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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Ilario
Origin:
Latin from GreekMeaning:
"cheerful, happy"Description:
Ilario's merry, jovial sound reflects a shared root with the word hilarious.
- 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.
- Izar
Origin:
BasqueMeaning:
"star"Description:
Used more for girls in Europe, but definitely sounds masculine enough for a boy here.
- 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.
- Abarran
Origin:
Basque, from HebrewMeaning:
"father of multitudes"Description:
Abarran is a rare masculine name with Basque origins. In the Basque language and culture of northern Spain and southwestern France, the name may be connected to place names in the region. The name carries a strong, distinctive sound with its double 'r' consonant, which is characteristic of Basque phonology. Abarran remains extremely uncommon internationally, making it a truly distinctive choice. Those seeking names with European heritage but outside the mainstream might be drawn to its unique quality. The name's rarity means it doesn't have established nickname traditions, though 'Aba' or 'Barran' could emerge naturally. Its usage remains primarily connected to Basque cultural heritage.
- Unai
Origin:
BasqueMeaning:
"cowherd"Description:
Popular name in Spain's Basque country, thanks to cowboyish meaning, virtually unknown elsewhere.
- 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.
- Xanti
Origin:
BasqueMeaning:
"St James"Description:
A Basque form of Santiago with a jaunty and friendly feel.
- Xalbador
Description:
Xalbador is a rare masculine name of Basque origin, traditional to the distinctive language and culture found in the region spanning northern Spain and southwestern France. The name is a variant of Salvador, ultimately derived from Latin 'salvator' meaning 'savior,' but adapted to Basque phonology and spelling conventions. The initial 'X' is pronounced with a 'sh' sound in Basque. Xalbador gained some recognition through the famous Basque poet and improvisational singer Fernando Aire 'Xalbador' (1920-1976). The name remains extremely uncommon outside Basque communities, making it a distinctive choice that strongly connects to Basque cultural heritage and independence. Its unusual spelling and pronunciation may present challenges outside the Basque Country.
- Zuzen
Origin:
BasqueMeaning:
"just, justice"Description:
The Basque name has enough Zs in it to make it look spaceaged and trendy, but it is in fact a traditional Basque name. Despite its wonderful meaning, it may be too close to the feminine English name Susan for usage in the Anglosphere.
- 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.
- Bolivar
Origin:
BasqueMeaning:
"mill at the riverbank"Description:
Revolutionary choice.
- Imanol
Origin:
Basque, from HebrewMeaning:
"God is with us"Description:
This intriguing Basque variation of Emmanuel has a handsome and distinct sound.
- Iáaki
Description:
Iáaki is a masculine name that appears to be a variant or stylized version of Iñaki (also written as Inaki), which is a Basque name. In Basque culture, Iñaki is equivalent to Ignatius and derives from the Latin name Ignatius, meaning 'fiery one'. The Basque version is particularly associated with Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuit order. The acute accent and alternative spelling may represent a regional variation or personalized adaptation of the traditional Basque name. While uncommon internationally, the name carries cultural significance in Basque communities and parts of Spain. The name's pronunciation typically emphasizes the second syllable, though this can vary based on regional dialects and individual preference.