A discussion of the use of Spanish first names as a tool for teaching Hispanic culture first looks at a survey of names existing in a small New Mexican town in the 1880s and examines the usefulness of this information in classroom teaching. The frequency, definitions, and cultural implications of male, female, and double-gender names are outlined: names having religious meaning; those characterizing personal demeanor or disposition; names denoting virtue, war-like characteristics, physical characteristics, or aspects of nature or animals; and miscellaneous names. The information about age or social traditions available in first names is discussed. The relative lack of nicknames or shortened forms is also noted as an indicator of social values. It is proposed that: Spanish first names are ideally suited for the study of civilization, oral literature, and folklore classes; religious first names reflect the importance of religion in Hispanic communities; double-gender names show the importance of the baptismal ritual and of the loyalty inherent in the parent/godparent relationship; Spanish first names give insight to some behaviors and trends; and names should be discussed in the classroom whenever appropriate. (MSE)