Ever since 1989 Hispanic Heritage Month has been celebrated in the United States from September 15 through October 15. The celebration is split between two months because September 15 is a key date in the history of several Latin American countries. It was when Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua declared their independence from Spain in 1821. Hispanic Heritage Month is a time for Americans who identify as Hispanic to celebrate the traditions and history unique to their cultural background.
Even if you don’t consider yourself Hispanic, Latino, or Latinx, you can still jump on the opportunity to learn more about the cultures of the 21 Spanish-speaking countries and territories honored during these four weeks. There are so many activities to choose from that you can have lots of fun while learning and exploring. This is also true for your kids! Whether you’re gearing up to celebrate with friends and family or you prefer to keep it chill this year, here are 15 excellent Hispanic Heritage Month activities to try.
Donate to Support the Community
There are over 60 million people in the US who claim Hispanic heritage. That means there are a lot of folks who could use support. There are plenty of organizations that aim to support their well-being, education, and professional pursuits. We suggest donating to The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (CPLC), an organization that aims to combat discrimination in Latino and Spanish-speaking communities. You can involve your children by explaining the reason you made the donation and why it is important to support charities and other foundations.
Get a Taste of Latin America
There are countless regional and national foods to choose from to get a taste of Latin America. Patronize your local Latin-owned restaurant and give yourself bonus points for trying something new. Yes, tacos are heavenly but have you tried a Venezuelan arepa? How about a pupusa from El Salvador? The possibilities are endless for adventurous eaters. Take the kids along so they can also try these foods or cook a recipe with them at home.
Learn Some New Dance Moves
Taking a dance class could be a great gateway for you to feel the music of different cultures. Mambo, rumba, cha-cha, flamenco, salsa, merengue, cumbia, and more are traditional styles of dance indicative of the Hispanic community. Sign up for a dance class for a fun date night activity or learn various dances online. If youth classes are an option in your area, sign up your kids too for a fun activity. You can also learn several dances online at home via Latin Dancing Online.
Make a Playlist Featuring Hispanic Musicians
From Bad Bunny to Selena there is no shortage of Hispanic artists who were or are at the forefront of creating lively music. Make a playlist or several to listen to while you work out or commute or just to enjoy while cooking at home all Hispanic Heritage Month long. Get your kids involved by playing your playlists for them or ask them to contribute their favorite songs for a playlist.
Take a Trip to a Museum
Chicago boasts the National Museum of Mexican Art and the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture, while you’ll find the Smithsonian’s Latino Center in Washington, DC to be a wealth of culture. Take your kids along for a trip to a museum that celebrates Hispanic history or art. Many of the museums offer online learning as well so if you can’t make it to DC or Chicago, you can still enjoy the programming from these institutions.
Educate Yourself and Your Kids About Mexican Independence Day
Many folks think that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s day of Independence but that is incorrect. Mexican Independence Day is actually September 16. It’s the date marking the event in 1810 when a Roman Catholic priest named Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla delivered a rallying speech that’s considered the first formal declaration of Mexico’s independence from Spain.
Curate Your Own Spanish Language Movie Festival
Have yourself a Spanish-language movie festival at home. For Hispanic Heritage Month, you could do a weekend-long event and invite friends and family over or simply watch Spanish-language films throughout the month. Thinks of films by Guillermo del Toro, Pedro Almodóvar, Alfonso Cuarón, and Mariana Rondón.
Virtually Explore Latin America and Beyond for Hispanic Heritage Month
Take a virtual tour of the Teotihuacan Pyramid (Pyramids of the Sun) of Mexico or the Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil from the comfort of your home. If you’re not able to visit these iconic sites in real life, you can learn about their important history. Many of these tours are fun for kids to join in as well so invite them along for the adventure.
Start Following Hispanic Influencers
If you are already on TikTok or Instagram, why not make even more of your time on social media during Hispanic Heritage month by following Hispanic influencers. There are many extremely popular ones that we encourage you to seek out on your own but great folks to start following include Giselle Torres and Ada Rojas.
Support Hispanic and Latino-Owned Businesses
One of the best ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month is to patronize your local vendors. This could be a Latino-owned restaurant, plant shop, marketing agency or other professional services. If you are at a loss for these businesses in your area, you can use the Latin Businesses directory.
Play Lotería or Dominoes
We all love game night, right? Gather your family around the table for a round of lotería, a Mexican bingo game known for its colorful cards with fantastic illustrations. The game has long held a nostalgic meaning within Latino and Hispanic communities. Dominoes are another favorite pastime for many of Cuban, Dominican, and Puerto Rican heritage.
Binge Watch a Spanish-Language Television Show
If you’ve got a Netflix account, you are well on your way to finding your next Hispanic Heritage Month activity. The streamer has tons of excellent Spanish-language TV shows to get lost in. We suggest La Casa de Papel (Money Heist), Monarca, and Elite.
Dive Into a Latino or Spanish Podcast
An easy Hispanic Heritage Month activity to do on the go is to listen to a podcast or two that center the Latino or Hispanic experience. WBUR’s Anything for Selena, available in both English and Spanish, explores the legacy, life, and death of Selena Quintanilla. Another excellent option is Latinx Therapy, hosted by therapist Adriana Alejandre which offers mental health advice for members of Latino communities.
Crack Open a Book by Hispanic and Latinx Authors
One of the most enriching Hispanic Heritage Month activities is to read books written by Hispanic and Latino authors. If you have never read The House on Mango Street written by Sandra Cisneros, give it a shot. We also recommend What Would Frida Do? by Arianna Davis. For kids, we suggest Chicano Jr’s Mexican Adventure by Raúl Jiménez.
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Make a Sweet Treat
Paletas are popsicles that are extremely easy to make and once you learn the basic technique, you can make pretty much whatever flavors you enjoy. They are a blast to make with kids so be sure to include this Hispanic Heritage Month activity to celebrate.
There you go! We hope you enjoyed these Hispanic Heritage Month activities and that you will try some out when the time comes. Celebrating Hispanic and Latinx culture should be done all year long but it’s really nice to focus on it from September 15 through October 15. If you want to keep celebrating with us, read on as we have rounded up some truly special Hispanic baby names for both boys and girls.
Check Out These Awesome Hispanic Names!
Hispanic Girl Names
Popular Hispanic Names for Girls
- Silvana – Silvana comes from Latin, Silvanus, meaning “from the woods.”
- Clara – Clara is a Latinate name, meaning “clear” and “bright.”
- Magdalena – A Spanish name from Greek, meaning “from Magdala.”
- Sophie – Sophie is a French name from Greek, meaning “wisdom.”
- Josefa – Josepha is another spelling of this name, but Josefa is the most popular way to get there. This Spanish form of the Hebrew name, Joseph, means “Jehovah increases.”
More Popular Hispanic Girl Names
- Isidora – A Spanish name from Greek, Isadora, meaning “gift of Isis.”
- Malena – Malena can be considered a diminutive form of Magdalena or a form of Madeline. Thus the name means “woman from Magdala” and “high tower.”
- Romina – A popular name in Spanish-speaking communities, Romina comes from Arabic and means “from the land of the Christians.”
- Ana Paula – Ana is the Spanish form of Hannah and means “grace.” Paula is the Latinate feminine form of Paul, meaning “small.”
- Mariangel – A compound name comprised of Maria and Angel, meaning “beloved angel.”
More Names for Girls
- Isabella – Isabella is the Spanish form of a Hebrew name that brings us Elizabeth, meaning “pledged to God.”
- Camila – The Spanish form of Camilla, meaning “temple attendant.”
- Valentina – A Latinate name, meaning “vitality.”
- Valeria – A name of Latin origins, meaning “strength.”
- Mariana – A compound name comprised of Maria and Ana, meaning “grace beloved.”
More Hispanic Names for Girls
- Sofia – From Greek, Sofia is related to Sophie, however, Sofia is a more popular form of the name among Spanish speakers (both Sophie and Sofia are huge hits).
- Daniela – The preferred Spanish form of Daniella, a name with Hebrew origins, meaning “God is my judge.”
- Gabriela – The Spanish, feminine form of Gabriel, meaning “God is my strength.”
- Victoria – From Latin, meaning “victory” and “conqueror.”
- Martina – From Latin, associated with Mars, meaning “warlike.”
Hispanic Girl Names Continued
- Luciana – Luciana is the Spanish, feminine form of the Latin name, Lucianus (Lucius), meaning “light.”
- Lucia – Another form of Luciana, meaning “light” as well.
- Ximena – A Spanish name and feminine form of Ximeno, meaning “son.”
- Jimena – An alternative spelling of Ximena, both forms of the name are incredibly popular today.
- Antonella – A name of Latin origins, meaning “firstborn.”
Check Out These Delightful Hispanic Names for Girls!
- Paulina – The Spanish, feminine form of Paul, meaning “small.”
- Nevada – A Spanish name, meaning “covered in snow.”
- Guadalupe – Name of the patron saint of Mexico (Our Lady of Guadalupe), Guadalupe means “hidden river” and “valley of the wolves.”
- Dulce – A Spanish name of Latin origin, Dulce refers to the Virgin Mary’s name, meaning “dulce nombre de Maria” or “the sweet name of the Virgin Mary.”
- Marisol – A Spanish contracted name coming from Maria de la Soledad (stick a pin in Soledad), meaning “Mary of Solitude.”
More Awesome Hispanic Names for Girls
- Alondra – A Spanish pet form of Alejandra (we will talk more about her further down the list), meaning “lark.”
- Consuelo – A Spanish name with Latin origins, meaning “she who brings consolation.” The name refers to the Virgin Mary as “Nuestra Senora del Consuelo.”
- Cecilia – From Latin, meaning “blind.”
- Juliana – Juliana is a popular Latinate name that can mean “youthful” (from Julius) and “sky father” (from Greek, Jovis).
- Maite – Particularly popular in Chile today, Maite is considered a contracted form of María Teresa or María Esther. It has Basque origins and means “beloved.”
More Popular Hispanic Names for Girls
- Blanca – A Spanish name, meaning “white.”
- Bianca – The Italian form of Blanca, much more popular today.
- Ariana – From Greek, meaning “most holy.”
- Ivanna – From the Slavic form of John, meaning “God is gracious.”
- Abril – A Spanish name, meaning “April.” A perfect name for a spring baby.
Thrilling Hispanic Names for Girls
- Alma – A Latinate name, meaning “nurturing” and “soul.”
- Violeta – A Spanish name with Latin origins, meaning “purple” or “the violet flower.”
- Josefina – Another feminine form of Joseph, meaning “Jehovah increases.”
- Miranda – A Latinate name, meaning “marvelous.”
- Sarita– A Spanish diminutive form of Sara, meaning “princess.”
Your New Favorite Hispanic Names
- Renata – From Latin, meaning “reborn” and associated with baptism and symbolic rebirth.
- Aitana – Exceedingly popular in Spain and beyond today, Aitana is a Spanish place-name referring to a mountain.
- Daleyza – A new favorite Spanish name, meaning “delightful.”
- Cataleya – One of the new favorite Hispanic names today, Cataleya refers to an “orchid.”
- Avianna – From the Latin, Avis, meaning “bird.”
Even More Hispanic Girl Names
- Lana – A name that many different cultures claim, Lana, can mean “afloat” in Hawaiin, “handsome” to the Irish, and “rock” to English speakers.
- Sabrina – A Latinate name, meaning “from the River Severn.”
- Carmen – The Spanish form of Carmel, meaning “garden.”
- Alejandra – We told you we would get to Alejandra! This name is the Spanish form of the Greek name, Alexandria. It means “defending men.”
- Itzel – A name with roots in Mayan mythology, meaning “Rainbow Lady.”
More Hispanic Names for Girls
- Gloria – From Latin, meaning “glory.”
- Fernanda – The Spanish and feminine form of the German name, Ferdinand, meaning “bold voyager.”
- Ariché – From the Tarahumara people, meaning “dusk.”
- Soledad – We return to Soledad, which also refers to Our Lady of Solitude.
- Sesasi – From the Purépecha people, meaning “beautiful.”
Our Favorite Hispanic Names for Girls
- Rosa – The Latinate form of Rose, meaning “the rose flower.”
- Paloma – A Spanish name, meaning “dove.”
- Suré – A Tarahumara name, meaning “with heart.”
- Paciencia – A Spanish name, meaning “patience.”
- Paola – Another Spanish form of Paul, meaning “small.”
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Hispanic Boy Names
Popular Hispanic Names for Boys
- Mateo – The Spanish form of Matthew, meaning “gift of God.”
- Matías – The Spanish form of Matthias, a name with Aramaic origins that brings us Matthew.
- Juan – The Spanish form of John, meaning “the Lord is gracious.”
- Santiago – A place and Latinate name, meaning “Saint James.”
- Sebastián – The Spanish form of Sebastian, which has Greek and Latin origins, meaning “from Sebastia.”
More Popular Hispanic Names for Boys
- Cristóbal – A Spanish form of Christopher, meaning “bearer of Christ.”
- Valentín – A Spanish form of Valentine, meaning “vitality.”
- Lorenzo – A Latinate form of Laurance, meaning “from Laurentium.”
- Javier – A Spanish form of Xavier, which has Basque and Arabic origins, meaning “new house” and “bright.”
- Emilio – From the Latin, Emil, meaning “rival.”
Special Hispanic Names for Boys
- Arturo – The Latinate form of Arthur, a Celtic name, meaning “bear.”
- Alejandro – A Spanish form of Alejandro, meaning “defending men.”
- Ikal – A Mayan name for boys, meaning “spirit.”
- José – A Spanish form of Joseph, meaning “Jehovah increases.”
- Manuel – Manuel is the Spanish form of the Hebrew name that brings us Emmanuel, meaning “God is with us.”
More Hispanic Names for Boys to Consider
- Miguel – The Spanish form of a Hebrew name (Michael), meaning “who is like God?”
- Polo – In Quiché, Polo is a name for boys, meaning “sea.”
- Benjamín – A Spanish form of a Hebrew name, meaning “son of the right hand.”
- Tomas – From an ancient Aramaic name, meaning “twin.”
- Rafael – The Spanish form of Rafael, from Hebrew, meaning “God has healed.”
Hispanic Names for Boys That Make a Statement
- Raúl – The Spanish form of Ralph, coming from German, meaning “wolf counsel.”
- Rio – A Spanish name, meaning “river.”
- Angel – One of the most popular baby names for boys, Angel is beloved in the Latino community.
- Roman – From Latin, meaning “a Roman citizen.”
- Rodrigo – A Spanish form of Roderick, meaning “famous ruler.”
Hispanic Boys Names with Heart
- Santino – A Latinate name, meaning “little saint.”
- Carlos – A Spanish form of Charles, meaning “free man.”
- Guillermo – A Spanish name, relating to William, also meaning “resolute protector.”
- Fernando – A Spanish form of the German name, Ferdinand, meaning “bold voyager.”
- Francisco – A Spanish form of Francis, meaning “free man.”
Even More Hispanic Boy Names
- Luciano – A Latinate name from Lucian, meaning “light.”
- Facundo – A Spanish name, from Latin, meaning “eloquent.”
- Franco – A diminutive form of Francisco, also meaning “free man.”
- Antonio – A Spanish form of Anthony, meaning “priceless one.”
- Luis – One of the most popular Hispanic names in the Americas, Luis has French and German origins, meaning “renowned warrior.”
More Hispanic Names to Love
- Máximo – A Spanish variation of the Latin, Maximus, meaning “greatest.”
- Pedro – A Spanish name, related to the Greek, Peter, meaning “rock.”
- Ricardo – A Spanish name from German, meaning “dominant ruler.”
- Sergio – A Spanish name from the Latin, Sergius, meaning “to serve.”
- Eduardo – The Spanish and Italian form of Edward, meaning “wealthy guardian.”
Classic Hispanic Boy Names
- Esteban – A Spanish form of the Greek name that gives us Stephen, meaning “garland.”
- Jorge – A Spanish form of the Greek name that gives us George, meaning “farmer.”
- Alonso – The Latinate form of the German Adalfuns, meaning “noble.”
- Anthony – From Latin, meaning “priceless one.” In Greek, its origins mean “flower.”
- Simón – A Spanish form of the Hebrew name, meaning, “the listener.”
Stylish Hispanic Names for Boys
- Gael – A popular name in Spain and far beyond, Gael has Breton origins that mean “Gaelic.”
- Diego – A Spanish form of James, meaning “supplanter.”
- Thiago – Yet another Spanish form of Saint James or Santiago.
- Dante – A Latinate name that comes from Durant, meaning “endearing.”
- Damián – A Spanish form of a Greek name, meaning “to tame.”
More Hispanic Names to Consider
- Jacobo – The Spanish form of a Hebrew name that gives us Jacob, meaning “supplanter.”
- Jesús – A name beloved by the Latino community, Jesús is the Spanish form of a Hebrew name, meaning “the Lord is salvation.”
- Camilo – While the feminine counterpart, Camila, is much more popular today, Camilo is an excellent option for boys. Camilo comes from the same Latin roots as Camila, meaning “ceremonial attendant” or “temple attendant.”
- Juan Esteban – A compound Spanish name with roots in Hebrew and Greek, Juan Esteban. “The Lord is gracious” and “garland” are its meanings.
- Elías – The Spanish name that comes by way of Greek from Hebrew. The name means “Yahweh is my God.”
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Our Favorite Hispanic Names for Boys
- Pablo – Pablo is the Spanish form of a Latin name that brings us Paul, meaning “small.”
- Enrique – Enrique is the Spanish form of the German name that gives us Henry, meaning “estate ruler.”
- Alfonso – Like Alonso, Alfonso is simply another form of the same German name. It’s one of the Hispanic names on this list that is seldom used outside the Hispanic community.
- Hector – From Greek, meaning “holding fast.”
- Joaquin – The Spanish form of a Hebrew name that brings us Joachim, meaning “God will judge.”
There you go! What did you think of these Hispanic names for girls and boys? We hope you found some great baby name inspiration here that will empower you to honor your heritage and celebrate with your baby’s appellation. Spanish names, whether they originated in Spanish or became Spanish, are all wonderfully lyrical and romantic. The Hispanic names on this list represent some of the most-used names by Spanish speakers around the world. Any of them will be in very good company! Happy baby name hunting!