Happy Cinco de Mayo! In honor of our southern neighbor’s celebration, this week’s name has some very cool associations with Mexican history. Ignacio is a Spanish variant of old-school Latin Ignatius, and it means “fiery.” And it was quite the apropos name for two very fiery Mexican historical figures. Ignacio Zaragosa Seguin achieved a major (and very unlikely) victory against the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5th, 1862. That victory helped keep Mexico from falling under French rule—and may have helped the North win the American Civil War, as historians believe that the French would have provided some much needed aid to the South if they’d developed a Mexican stronghold. (So there’s good reason for the U.S. to celebrate, too!) And Ignacio Allende is a key figure in Mexico’s history—though he was a leader in the Spanish army, he took up the cause of Mexican independence and helped organize it, before he was executed for treason.
Ignacio has never broken the top 500 in the U.S., and is currently in a bit of a dip. But with so much great history behind it—and some intriguing nicknames (I’m seeing Iggy or Ace)—couldn’t this name head back up the charts? Its origin, Ignatius, was picked by Cate Blanchett for one of her children, and was featured several times in Harry Potter, as well.
What middle name would you pair with Ignacio? Allende’s middle name was Jose, and if you want to keep the Spanish flavor, Cruz, Rey or Paz would all be good choices. If you want to go in a different direction, try something with a little spunk. What about Justice, True, or even Rebel?
What do you think of the name Ignacio? Cool, or too old-fashioned for a modern boy? If you’re still hunting for the perfect baby name, check out our Baby Name Finder! And don’t forget to like In Name Only to keep up with the very latest in baby names!