all of these suggestions, and then practice saying each of them a few times until you're comfortable pronouncing them. Once you've done that, look at your puppy and practice calling him or her by each of your chosen names. One name is bound to feel more natural than the others, and then you'll know you've found the right choice.
