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.
- Izar
Origin:
BasqueMeaning:
"star"Description:
Used more for girls in Europe, but definitely sounds masculine enough for a boy here.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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, Roman, LatinMeaning:
"cheerful"Description:
Light and cheerful as its meaning but with plenty of substance, Ilari is the Finnish form of Hilarius and Hillary. Used as a masculine name in Finland, it is used, albeit quietly, as a unisex option elsewhere.
- 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.
- Imanol
Origin:
Basque, from HebrewMeaning:
"God is with us"Description:
This intriguing Basque variation of Emmanuel has a handsome and distinct sound.
- 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.
- Zadornin
Origin:
BasqueMeaning:
"Saturn"Description:
If you want something truly different that also has an interesting origin and meaning, this is a far-out -- if not unlikely -- possibility.
- Xarles
Description:
Xarles is a masculine name that originates as a Basque variant of Charles, which derives from Germanic roots meaning 'free man' or 'warrior.' The distinctive 'X' spelling reflects the Basque language's orthography, where the 'X' is pronounced similar to 'ch' or 'sh.' While extremely rare outside of Basque regions in northern Spain and southwestern France, this name carries strong cultural significance for those with Basque heritage. Xarles represents a way to honor both Basque culture and the widespread Charles/Carlos name tradition. The unique spelling gives this ancient name a modern, distinctive appearance while maintaining its traditional pronunciation and meaning. For parents seeking a name with European roots and an unusual spelling, Xarles offers a compelling option.
- Andoni
Origin:
Basque variation of Anthony, LatinMeaning:
"from Antium"Description:
Andoni is the Basque version of Anthony, no longer a common choice in Spain.
- Palben
Origin:
BasqueMeaning:
"blond"Description:
There are many names that mean redhead or dark, fewer that mean blond, but this is an intriguing little-known option from the Basque region of Spain, deriving from the Latin Flavianus.
- Satordi
Description:
Satordi is an unusual masculine name with obscure origins. It may possibly be derived from regional variations of surnames or place names, though definitive etymology is difficult to establish. The name has an exotic quality with its rhythmic three-syllable pattern. Satordi is extremely rare in historical records and contemporary usage, making it a truly distinctive choice. The name's unusual sound profile gives it a somewhat mystical or creative quality that might appeal to parents seeking something genuinely unique. Without widespread usage, Satordi lacks established associations or stereotypes, allowing the name to be shaped primarily by the individual who bears it. Its uncommon nature makes it difficult to identify clear patterns in popularity or cultural significance.