What does Refugio mean and where does it come from?
Refugio has its roots primarily in Spanish language and culture, often used as both a male and female name. Its usage reflects attributes of protection and safety, underlying themes that are vital in various cultural contexts. The name has historical significance in regions such as Mexico and Spain
Cultural significance
Refugio has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Mexico-speaking communities, where it reflects values of spanish.
Peak popularity
Reached #1152 in 1892 — currently #8769 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Mexico-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Refugio?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Refugio?
Refugio works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Refugio Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Refugio John
One syllable · timeless choice
Refugio Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Refugio Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Refugio Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Refugio Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Refugio right now?
Falling — down 1595 spots — currently #8769 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #8769 | 9 | ▼ down 1595 · -25% births |
| 2024 | #7174 | 12 | ▼ down 5618 · -98% births |
| 2023 | #1556 | 644 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1561 | 624 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #1566 | 594 | ▲ up 3994 · +5840% births |
| 1975 | #5560 | 10 | ▼ down 765 · +43% births |
| 1955 | #4795 | 7 | ▼ down 781 · -12% births |
| 1950 | #4014 | 8 | ▲ up 83 · +33% births |
| 1945 | #4097 | 6 | ▼ down 530 · -14% births |
| 1940 | #3567 | 7 | ▲ up 238 · +17% births |
| 1935 | #3805 | 6 | ▼ down 2127 · -74% births |
| 1930 | #1678 | 23 | ▲ up 39 · -8% births |
| 1925 | #1717 | 25 | ▼ down 476 · -36% births |
| 1920 | #1241 | 39 | ▲ up 589 · +117% births |
| 1915 | #1830 | 18 | — |
The story of Refugio
Refugio has been a beloved American name for over 134 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1890. With 4,804 total births recorded, Refugio remains relatively uncommon. Refugio is used for both genders: 18% female and 82% male.
Names that peaked alongside Refugio in 1892:
Refugio by decade
Refugio peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 5 | |
| 1890s | 32 | |
| 1900s | 100 | |
| 1910s | 394 | |
| 1920s ★ | 829 | |
| 1930s | 585 | |
| 1940s | 557 | |
| 1950s | 473 | |
| 1960s | 350 | |
| 1970s | 458 | |
| 1980s | 405 | |
| 1990s | 321 | |
| 2000s | 207 | |
| 2010s | 81 | |
| 2020s | 28 | |
💎With 4,804 total births, Refugio is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Refugio?
What names sound and feel like Refugio?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Refugio also consider these
Common questions about the name Refugio
What does the name Refugio mean?
Refugio means "Spanish" — a name rooted in Mexico tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Refugio?
Refugio is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Refugio?
Refugio originates from Mexico tradition. Mexico names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Refugio?
Refugio is a four-syllable name pronounced rufy-OO-jee-oh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Refugio?
Refugio pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Mexico heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.