A simple storybook illustration showing three distinct children standing in a row, each with unique features, representing separate personal identities or names.

nombres

NOHM-bres

nounmA1

names?personal or given names,surnames?when referring to last names, although 'apellidos' is more common

Also:titles?literary or formal titles,reputations?figurative usage

📝 In Action

Necesito los nombres y apellidos de todos los asistentes.

I need the names and surnames of all the attendees.

Hay muchos nombres famosos en la historia de la música.

There are many famous names in the history of music.

¿Puedes recordar los nombres de todos los planetas?

Can you remember the names of all the planets?

Word Connections

Synonyms

designaciones (designations)
apelativos (appellations)

Common Collocations

dar nombres – to give names/to name
lista de nombres – list of names

💡 Grammar Points

Always Masculine

Even though 'nombre' can refer to a woman or a girl, it is always a masculine word. Use the article 'los' (los nombres) when it is plural.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing First and Last Name

Mistake: "Using 'nombres' when you specifically mean 'last names'."

Correction: Use 'apellidos' (surnames/last names) if you only want the family name. 'Nombres' usually refers to first names or both first and last names together.

⭐ Usage Tips

Singular vs. Plural

Remember that 'nombre' (name) is singular, and 'nombres' (names) is plural. This difference is key for matching articles and adjectives.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: nombres

Question 1 of 2

Which Spanish word is used specifically to ask for someone's family name (surname)?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

nombre(name) - noun

nombrar(to name/to appoint) - verb

apellidos(surnames/last names) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'nombres' ever used as a verb?

Yes, 'nombres' is a highly uncommon verb form of 'nombrar' (to name or appoint), but for daily learning, you should focus 99% on its meaning as the plural noun, 'names'.

If I only know a person's first name, should I say 'nombre' or 'nombres'?

You should use the singular: 'nombre' (name). You only use 'nombres' when referring to multiple names or multiple people.