Home › Baby Names Directory › Ignacio

Ignacio

♂ Boy

Pronounced ig-NAH-see-oh /iɡˈnɑː.si.oʊ/High

Meaning: Spanish form of Ignatius, from the Roman family name Egnatius, later associated by folk etymology with the Latin ignis meaning 'fire', making the name popularly interpreted as 'fiery one'Medium

In 30 seconds: Ignacio is the Spanish form of Ignatius, meaning fiery one by popular association with the Latin ignis (fire). Carried by one of Catholicism's most influential saints, it radiates spiritual passion and Latin nobility.
💕 Browse more names
Origin HighLatin, Spanish
MeaningSpanish form of Ignatius, from the Roman family name Egnatius, later associated by folk etymology with the Latin ignis meaning 'fire', making the name popularly interpreted as 'fiery one'
U.S. rank (2025)#830 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births298 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2006
Total births (all-time)≈ 19,945

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200618862025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Ignacio is the Spanish form of Ignatius, from the Roman family name Egnatius. Although the Roman name's origin is uncertain, it became strongly associated by folk etymology with the Latin ignis (fire), giving the name the popular meaning of 'fiery one'. The name was rare until the veneration of Saint Ignatius of Antioch (c. 35–108 AD), an early Christian bishop and martyr.

The name Ignacio gained its greatest impetus from Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491–1556), the Basque nobleman who founded the Jesuits after a military career was ended by a cannonball wound. His spiritual autobiography and the Spiritual Exercises he wrote have made him one of the most influential Catholics in history. Ignacio remains a top masculine name throughout Spain and Latin America.

Did you know? Saint Ignatius of Loyola, who founded the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) in 1540, transformed Catholic education and missionary work so profoundly that Jesuit schools and universities still educate millions worldwide — all bearing the legacy of the name Ignacio.
Overall data confidence 85%
Behind the Name — Ignatius — Latin etymology; Ignacio is the Spanish formOxford Dictionary of English Christian Names — Ignatius/Ignacio history

Variations

IgnatiusInigoInaki

Nicknames

NachoIggyNacio

Famous Bearers

  • ★Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491–1556)
    Spanish Basque nobleman and Catholic priest who founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), one of the most influential religious orders in history.

If you like Ignacio…

Rodrigo— shares the four-syllable Spanish masculine classical elegance
Xavier— fellow Catholic saint's name widely used in Hispanic culture
Rafael— same tradition of classic Spanish religious masculine names
Sebastiano— similar four-syllable Latinate Spanish classic

Frequently Asked

What does the name Ignacio mean?

Ignacio is popularly associated with the Latin ignis (fire), meaning fiery one, though its origin is the Roman family name Egnatius.

How do you pronounce Ignacio?

It is said ig-NAH-see-oh, with four syllables.

What is the nickname for Ignacio?

Common nicknames include Nacho, Iggy, and Nacio.

Is Ignacio a popular name?

Ignacio is widely used in Spain and Latin America, and is common in U.S. Hispanic communities.