Basque Names for Boys
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Jun 09 2020
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Basque boy names have received greater prominence with ascendance of stars such as Iker Casillas, who's inspired an unlikely craze for his name. Spain's baby name popularity list includes many Basque names for boys.
Here is a selection of Basque boys' names for your consideration. The top names below rank among the current US Top 1000 Baby Names and are ordered by popularity. Unique names rank below the Top 1000 and are listed alphabetically.
Here is a selection of Basque boys' names for your consideration. The top names below rank among the current US Top 1000 Baby Names and are ordered by popularity. Unique names rank below the Top 1000 and are listed alphabetically.
- Xavier
Origin:
BasqueMeaning:
"new house"Description:
Xavier originated is use as a given name after Saint Francis Xavier, cofounder of the Jesuit order, who got his name from the Spanish-Basque village where he was born. His birthplace was Javier, the name of which was derived from the Basque place name Etxeberria, meaning "castle" or "new house."
- Inigo
Origin:
Basque, medieval Spanish variation of IgnatiusMeaning:
"fiery"Description:
Inigo, almost unknown in the U.S., is an intriguing choice, with its strong beat, creative and evocative sound, and associations with the great early British architect and stage designer Inigo Jones. The sixteenth-seventeenth century Jones shared his name with his father, a London clockmaker, who received it when Spanish names for boys were fashionable in England, especially among devout Roman Catholics.
- Izar
Origin:
BasqueMeaning:
"star"Description:
Used more for girls in Europe, but definitely sounds masculine enough for a boy here.
- Iker
Origin:
BasqueMeaning:
"visitation"Description:
Long an extremely popular name in Spain, Iker (usually pronounced EE-kuhr in the English speaking world) is the rare Basque name that's starting to make it big in the States also, thanks to soccer player Iker Casillas. Indeed, it's been one of the fastest growing boys' names of the decade.
- Zeru
Origin:
BasqueMeaning:
"sky"Description:
English speakers will think you invented this one, but it's a hidden nature name from the Basque country in present-day Spain. Some may find it too close to "zero" for comfort.
- Zorion
Origin:
BasqueMeaning:
"happiness"Description:
Zorion may seem like a funky variation of Orion or Zorro to most English-speakers, but it is a genuine Basque name meaning happiness. The feminine version of this lovely name is Zorione.
- Eneko
Origin:
BasqueMeaning:
"my little one"Description:
Despite Eneko's very sweet meaning, it packs a lot of historical punch. Eneko Aritza was the first Basque king of Pamplona. It is somewhat related to the more well known Inigo.
- Zorian
Description:
Zorian is a masculine name with Slavic and Greek roots. It derives from the Slavic element 'zor' or 'zori' meaning 'dawn' or 'sunrise,' symbolizing new beginnings and hope. Some connect it to the Greek name Zorus or to Zorios, an epithet of Apollo as a god of light. In Eastern European countries, particularly Russia, Ukraine, and Poland, Zorian has historical usage though it remains relatively uncommon. The name carries a celestial quality with its connection to light and daybreak, while its distinctive sound offers a contemporary feel despite its ancient origins. Zorian has gained modest international appeal in recent years as parents seek names that are both meaningful and uncommon, with a balanced combination of strength and melodic quality.
- Ilario
Origin:
Latin from GreekMeaning:
"cheerful, happy"Description:
Ilario's merry, jovial sound reflects a shared root with the word hilarious.
- Itzal
Origin:
BasqueMeaning:
"Shadow"Description:
The Basque name, meaning shadow, has the virtue of having both an interesting meaning and an obvious pronunciation.
- Ilari
Origin:
Finnish form of Hilarius, RomanMeaning:
"cheerful"Description:
Light and cheerful as its meaning but with plenty of substance, Ilari is the Finnish form of Hilarius and Hillary.
- Aureline
Description:
Aureline is an uncommon masculine name with Latin origins, derived from "aureus" meaning "golden" or "gilded." It's related to the more familiar feminine name Aurelia and the masculine Aurelius, names that were popular in ancient Rome. Aureline suggests qualities of brightness, value, and radiance. While not widely used in modern times, it carries an elegant, somewhat aristocratic quality. The name may appeal to parents seeking something distinctive with classical roots. Aureline shares connections with other gold-related names like Aurelia, Aurelio, and Orion. Its rarity gives it a unique quality while still retaining recognizable linguistic elements and a melodious sound.
- Mikel
Origin:
Basque and Scandinavian variation of MichaelMeaning:
"who is like God"Description:
A Basque and Scandinavian form of Michael, pronounced MEE-kel. In the US, it is sometimes chosen as a modern alternative spelling of Michael.
- Unai
Origin:
BasqueMeaning:
"cowherd"Description:
Popular name in Spain's Basque country, thanks to cowboyish meaning, virtually unknown elsewhere.
- Imanol
Origin:
Basque, from HebrewMeaning:
"God is with us"Description:
This intriguing Basque variation of Emmanuel has a handsome and distinct sound.
- Xanti
Origin:
BasqueMeaning:
"St James"Description:
A Basque form of Santiago with a jaunty and friendly feel.
- Elazar
Description:
Elazar is a masculine name with Hebrew origins, meaning 'God has helped' or 'God's assistance.' This biblical name appears in the Old Testament as the name of Aaron's son and has been used consistently in Jewish communities for thousands of years. The name Elazar is the original Hebrew form of the more common Eleazar or Lazarus. It carries deep religious significance and remains particularly popular in Orthodox Jewish communities. The name experienced increased usage in Israel during the 20th century and has seen modest interest in other countries as parents seek names with historical depth and spiritual meaning. Elazar combines ancient heritage with a strong, distinctive sound.
- Ixidor
Description:
Ixidor is a distinctive masculine name with a mysterious quality, likely of modern invented origin rather than traditional usage. The name may draw inspiration from fantasy literature, gaming, or creative fiction where unusual letter combinations and exotic-sounding names are popular. The combination of the uncommon initial 'Ix' and the mythological resonance of the ending creates a name with a magical or otherworldly quality. Ixidor gained some recognition among gaming communities through a character in Magic: The Gathering. As a given name, it remains extremely rare, appealing primarily to parents seeking names with fantastical associations or unique phonetic qualities. The name has a melodic pronunciation despite its unusual spelling, combining distinctiveness with a somewhat accessible sound pattern.
- Iara
Description:
Iara, while listed as masculine here, is traditionally a feminine name with Brazilian origins, derived from ancient Tupi-Guarani mythology. In Brazilian folklore, Iara (or Yara) is a water nymph or siren-like figure, often depicted as a beautiful woman with green hair who lives in the Amazon River. The name means "water lady" or "lady of the lake" in the indigenous Tupi language. Iara has a melodic, flowing quality that reflects its connection to water. It remains moderately popular in Brazil and has gained some international recognition. The name carries an exotic appeal with its mythological roots and musical sound. Iara possesses a mystical quality while remaining accessible and pronounceable across different languages.
- Andoni
Origin:
Basque variation of Anthony, LatinMeaning:
"from Antium"Description:
Andoni is the Basque version of Anthony, no longer a common choice in Spain.