What’s your name in Spanish?

How do you say “What’s your name” in Spanish?

There are several ways to ask someone’s name, depending on the level of formality

Example conversation:

👩 Hola, ¿cómo te llamas? (Hi, what’s your name?)
👦 Me llamo Carlos. ¿Y tú? (My name is Carlos. And you?)

Is it “Cuál” or “Qué” for asking a name?

One common question learners have is whether to use cuál or qué when asking for someone’s name.

✅ ¿Cuál es tu nombre? – This translates to “What is your name?” and is grammatically correct.

❌ ¿Qué es tu nombre? – This phrase is technically incorrect in Spanish.

💡 Tip: Always use cuál when asking for a name in Spanish. It’s the standard and widely accepted form.

The most common names in Spanish (with English equivalents)

Here’s a list of popular Spanish names and their translations to help you recognise them:

🧑 Names for men:

José ➡️ (Joseph)

Juan ➡️ (John)

Carlos ➡️ (Charles)

Luis ➡️ (Louis)

Antonio ➡️ (Anthony)

👩 Names for women:

María ➡️ (Mary)

Ana ➡️ (Anna)

Carmen ➡️ (Carmen)

Isabel ➡️ (Elizabeth)

Laura ➡️ (Laura)

 

💡Tip: Try to memorise these names by matching them with their English equivalents!

Fun facts about Spanish surnames

Spanish surnames are unique and reveal fascinating aspects of the culture:

1. Two surnames, double the identity

In Spanish-speaking countries, people use two surnames: the first from their father and the second from their mother.

Example: Sofía Martínez López

2. What does your surname mean?

Many Spanish surnames come from places or professions.

👉 Hernández  (Son of Hernán)

 

👉 Zapatero (Shoemaker)

 

👉 Del Río (From the river)

 

👉 Del Valle  (From the valley)

 

👉 Moreno (Dark-skinned or dark-haired)

 

👉 Blanco (White)

 

👉 Torres (Towers)

 

👉 Navarro  (From Navarra)

 

👉 Gallego (From Galicia)

 

👉 Campos (Fields)

How to use these phrases in real life

Here’s how you can practise these phrases and improve your Spanish:

1. Introduce yourself

Use phrases like: Hola, me llamo Pedro. ¿Y tú?  (Hi, my name is Pedro. And you?)

2. Ask questions about names

👉 ¿Cómo se escribe tu nombre?  (How do you spell your name?)

👉 ¿Cuál es tu apellido?  (What’s your last name?)

3. Spot Spanish names around you

Look for names in Spanish movies, songs, or books. Can you find the equivalents in English?

Did you know...?

In Spain, people can switch the order of their surnames if they prefer to prioritise the mother’s surname. For example: Martínez López can become López Martínez.

TIME TO PRACTICE 💪

Decide if these words are girl's or boy's names or if they are surnames.

Tips for mastering Spanish introductions

1. 1. Practice with Native Speakers: Join language exchange groups or use apps to practice asking for and giving names 💬.

   2. Use Real-Life Scenarios: Role-play situations like meeting someone new at a party or in a classroom 🎉.

   3. Listen to Dialogues: Watch Spanish movies or listen to podcasts to hear how native speakers introduce themselves 🎥.

   4. Record Yourself: Practice pronunciation and compare it to native examples 🎙️.

Boost your conversational skills in Spanish FAST!

👀 Check out this video for tips and tricks to help you improve your Spanish speaking abilities!

💡In tip 2 you will find a sample conversation to practice this topic and other questions about personal information.