Can I choose a Portuguese name for my baby boy if I'm not Portuguese?

You can choose a Portuguese name for your baby boy, even if you are not Portuguese. Many people worldwide choose names from different cultures for their children to honor their heritage or appreciate the sound and meaning of the name, or simply because they find it beautiful. You can choose a name that you and your partner love and carries a special meaning for you, regardless of your cultural background.

What are some famous Portuguese male names?

Afonso is a masculine name in Portuguese culture, meaning ‘noble and ready.’ Similarly, Eduardo meaning ‘rich guard,’ and Joaquim meaning ‘Yahweh will establish’ or ‘raised by Yahweh,’ which are popular among parents.

What are the rules for names in Portugal?

The Portuguese naming system showcases remarkable flexibility, adhering to laws that mandate at least one personal name and one surname from either parent for a child. Additionally, the law outlines a maximum limit of two personal names and four surnames, allowing for a diverse range of naming possibilities while maintaining clarity and structure.

Do Portuguese last names go to mother or father?

Traditionally, it was a custom for daughters to inherit their mothers surname, while sons carried their fathers surname. Some surnames practices often involve children receiving both their parents surnames, with the mothers surname preceding the fathers. It was regular for women to keep their maiden surname throughout their lives. However, since the start of the 20th century, it is common for individuals to include their fathers surname in formal settings.

Home • Baby Names

32 Portuguese Boy Names with Meanings, Starting With M

Written by Shikha Thakur, MBA Specialty: Relationships and Baby NamesExperience: 7 years

Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood.

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Edited by Siddharth Kesiraju, MA, Certification in Relationship Coaching Specialty: Love, Marriage and RelationshipsExperience: 7 years

Siddharth holds a certification in Relationship Coaching and a masters degree in communication and journalism from the University of Hyderabad. He has around seven years of experience in various fields of writing and editing.

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Fact-checked by Praggya Joshi, MA, BEd Specialty: Child education & activitiesExperience: 2 years

Praggya Joshi holds a bachelor's degree in Education and a master's in Ancient Indian History from University of Delhi. She has a robust knowledge of literature, society, and ethics. Praggya has been a content writer since 2021, researching and writing on education, health and wellness, and travel.

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Last Updated on Oct 3, 2023

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Name	Gender	Meaning
Miguel	Boy	Who is like God
Maximus	Boy	Greatest; Supreme; Maximum; Eldest
Maximiliano	Boy	Greatest; Supreme; Maximum; Eldest
Manuel	Boy	God is with us
Marco	Boy	Dedicated to Mars; Roman God of war; Warlike
Marcos	Boy	Warlike; Little warrior; Man; Dedicated to Mars
Marcelo	Boy	Warlike; A young warrior; Dedicated to Mars
Mauricio	Boy	Moorish
Maximo	Boy	Greatest; Supreme; Maximum; Eldest
Mariano	Boy	A hostile; War-like man

Mauro	Boy	Moorish
Marcelino	Boy	A young warrior; Dedicated to Mars
Mateus	Boy	God's gift
Matheus	Boy	God's gift
Marciano	Boy	Hammer; Warlike; Little warrior; Man; Dedicated to Mars
Maximino	Boy	Greatest; Supreme; Maximum; Eldest
Marquese	Boy	A man who is like Mars the God of War
Maximilien	Boy	Greatest; Supreme; Maximum; Eldest
Marcio	Boy	A servant of Mars, Roman God of war
Maurizio	Boy	Moorish

Murilo	Girl	Small wall
Maury	Boy	Moorish
Marquess	Boy	A nobleman of the hereditary rank
Mozart	Boy	Person from the bog or marsh
Matias	Boy	Gift of Yahweh
Manel	Girl	God is with us
Matta	Boy	Gift of Yahweh; Trees or shrubs; Pearl; Reed mat
Manuelo	Boy	God is with us
Marceli	Boy	The one like Mars; Male
Martim	Boy	A warlike individual

Modesto	Girl	Moderate; Restrained
Montenegro	Boy	Black mountain or hill

Infographic: Famous Portuguese Boy Names with Meanings, Starting With M

A child's name carries deep personal, cultural, and familial significance. It represents the bearer's cultural and linguistic background while offering insight into their attributes. If you wish to navigate the world of names, this infographic showcases some of the most renowned Portuguese Boy Names with Meanings, Starting With M. This can help you select a name that best aligns with your family's preferences and religious beliefs.

Portuguese Boy Names with Meanings, Starting With M(infographic)

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.