Basque Names for Boys

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.
  1. Xavier
    • Origin:

      Basque
    • Meaning:

      "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."
  2. Inigo
    • Origin:

      Basque, medieval Spanish variation of Ignatius
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  3. Iker
    • Origin:

      Basque
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  4. Ilario
    • Origin:

      Latin from Greek
    • Meaning:

      "cheerful, happy"
    • Description:

      Ilario's merry, jovial sound reflects a shared root with the word hilarious.
  5. Izar
    • Origin:

      Basque
    • Meaning:

      "star"
    • Description:

      Used more for girls in Europe, but definitely sounds masculine enough for a boy here.
  6. Zeru
    • Origin:

      Basque
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  7. Zorion
    • Origin:

      Basque
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  8. Ilari
    • Origin:

      Finnish form of Hilarius, Roman
    • Meaning:

      "cheerful"
    • Description:

      Light and cheerful as its meaning but with plenty of substance, Ilari is the Finnish form of Hilarius and Hillary.
  9. 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.

  10. Eneko
    • Origin:

      Basque
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  11. 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.

  12. Itzal
    • Origin:

      Basque
    • Meaning:

      "Shadow"
    • Description:

      The Basque name, meaning shadow, has the virtue of having both an interesting meaning and an obvious pronunciation.
  13. Mikel
    • Origin:

      Basque and Scandinavian variation of Michael
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  14. Andone
    • Description:

      Andone is a masculine name with Basque origins, found primarily in the Basque region spanning northern Spain and southwestern France. In Basque tradition, the name may be related to 'andi' meaning 'great' or 'big.' It's a relatively uncommon name even within Basque communities, giving it a distinctive quality. Andone has a melodic sound with its three syllables and ending vowel, characteristic of many Basque names which often differ significantly from other European naming traditions. While not widely used internationally, it offers a unique cultural connection to Basque heritage. Some bearers of this name may be found in diaspora communities where Basque culture has been preserved.
  15. Zuzen
    • Origin:

      Basque
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  16. Dunixi
    • Description:

      Dunixi is a masculine name of likely Basque or invented origin. Though rare, it may be related to Basque naming traditions or modern name creation. The distinctive 'xi' ending gives it an exotic quality reminiscent of some indigenous naming patterns. Dunixi has no widely recognized standard meaning, allowing families to attribute personal significance to it. The name's uniqueness almost guarantees a child named Dunixi won't share their name with classmates. The three-syllable pronunciation (du-ni-xi) creates a rhythmic flow, while the uncommon consonant combination makes it memorably distinctive. Dunixi appeals particularly to parents seeking a name that sounds established yet remains statistically rare, providing both individuality and a strong phonetic presence.

  17. Samsó
    • Description:

      Samsó is a distinctive masculine name with Catalan origins, primarily found in northeastern Spain and parts of France near the Pyrenees mountains. It corresponds to the biblical name Samson, which derives from Hebrew and means "sun child" or "like the sun." In biblical tradition, Samson was known for his extraordinary strength. The Catalan version features an acute accent on the final letter, indicating stress on the last syllable (sam-SOH). While uncommon outside Catalan-speaking regions, Samsó carries the historical and biblical gravitas of its origin while offering a melodic Mediterranean sound. The name combines ancient heritage with a distinctive regional character.
  18. 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.
  19. Estebe
    • Description:

      Estebe is a masculine name that originates as the Basque variation of Stephen, derived from the Greek 'Stephanos' meaning 'crown' or 'garland.' Predominantly found in the Basque Country regions of Spain and France, this cultural variation preserves the name's heritage while giving it a distinctive regional character. Estebe follows Basque phonological patterns, which differ from both Spanish (Esteban) and French (Étienne) versions of the same name. While common within Basque communities, Estebe remains rare internationally and would be considered an exotic choice outside its cultural homeland. The name carries the same dignified history as other Stephen variants, including its connection to the first Christian martyr.

  20. Danele
    • Description:

      Danele is a masculine name that likely originated as a variant or diminutive form of Daniel, a biblical name meaning 'God is my judge.' With its soft ending, Danele has a gentle, melodic quality while maintaining masculine associations. The name has been used across various European cultures, particularly in Eastern European and Baltic regions. While not widely common in English-speaking countries, Danele offers a distinctive alternative to more familiar forms like Daniel or Danilo. The name carries the biblical heritage and gravitas of Daniel but with a unique international flair. Its uncommon status makes it appealing to parents looking for something recognizable yet distinctive.