Popular Filipino Names for Boys and Girls
Names are an important part of every culture, and in the Philippines, they carry rich stories, traditions, and even a little Spanish history! Filipino names often reflect family values, religion, and heritage. Many names are passed down from generation to generation, while others are inspired by nature, saints, or creative combinations.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common Filipino names, how names are chosen, and what makes Filipino naming traditions so special.
Where Do Filipino Names Come From?
Filipino names are usually a mix of Spanish, Tagalog, and even English influences. During the Spanish colonial period, many families were assigned Spanish surnames to organize records. Today, those names are still widely used.
A full Filipino name typically includes:
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A first name (often inspired by Spanish or English names)
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A middle name (usually the mother’s maiden name)
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A last name (the family name, often of Spanish origin)
For example, a child named Maria Isabel Cruz might have “Maria Isabel” as her given name, “Garcia” as her mother’s maiden name, and “Cruz” as the father’s surname.
Top Filipino Last Names
According to a study by Lauderdale and Kestenbaum (2000), here are the most popular last names among Filipinos:
Top 10 Filipino Surnames:
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Reyes
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Santos
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Garcia
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Cruz
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Ramos
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Delacruz
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Mendoza
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Bautista
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Deguzman
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Fernandez
These names are still very common today and are often seen in Filipino schools, communities, and even on TV!
Top 20 Names (Adding More Common Ones):
11. Flores
12. Gonzales
13. Villanueva
14. Lopez
15. Deleon
16. Castillo
17. Aquino
18. Rivera
19. Domingo
20. Perez
Top 50 Filipino Surnames (Even More Beautiful and Familiar Names!):
21. Castro
22. Santiago
23. Tolentino
24. Delrosario
25. Torres
26. Soriano
27. Sanchez
28. Martinez
29. Rodriguez
30. Dizon
31. Hernandez
32. Valdez
33. Pascual
34. Ramirez
35. Francisco
36. Corpuz
37. Mercado
38. Navarro
39. Javier
40. Ocampo
41. Diaz
42. Pascua
43. Gutierrez
44. Velasco
45. Antonio
46. Angeles
47. Morales
48. Dejesus
49. Manuel
50. Mariano
These names were recorded in the year 2000, so newer generations may have slightly different name trends. However, many of these names are still widely recognized and cherished.
Popular First Names for Boys and Girls
While the list above includes last names, here are some first names that are loved in the Philippines:
Girls:
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Maria
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Angel
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Grace
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Kristine
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Andrea
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Camille
Boys:
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Juan
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Jose
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Mark
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Miguel
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Daniel
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Carlo
Many Filipino children have nicknames, too! Even if someone is named Maria Angelica, they might be called Gel or Angge by friends and family. Nicknames in the Philippines are often cute, fun, and full of love.
Naming Traditions and Fun Facts
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Combining Names: Parents sometimes create new names by blending their names. For example, if a father is named “Mark” and the mother is “Elena,” the child might be named “Marlen.”
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Religious Influence: Many names come from saints or the Bible, showing how religion plays an important role in Filipino life.
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Repeated Names: It’s common to see “Jr.” or “III” at the end of a name when boys are named after their fathers or grandfathers.
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Nickname Culture: Filipinos love using nicknames in everyday life. Someone named “Fernando” might be called “Nanding” or “Andoy”!
Learn Tagalog Names and Culture with Dinolingo
Want to learn more Filipino words, names, and culture? Dinolingo makes it easy and fun! With engaging stories, games, songs, and videos, Dinolingo helps kids aged 2–14 learn Tagalog while also exploring cultural traditions. The program works on the web, iOS, and Android, and one subscription can be shared by up to six users. There are printable materials and a parent dashboard to track learning too!
Conclusion
Names in the Philippines are more than just words—they are stories of family, culture, and tradition. From strong last names like Reyes and Santos to sweet first names like Maria and Miguel, every Filipino name carries meaning and history. Whether you’re learning Tagalog or just exploring world cultures, discovering Filipino names is a wonderful way to connect with a vibrant and friendly culture.