Basque Names for Boys

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, 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.

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.

Used more for girls in Europe, but definitely sounds masculine enough for a boy here.

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.

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.

The Basque name, meaning shadow, has the virtue of having both an interesting meaning and an obvious pronunciation.

A Basque and Scandinavian form of Michael, pronounced MEE-kel. In the US, it is sometimes chosen as a modern alternative spelling of Michael.

Popular name in Spain's Basque country, thanks to cowboyish meaning, virtually unknown elsewhere.

Light and cheerful as its meaning but with plenty of substance, Ilari is the Finnish form of Hilarius and Hillary.

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.

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.

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.

Andoni is the Basque version of Anthony, no longer a common choice in Spain.

A Basque form of Santiago with a jaunty and friendly feel.

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.

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.

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.

Argider is a somewhat used boys' name in Basque-speaking parts of Spain.