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Basque Names for Boys

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Jun 09 2020
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. Izar

    • Origin:

      Basque

    • Meaning:

      "star"

    • Description:

      Used more for girls in Europe, but definitely sounds masculine enough for a boy here.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

  7. Ilario

    • Origin:

      Latin from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "cheerful, happy"

    • Description:

      Ilario's merry, jovial sound reflects a shared root with the word hilarious.
  8. 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.
  9. Ilari

    • Origin:

      Finnish form of Hilarius, Roman, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.

  13. Itzal

    • Origin:

      Basque

    • Meaning:

      "Shadow"

    • Description:

      The Basque name, meaning shadow, has the virtue of having both an interesting meaning and an obvious pronunciation.
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. Imanol

    • Origin:

      Basque, from Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "God is with us"

    • Description:

      This intriguing Basque variation of Emmanuel has a handsome and distinct sound.
  17. 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.

  18. 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.
  19. Ganiz

    • Origin:

      Basque variation of John

    • Description:

      Ganiz, sometimes spelled Ganix, is a Basque name which is e variation of John. Virtually unknown in the US, this may be a creative way to honor an ancestral John (and there are so many of them!).
  20. Ibon

    • Origin:

      Basque

    • Meaning:

      "river"

    • Description:

      Ibon is a masculine Basque name with ancient origins in the Basque Country, a region spanning parts of northern Spain and southwestern France. Compact and distinctive, Ibon has remained somewhat exclusive to Basque communities, where maintaining cultural heritage through traditional naming practices holds particular importance. The name is also associated with Ibón, the Basque word for small mountain lakes formed by glaciers in the Pyrenees, giving it a connection to the striking natural landscape of the region. Despite its brevity, Ibon carries cultural significance for those of Basque heritage. Outside Basque communities, the name remains unusual but accessible, with its simple pronunciation and spelling making it internationally viable.