Spanish word of the day: Tocayo/a

What does tocayo/a mean?

Tocayo (masculine) or tocaya (feminine) is a unique Spanish noun for someone who shares your first name. There’s no perfect one-word equivalent in English, though “namesake” or “name twin” comes close.

Example sentences with tocayo/a

• ¡Hola, tocayo! No sabía que también te llamabas Carlos.
  👋 Hey, name twin! I didn’t know your name was Carlos too.

• Somos tocayas, las dos nos llamamos Ana.
  😊 We’re name twins, we’re both called Ana.

• El otro día vi a tu tocayo en el mercado.
  🛒 The other day I saw your namesake at the market.

Tocayo/a in context

You’ll notice tocayo and tocaya pop up in all sorts of casual conversations, especially when introductions are happening. It’s a fun, friendly way to bond over sharing a name, and it often sparks a smile or a laugh. In Spanish-speaking countries, this word is used far more naturally and often than “namesake” in English. People might greet each other with “¡Hola, tocayo!” or refer to someone as “mi tocayo” even when that person isn’t around. It’s also a playful way to create instant camaraderie, whether you’re at work, at a party, or just chatting in line at the bakery.

If you want to sound like a native, don’t hesitate to use tocayo or tocaya the next time you meet someone with your name. It’s a small word, but it’s a great shortcut to a friendly connection—and it’s one of those little cultural touches that makes Spanish feel warm and personal.