Francophile Naming Guide -- Basque Names for Boys and Girls

Confident and compact, Ana is a widely used variation of the Biblical Hannah. Favored in Spain, Slovenia, Bosnia, Portugal, and Croatia, this shorter spelling has the same substance and versatility of its longer counterparts.

Aida is a melodic name largely associated with the title character of the 1871 Verdi opera, an enslaved Ethiopian princess who dies to save her people. In the past, her name was rarely heard outside the Latino community, but in the current time of love for all A-starting girls' names, this could very well change.

This Basque form of the sturdy classic brings a fresh, cool edge to Andrew. It fits in with other trendy -er ending names while also still feeling classic and international.

Aliza might seem like yet another variation of the eternal Alyssa/Alicia/Eliza loop, but it's a distinct name all its own. The z adds zip.

Ajax is the name of two Greek heroes, both who fought in the Trojan war and feature in Homer's "Iliad". Distinctive yet familiar in sound, thanks to similar choices like Jack, Asa, and Ajay, Ajax is also the name of a foaming cleanser in the US, and if you find that reference too strong, you might try the shortened Jax instead.

Adi is a multicultural masculine name with diverse origins and meanings across several traditions. In Hebrew, it means 'jewel' or 'ornament,' while in Sanskrit it can mean 'first' or 'beginning.' The name also has Germanic roots where it serves as a short form of names containing the element 'adal' meaning 'noble.' This concise, two-syllable name has gained popularity in Israel, India, and increasingly in Western countries drawn to its simplicity and international appeal. Adi travels well across cultures and is appreciated for its modern feel despite ancient origins. Its brevity makes it both memorable and easy to pronounce in multiple languages, contributing to its growing global usage.

Alain gives the midcentury Alan a bit of gallic dash.

This pretty and uncommon Basque name is all but unheard of in this country. Amaya is a spelling variation as well as a similar Japanese name meaning "night rain." With the newfound popularity of Amara and Amora, Amaia and Amaya are among the Spanish names for girls we'll be hearing a lot more of in the US.

Amane is a feminine name with Japanese origins, though it can occasionally be used for boys as well. In Japanese, it carries several beautiful meanings depending on the kanji characters used, including 'sound of heaven,' 'heavenly sound,' or 'sound of rain.' The name evokes a sense of natural harmony and celestial connection. Amane remains relatively uncommon outside of Japan but has gained modest international recognition for its melodic quality and exotic appeal. The name's gentle phonetics create a delicate impression while its meaning carries spiritual depth. With its blend of simplicity and profound symbolism, Amane appeals to parents seeking a name with cultural significance and poetic resonance.

A vibrant variation of Adele, with a bit of extra flair from that "-a" ending. It could join the army of popular A girls' names, especially with its tie to the success of singer Adele.

Albin is a modern form of the ancient Roman Albinus or Albus, meaning white or bright. There was a Saint Albinus who was also known as Aubin. In the contemporary world, Albin is popular in Sweden and ripe for export as a simple, unusual name with deep history.

A distinctive nature name and member of the trendy bird category, Ainara might make an unusual choice with a lovely secret (to English speakers, anyway) meaning. A Top 100 choice in Spain and in the Top 50 in Puerto Rico, Ainara may appeal to those who enjoy Paloma and Aviana, or those who like the sound of Amaia, Nora, and Alora.

The Spanish form of Andrew is popular enough in the US to rank near the Top 200. As Andrew, Andy, and Drew feel less fresh, Andres is still up-and-coming, with a global feel that could travel well anywhere. Andres has been used in the US dating all the way back to when name data began to be kept, and has never fallen out of the Top 1000. Despite this, it has only been since the 90s that Andres has cracked the Top 200. Andre is a similar-sounding alternative that has French and Portuguese roots.

This form and its German variant Augusten are moving up fast as the preferred long forms of the trendy Gus.

Ania is a feminine name with Slavic origins, particularly popular in Poland and other Eastern European countries. It functions as a diminutive form of Anna, which ultimately derives from the Hebrew Hannah, meaning 'grace' or 'favor.' The name features a straightforward pronunciation (AHN-yah or AHN-ee-ah, depending on regional accents) that travels well across language boundaries despite its specific cultural roots. Ania has a delicate, feminine quality while maintaining simplicity and brevity. Though not widely used in English-speaking countries, it has gained some recognition with increased global cultural awareness. The name carries the warmth and timeless quality of its root name Anna while offering a fresh, slightly exotic alternative that's still easy to pronounce and spell.

Albira is a rare feminine name with Spanish and Arabic influences. It likely derives from the Germanic name Alberic, meaning 'elf ruler' or 'elf power,' or may be related to the Arabic name Almira, meaning 'princess' or 'elevated one.' This uncommon name carries an air of mystery and exotic charm. Albira has never achieved widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, remaining a distinctive choice that stands out for its melodious sound and unusual character. The name combines softness with strength, featuring a pleasing rhythm and flow. Those named Albira might appreciate its rarity and the unique identity it confers, making it an intriguing option for parents seeking something truly distinctive.

The name of the French town where a vision of the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared, this name is in the Spanish Top 100 and was, until recently, virtually unheard of elsewhere. Now however it is familiar in Puerto Rico and Chile, and as of 2019, it has been a feature in the US Top 1000.

The Finnish form of Andrew is featured in mythology as Antero Vipunen, a giant in Finland's national legend the Kalevala

Alize feels like a blend of Alice and Eliza but it's not related to either of those names, rather to the more unusual (in the US, at least) Aleeza, a Hebrew name meaning joy, or Alizee, a French name meaning wind, or the related Alizeh, a Persian name that also means wind. The final e can take an accent, which might elucidate pronunciation, but English speakers are sure to be confused.

Name that's virtually unknown here but has a lovely meaning and a simple sound and spelling.