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.

Popular among the Muslim community and currently in the UK Top 300, Aiza is a name with bright, zippy sounds and a short but substantial feel, making it an appealing choice.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Alberto is the Italian, Spanish and Portuguese variation of Albert and lends a more unusual and fashionable edge to this name which is still a grandpa name to many.

Agata is an Agatha form widely used throughout Europe. And the hard t may be more appealing to your ear than the th sound.

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.

Alain gives the midcentury Alan a bit of gallic dash.

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.

Vowel names are popular, but this word-name possibility takes it to an extreme.

Derived from the Ancient Roman family name, Augustinus, itself a form of Augustus, this elaborate form is less familiar than August and Augusta, but it has the flair of Georgiana and Evangelina. Briefly popular in the US, France and Czechia a century ago, Augustina blends clunky and frilliness.

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.

Apolonia is a feminine name of Greek origin, derived from Apollo, the Greek god of sun, light, music, and poetry. It can be considered a variant of Apollonia, which gained recognition through Saint Apollonia, an early Christian martyr.

Apolo is a masculine name that serves as a variant spelling of Apollo, the Greek god of light, music, healing, and prophecy. This simplified spelling is particularly common in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries. The name derives from Greek origins, though its exact etymology remains debated—some connect it to the Greek 'apollymi' meaning 'to destroy,' while others link it to 'apella' meaning 'assembly.' Apolo projects strength and artistic talent, carrying the mythological associations with the sun, beauty, and athletic prowess. The name has seen modest popularity in Latin American countries and has gained some recognition through notable bearers like Olympic speed skater Apolo Ohno. Its streamlined spelling offers a more modern, accessible version of the classical name.