Peru is a beautiful country situated on the north-western shores of South America. If you’re looking for Peruvian baby names, chances are you’ve either visited Peru or are intrigued by what you’ve seen or heard about it. Or maybe you have roots in this country and want to choose a name that keeps the bond alive. Whatever might be your reason for choosing a Peruvian name, you have come to the right place for it. The Hispanic culture has majorly influenced Peru due to the 16th-century Spanish conquest of the continent. Hence, they have a range of beautiful Spanish names you could choose from for your child. Read on to find our list of unique Peruvian names for your little one.
Peru Baby Naming Culture
Peruvian babies are given two names at the time of baptism. The first name could be derived from the Bible or could refer to a deceased relative or ancestor. For the surnames, the Peruvian people follow the patronymic system. The most common Peruvian surnames include Garcia, Fernandez, Alvarez, Gonzales, and Chavez. Surnames of other nationalities are also used because of the influx of immigrants in Peru. For instance, Chu is Chinese, Benalcazar is Arabic, Arizmendi is Basque, and Fujimori is Japanese.
Peruvian Boy Names With Meanings
1. Aaron:
Aaron, a favorite name of the Jews, began to take hold in Peru after the Protestant Reformation. This classic Biblical name means ‘mountain of strength’.
2. Albert:
Albert may sound old fashioned to American and European parents, but Peruvians find it incredibly cool. Albert means ‘bright’.
3. Alejandro:
Don’t you think Alejandro sounds smoother and sleeker than Alexander? This Spanish classic name means ‘defender of mankind’.
4. Alex:
As a standalone name, Alex has been bestowed on Peruvian babies for over a century. Alex means ‘defender of mankind’.
5. Alexander:
The multiple derivations and nicknames of Alexander has enhanced its popularity in Peru. Alexander means ‘defender of mankind’.
6. Alois:
Alois, as a name, has both classical charm and cosmopolitan coolness to it. Alois means ‘famous warrior’.
7. Anderson:
Anderson, meaning ‘son of Andrews’, has a sense of dignity, tradition, and old school history to it.
8. Andre:
As a baby boy name, Andre has sophistication, style, and oozes confidence. Andre means ‘man, warrior’.
9. Angel:
Peruvians follow the Spanish custom of using the name Angel for boys. The moniker means ‘messenger of God’.
10. Annie:
Surprisingly, Annie is used for baby boys in Peru and holds the 41st spot on the Peru baby name list. It means ‘grace’.
11. Anthony:
Even after decades of usage, Anthony does not feel overused or worn out. In fact, it enjoys success with almost all the ethnicities. Anthony means ‘flower’.
12. Brayan:
Just a minor tweak in the traditional spelling can take a moniker to an entirely new level. Brayan means ‘strong and virtuous’.
13. Bruno:
Bruno, meaning ‘brown’, deserves the gold medal for the tough guy name. It brings to mind a brawny and masculine man.
14. Bryant:
Bryant is Brian with a little more attitude. The moniker means ‘noble’.
15. Carlos:
Carlos, meaning ‘free man’, is a charming, boyish name, which has a huge chance of crossing over and gaining widespread success.
16. Christian:
Christian is an excellent choice for parents who want to declare their faith in a straightforward way. Christian means ‘follower of Christ’.
17. Cisco:
Cisco, the diminutive of Spanish name Francisco, is the ultimate sidekick name. It means ‘free man’.
18. Colbert:
Colbert is one of the most contemporary sounding last name as first name options. It means ‘calf herder’.
19. Cristopher:
While in the rest of the world, Christopher is popular, in Peru Cristopher reins. Cristopher means ‘follower of the Christ’.
20. Daniel:
The timelessness of this name has played a crucial part in its popularity in Peru. Daniel means ‘God is my judge’.
21. Danny:
Danny sounds more grown up than most abbreviations of original names we have seen in these years. It means ‘God is my judge’.
22. David:
David is one of the most popular names in the Christian and Jewish traditions. It is indeed ‘beloved’ by all.
23. Diego:
As odd as it may sound, Diego is the Spanish version of James and means ‘supplanter’. You didn’t see that coming, right?
24. Eduardo:
This stalwart of Spanish and Peruvian nomenclature would work well with the Anglos as well. Eduardo means ‘wealthy guardian’.
25. Elmer:
The name Elmer sounds charming, albeit in an old fashioned way. It means ‘noble’.
26. Ernesto:
This Latin variation of Ernesto is used widely in Peru and other surrounding regions, but has fallen several places in the US. Ernesto means ‘serious’.
27. Frank:
This variation of Francis has outperformed even the original in the top 100 Peru baby name list. Frank means ‘free man’.
28. Gabriel:
What could be better than bestowing your child a name meaning ‘man of God’?
29. Gael:
Gael quick ascent to the baby name charts was instigated by the popularity of Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal. It means ‘Gaelic’.
30. Hans:
Hans is the German, Dutch, and Scandinavian form of Johannes and means ‘God is gracious’. Peruvian parents choose this name for its countryside image.
31. Hector:
The Greek mythology name, Hector has been in use in Peru since the turn of the 20th century. It’s usually opted by parents who want their children to have virtues like the Greek warrior. Hector means ‘holding fast’.
32. Henry:
The name Henry has an antique charm that separates it from its modern sounding brethren Harry. Henry means ‘estate ruler’.
33. Isac:
Isac is a spelling variation of Isaac used primarily by the Peruvians. It means ‘laughter’.
34. Jefry:
Jefry is the spelling Peruvians used for Jeffery. A moniker with an erudite style of its own, Jefry means ‘God’s peace’.
35. Jesus:
People of Hispanic descent, including the Peruvians show no discomfort in using the name Jesus for their sons. Jesus means ‘to save’.
36. Jheremy:
If you have a penchant for Biblical name, but want to make it look a bit different, you can opt for Jheremy, the Peruvian version of Jeremy. Jheremy means ‘Yahweh has established’.
37. Joaquin:
Joaquin is the Hispanic version of Biblical name Joachim and translates to ‘lifted by Yahweh’. We feel it’s an excellent alternative to Jose and Juan.
38. Jose:
Simple and thoroughly masculine name Jose, is a risk free naming choice like Jack and John. And it’s a true classic as well. Jose means ‘Jehovah increases’.
39. Juan:
Juan, meaning ‘God’s gracious gift’, is a classic choice for baby boys. It brings to mind both a pick up artist and a rock star.
40. Julio:
Julio is the Hispanic equivalent of Julius and means ‘youthful’. This distinguished and dignified name would be a perfect option for baby boys born in July.
41. Lucio:
Lucio is the sleek and sophisticated version of Lucius and means ‘light’. This moniker is steadily climbing the tandem with other Lu- names.
42. Luigi:
Luigi, like Marcos and Manuel, has an ethnic flavor to it. It means ‘famous warrior’.
43. Luis:
Luis, the Spanish form of Ludwig, is one of the most popular names for Peruvian baby boys. It means ‘famous warrior’.
44. Manuel:
Manuel, meaning ‘God is with you’, has an elusive factor to it – a manly name in the truest sense.
45. Marcos:
This confident sounding variation of Mark suggests strength and virility. Marcos means ‘God of War’.
46. Martin:
There’s a certain gentleness and simplicity to this name, which makes it highly appealing to non-frilly parents. Martin means ‘mars’.
47. Matias:
Matias has shown impressive usage in both the Americas since 2009. We feel it’s a lot to do with Chilean soccer star Matias Fernandez. Matias means ‘gift of God’.
48. Maverick:
Mel Gibson can be attributed to the excessive usage of strong and masculine name Maverick. It means ‘independent’.
49. Michael:
Michael, meaning ‘who is like God’, seems like a timeless and ageless name that just doesn’t seem to sound old fashioned.
50. Miguel:
Miguel, one of the most famous Peruvian baby boy names, conveys a sense of bravery, power, and strength. Miguel means ‘who is like God’.
51. Omar:
The usage level of Omar is quite impressive in Peru. And we feel it will continue to ‘flourish’ for the next decade as well.
52. Oscar:
Oscar is an elaborate and colorful name, loaded with symbolic meaning. It means ‘little deer’.
53. Pedro:
Pedro has been on the Peruvian naming charts for decades and is enjoying considerable success. It means ‘stone, rock’.
54. Percy:
Percy is an adorable name that is shedding its prissy image in this era of soft, yet traditional names. Percy means ‘pierces the valley’.
55. Piero:
Piero is a melodic and elegant Italian variation of Peter, meaning ‘rock’. It brings to mind the Renaissance artist Piero della Francesca.
56. Renzo:
This diminutive of Lorenzo is strong enough to stand on its own. Renzo means ’from Laurentium’.
57. Ricardo:
The growing Latino and Peruvian population in the US has made this name popular there too. Ricardo means ‘dominant ruler’.
58. Richard:
Richard is a timeless choice and a longstanding favorite name, meaning ‘powerful’. And it’s flexible in terms of nicknames too.
59. Salvador:
Salvador, a Spanish name, meaning ‘savior’ has a handsome quality to it. A baby with this name is guaranteed to be dynamic and sprightly.
60. Sandro:
If you’re seeking an unusual and exotic version of Alexander, pick short and snappy Sandro, which means ‘defender of mankind’.
61. Saturnin:
If you want a celestial and divine name for your son, you can pick Saturnin, a variation of Saturn. Though we must warn you that the name stands for gloomy.
62. Selestino:
Selestino, meaning ‘belonging to heaven’, is a classic Spanish name with celestial vibes.
63. Tomas:
Wondering how to pay tribute to your ancestor named Tom? Then name him Tomas, the Spanish and Portuguese form of Thomas, meaning ‘twin’.
64. Victor:
Victor, meaning ‘victory’, has maintained a steady and constant place on the Peru baby names charts for over a 100 years.
65. Wilton:
Unlike its cousin names Hilton and Milton, English name Wilton does not sound dated even a wee bit. Wilton means ‘place by the stream’.
66. Yefferson:
Yefferson is a variation of Jefferson and means ‘son of Jeffery’. This moniker has an intelligent and dignified quality to it, which makes it an excellent option for your baby boy.
Peruvian Girl Names With Meanings
67. Abigail:
This Old Testament name, brought to South America by the Puritans in the 17th century, is hugely popular in Peru. It means ‘father’s joy’.
68. Aiko:
Aiko is a common Japanese name with a lovely meaning, which is also used in Peru. It means ‘beloved child’.
69. Alessa:
Alessa, is one of the best options for parents looking for an alternative to Alice or Alexis. It means ‘defender’.
70. Alessandra:
Alessandra, meaning ‘defender of mankind’, had floundered for a while, but is again heading up the charts, probably because of the Brazilian supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio.
71. Andrea:
Andrea, the female equivalent of Andrew, holds the top spot for girls in the Peru names list, despite its ‘manly’ etymology. We think it would be a fitting name for a tomboy.
72. Angelica:
A perfect name for your little angel. Angelica is derived from Latin word ‘angelicus’ and means ‘like an angel’.
73. Ariane:
Smooth and exotic name Ariane is on the rise, along with sisters Ariana and Ariadne. It means ‘most holy’.
74. Azucena:
If mommies are looking for a true blue Peruvian baby girl name, they can pick Azucena, which means ‘lily’ in Spanish and Peruvian language.
75. Beatriz:
This attractive form of Beatrice is very popular with the Hispanic and Peruvian parents. Beatriz means ‘blessed’.
76. Carito:
Carito, the Spanish version of Caesar, is essentially a baby boy name, but is used for girls in Peru. It means ‘long haired’.
77. Chio:
If you’re not shy of using uncommon and unique names for your daughter, you can pick Chio, a Spanish name, meaning ‘Rocio’.
78. Cristina:
Cristina, without the ‘h’, is the Spanish, Italian, and Peruvian version of Christian and means ‘a Christian’.
79. Cynthia:
Cynthia is a classic, sophisticated, and intelligent sounding Greek name used widely in Peru. It means ‘woman from Kynthos’.
80. Daniela:
Daniela, a Hebrew name, translating to ‘God is my judge’, holds the second spot in terms of popularity in the Peruvian baby name list for girls.
81. Diane:
Diane, meaning ‘divine’, has a mid-century appeal to it. It has several distinguished bearers such as Diane Ladd, Diane Eve, and Diane Murphy.
82. Elena:
Elena is the Spanish and Italian version of Helen and means ‘ray or sunbeam’. This moniker is soft, lyrical, and sounds way more poetic than the original.
83. Eunice:
Eunice is the English version of Greek name Eurike and means ‘good victory’. It has fallen into obscurity in the rest of the world, but is enjoying its success in Peru.
84. Evelyn:
This feminine name with a plethora of etymologies is experiencing a revival after decades. One of the widely accepted meanings is ‘a living being’.
85. Evy:
Evy, the variation of the oldest name in the Book, is coming back into style in Peru. We feel this simple and pure name has more resonance and strength than most of the short names. Evy means ‘life’.
86. Fiorella:
It seems that Peruvians have a fascination for Italian names. Fiorella, the Italian name meaning ‘little flower’, holds the 11th spot in the Peruvian name list.
87. Gabriela:
Gabriela, the feminine version of Gabriel, may have slipped slightly when compared to its other variations, but is still holding strong. The name means ‘woman of God’.
88. Gaby:
Gaby, the French form of Gabriela, is used as a first name in some parts of Peru. It means ‘God is my strength’.
89. Gina:
Gina, the short form of Angelina and Regina, has been used as its own in Peru since the 1920s. It’s also tied with the glamorous Italian actress Gina Lollobrigida.
90. Gladys:
Gladys emerged in 1900 and took the naming world by storm. The meaning ‘lame’ could be a turn off for some parents.
91. Jahaira:
Jahaira is the Peruvian version of Hebrew name Yahaira and means ‘string or teaching God’.
92. Janet:
Janet began as a nickname for Jane, but has been used independently for a long time. Janet means ‘God is gracious’.
93. Janeth:
Janeth is the Scottish and Hebrew version of Jane and means ‘God is gracious’. Some parents even use it as an alternative to Janet. Both ways, we feel Janeth will make a cool name for your daughter.
94. Karen:
Karen, the Danish version of Katherine, has been in use in Peru for more than a century. It means ‘pure one’.
95. Karla:
Karla, the feminine version of Charles, meaning ‘free man’ is a simple and pretty name with a beautiful freedom etymology.
96. Katherin:
This spelling of Katherin without ‘e’ is used predominantly in Peru. It means ‘pure’.
97. Katia:
Katia, an earthy and warm diminutive of Katerina, is in vogue in Peru. It means ‘pure’.
98. Keyla:
Keyla, a spelling variation of Kayla, began entering the baby name charts when the popularity of the original began to decline. It means ‘laurel’.
99. Laka:
Laka, meaning ‘gentle and tame’, is the name of a hero in Polynesian mythology. It’s a baby boy name, but Peruvian parents use it for their baby girls.
100. Lesli:
If you want to show off your Scottish heritage, you can pick the name Lesli, which originates from a Scottish surname. Lesli means ‘garden of hollies’.
101. Lisbeth:
One of the many short forms of Elizabeth, Lisbeth takes an entirely new and powerful image as the lead of “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”. Lisbeth means ‘blessed’.
102. Liz:
Liz, the diminutive of Elizabeth, would work best in the middle spot. It means ‘pledged to God’.
103. Lorena:
Lorena, the Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian name, meaning ‘famous army’, is enjoying respectable popularity in Peru.
104. Lucia:
Just like its meaning (light), Lucia sounds friendly, bright, melodic and intelligent. It has an Italian zest and a European flair.
105. Lucila:
This Spanish version of Lucy has overpowered the original version and how. Lucila means ‘light’.
106. Luz:
Luz, the Spanish word for ‘light’ is used to refer Nuestra Señora de la Luz, which is a Spanish title for the Mother Mary.
107. Marcielo:
Marcielo, the Peruvian version of Marcella, meaning ‘warlike’, has started to feel stylish again after being in mothballs for long.
108. Maria:
Maria has always been a favorite in the Hispanic-American community, including the Peruvian community. This lovely, three syllable name means ‘beloved’.
109. Marilyn:
The name of America’s megastar continues to be a favorite with Peruvian parents. It’s basically a combination of Mary and Lynn.
110. Marjoree:
Hispanic variation of Margery was at the height of its popularity in 1920s in European countries. The trend subsided there, but took over in South American countries, including Peru. Marjoree means ‘pearl’.
111. Mayra:
Just like many other ancient names, even Mayra is coming back into style, especially in Peru. It means ‘sweet smelling oil’.
112. Melisa:
Melisa, the Peruvian spelling of Melissa, a Greek name meaning ‘honeybee’, is at the zenith of its popularity in the country of Llamas.
113. Mishael:
In Peru, Mishael, instead of Michelle, is used for the baby girls. The moniker is a feminine version of Michael and means ‘godlike’.
114. Naida:
Naida, a Greek name, meaning ‘water nymph’, is perfect for baby girls born under any of the water signs such as Pisces, Cancer, or Scorpio.
115. Nicole:
Nicole, the feminine version of Nicholas, meaning ‘victorious people’ is a great option for parents who want traditional, but not overused names for their babies.
116. Noelia:
Noelia, the Spanish version of Noel and the moniker of one of the most famous Puerto Rican pop singer has been picked by hundreds of parents in Peru. It means ‘Christmas’.
117. Raquel:
Raquel, the Hispanic form of Rachel, is dainty, delicate, and confident, just like the original. The name means ‘ewe’.
118. Rocio:
The Hispanic name Rocio refers to Mother Mary as Virgin of the Dew. The meaning of Rocio is ‘dewdrops’.
119. Rosa:
Rosa, the Latinate for of Rose, is used is several different cultures and countries, including Peru. This minimalist and straightforward name means ‘rose’.
120. Roseangela:
Roseangela is a Peru exclusive name, created by combining Rose and Angela. It holds the 37th spot on the Peru name list.
121. Rosemary:
Rosemary may not be the most smoosh name, but is used widely in Peru. It means ‘the rosemary plant’.
122. Ruth:
Ruth is an ancient Biblical name, meaning ‘friend or companion’. It ranks high in both Peru and Ireland, but isn’t used much in the rest of the world.
123. Sandra:
Sandra, meaning ‘defender of mankind’, developed as an abbreviation of Alessandra, but stands strong on its own, especially in Peru.
124. Sara:
Sara is a sweet and straightforward Biblical name with a contemporary and modern feel to it. Sara means ‘princess’.
125. Shirley:
In early times, Shirley was used only for boys, but the tide turned after the publication of the novel, “Shirley”. Shirley is composed of the Old English elements and means ‘old space or meadow’.
126. Sofia:
This alternate spelling of Sophia maintains a high position on the Peruvian baby name charts. Sofia means ‘wisdom’.
127. Stephany:
Stephany is the spelling variation of Stephanie used in Peru. This name manages to be girlish, without being too feminine. Stephany means ‘garland’.
128. Susan:
Just like the lily flower, even the name Susan has been a perennial favorite. And it has made a triumphant comeback to its former glory in Peru. Susan means ‘lily’.
129. Taylor:
Taylor has been used for Peruvian baby boys since the 19th century, but ascended the baby girl name charts in the 1980s. It means ‘tailor’.
130. Treysi:
A very unconventional take on traditional French name Tracy, this moniker means ‘of Thracia’.
131. Veronica:
Veronica is the Latin form of Greek name Berenice, and means ‘she who brings victory’. Roni or Ronnie would be impressive nicknames for Veronica.
132. Yessica:
If you like the name Jessica, but cringe at the thought of your daughter sharing it with another girl, you can pick its Spanish version Yessica, meaning ‘God beholds’.
133. Zoila:
Zoila is an enchanting Greek name, meaning ‘life’. We hope you find our compilation of Peruvian baby names useful. For any queries or suggestions, leave us a comment below.
