This community in Spain has a lot of beautiful baby names that are very important to their culture.
The Basque country is situated in the western Pyrenees, between France and Spain. This influence can be seen in their traditions, including their baby names. Basque baby names often have spellings similar to those in French and Spanish. You can recognize Basque first names by looking for endings that are common in both languages. Basque baby names are known for their beauty and tranquility. These elaborate and lovely names have a floral quality to them. If you’re looking for baby names that convey beauty, consider the following Basque baby names for your baby.
Basque Baby Names For Boys With Meanings
1. Abarran
The Basque version of Abraham, known as Abarran, is a unique option with possible nicknames like Barry, Abe, and Arran. Like many Basque baby names, Abarran is unlikely to be common in your child’s class.
2. Aitor
The Basque people have a legendary ancestor named Aitor. This name likely comes from ‘Aita,’ which means good father.
3. Ander
Ander is the Basque version of the name Andrew, which means ‘man or manly’. This basque baby name is unique and straightforward.
4. Andone
Andone is a Basque version of the name Anthony, which means ‘flower’. Some people may be worried that it looks like a mix of the words ‘and’ and ‘done’. However, names that combine different words are popular, right?’
5. Antton
A lot of our audience may believe that Antton is a made-up name, but it is actually a Basque variation of Anthony. This basque baby name means ‘priceless one.’
6. Argider
Argider, which is pronounced as ‘ar-zhi-der’, is a popular Basque name for babies. The name means ‘beautiful light’.
7. Basajaun
The basque baby name Basajaun comes from two words: ‘baso’, meaning ‘woods’, and ‘jaun’, meaning ‘lord’. When put together, the name means ‘lord of the woods’. Basajaun was a character in a Basque folklore tale called ‘Old Man of the Woods’.
8. Benat
Bernard is seen as outdated these days, but its variation Benat has a unique charm. It is reminiscent of the name Bennett. If you prefer to stick to tradition, you can also use the nickname Ben.
9. Bolivar
If you’re looking for a unique and meaningful name for your son, consider choosing Bolivar, which means ‘mill at the riverbank’. This basque baby name is linked to Simon Bolivar, the well-known revolutionary from South America.
10. Eneko
It is more traditional and cultural baby name. In this name, the part ‘en’ means ‘my’ and ‘ko’ is a suffix that indicates something is small. So, the name means ‘my little one’. In some places in the Basque region, Eneko is also known as Inigo.
11. Ganiz
Many well-known Basque baby names are difficult to use in English-speaking areas, but Ganiz is an exception as it is a global-sounding name. It is believed to be a variation of the traditional name John and means ‘God is gracious’.
12. Gorka
If you are a fan of the classic name George, but don’t like how popular it is, you can choose the Basque version Gorka instead, which means ‘farmer’.
13. Iker
Iker is a Basque baby name that means ‘visitation’, similar to Visitacion. This name has the potential to appeal to a wide range of people. It is short, direct, and full of energy. In the United States, it is becoming increasingly popular thanks to the fame of soccer player Iker Casillas.
14. Ilari
The basque baby name ‘Ilari’ is fitting because it means ‘cheerful.’ It would be a unique and appealing option due to its pleasant sound, rhythmic quality, and connection to the Finnish footballer Ilari Aijala.
15. Inigo
The basque baby name Inigo comes from the name of San Ignacio of Lotyoa, whose first name was Inigo. In addition, it was the name of the first ruler of Pamplona. Furthermore, it was also the name of a prominent character in the movie ‘The Princess Bride’, portrayed by Mandy Patinkin.
16. Itzal
This Basque boy’s name has the benefit of having a unique meaning and being easy to pronounce, and it means ‘shadow’.
17. Markel
The basque baby name Markel was ranked first on the list of names and rightfully so. The name means ‘related to Mars’.
18. Mattin
Mattin is the Basque variation of Martin, a name with Roman origins. It is modern and fashionable, while still being easy to pronounce and recognize.
19. Mikel
If you’re looking for a more lively alternative to the traditional name Michael, consider choosing the name Mikel. Mikel is not limited to just the Basque Country, it is also popular in Scandinavian countries. A well-known person with this name is Mikel Arteta, a Spanish soccer player.
20. Palben
There are many basque baby names that mean redhead, black, dark, or brown, but there are not as many that mean blonde. Choose this name if you want something unique with an interesting origin and meaning.
21. Samso
While Samson and Samuel are traditional basque baby names, Samso is a modern and trendy option that might be more appealing. It has a hip and fun vibe, and nicknames like Sam or Sammy could be used for it.
22. Xabier
This basque baby name is a tribute to the surname of a well-known Basque saint named Francis Xabier. Xabier actually originated from Etxeberri, which means ‘new house’ in Basque.
23. Xavier
Xavier, a name that may be unexpected to many, actually comes from the Basque language and means ‘bright.’ The basque baby name became well-known because of Saint Francis Xavier, the co-founder of the Jesuit Order, who was named after a Spanish-Basque village where he was born. Those interested in a geekier version of the name can choose to spell it as Xzavier, a variation introduced in the X-Men comics.
24. Zorion
Zorion may seem like a mix of Zoro and Orion, but it’s actually a genuine Basque name that means ‘happiness’. We really like the nickname Zori for this name.
25. Zuzen
This basque baby name has a lot of Z’s in it which makes it seem cool and modern. However, it is actually a traditional Basque name known for its honorable meaning of ‘just’. The only issue is that it sounds very similar to the popular female name, Susan.
Basque Baby Names For Girls With Meanings
26. Ainhoa
Ainhoa is named after a town in southern France known for a famous image of the Virgin Mary. The name is not widely recognized outside of Spain, where it is popular and considered one of the top 100 names. Ainhoa Arteta, a well-known Spanish opera singer, is the most famous person with this name.’
27. Alasne
Alasne is a common name in the Basque language, which is spoken by many people in the Basque Country. This basque baby name means ‘miracle’.
28. Amaya
The Basque baby name Amaia is becoming more popular in the United States because it sounds similar to Maya. Mariska Hargitay, a well-known American actress, chose the name Amaya Josephine for her daughter. The name Amaya was also used by a cast member on the show ‘Real World: Hawaii.’
29. Ane
According to Eustat, the name Ane was very popular last year in Basque countries.
30. Arantxa
Arantxa is a basque baby name that comes from the town where the sanctuary of Virgin Mary is located, originally derived from Arantzazu. The name also means ‘thorn bush’ in Basque. Arantxa Sanchez Vicario, the famous tennis player, helped popularize this unique name.
31. Arrosa
Rose and Rosa are no longer fashionable. It is now the time for Arrosa to take the lead. This Basque name for baby girls is simple to say and has a stylish and lively quality. You could also choose this name to pay tribute to a family member named Rose.
32. Elixane
Elixane used to be an uncommon basque baby name, especially among those who speak Basque. However, French tennis player Elixane Lechemia made it popular. The name Elixane, starting with ‘El’, is similar to Elizabeth and has the potential to be popular in English-speaking countries. This version of Elizabeth carries the meaning ‘pledged to God’.
33. Erdutza
In the Basque country, the name Erdutza is similar to the Spanish name Nieves, as they both refer to the Virgin Mary. The basque baby naem Erdutza means ‘snow’ and could be a good choice for girls born in winter.
34. Iara
Iara is a name that may typically be used for boys in Basque, but it is more popular for girls in the United States. If you find the name Iara to be too plain, you can change it by adding a letter at the beginning to make variations like Liara, Siara, or Kiara. The name means ‘cheerful’.
35. Irati
This name is perfect for parents looking for something special. The name means ‘fern field’ and is very trendy in Spain, ranking third last year.
36. Itziar
The Basque village where the shrine of Virgin Mary is located is called Itziar, which could be a good name for a baby girl. The name means ‘old stone’, but the name may be difficult to pronounce in countries where Spanish is not spoken.
37. Izaro
If you are looking for a unique basque baby name for your daughter, consider choosing Izaro. Izaro is a name of a small island in the Bay of Biscay, near the Spanish Coast.
38. Jakinda
Flower names are becoming popular again. If you want something more unique than the common Roses and Lilies, you could consider using Jakinda, which means ‘hyacinth’ in Basque. Despite having many consonants, it is still easy to pronounce. For a nickname, you could choose Jaki or Jacky.
39. Joska
If you’re looking for a fun twist on the name Jessica, consider the name Joska. Joska is the Basque version of Josepha and it means ‘Jehovah increases’. It’s charming, short, and lively. You could also nickname your daughter Jo.
40. June
The Latin name Juno is widely favored in Basque and English-speaking countries. It was the second most popular Basque baby name for girls last year. Actress Amanda Peet gave her daughter the middle name June, while Balthazar Getty chose it as a first name.
41. Leire
Here’s another Basque-inspired name for you. It comes from a monastery in Spain called Monastery of San Salvador of Leyre. In 2011, Leire was one of the top ten names in the Basque country and is still popular. The name Leire is pronounced as ‘LAY-ree.
42. Lourdes
Lourdes was the name of a town where a young girl from a farming family said she saw the Virgin Mary. The name comes from Basque, which means ‘rocky hill’, and gained attention when Madonna chose it for her daughter. However, only a small number of dedicated Catholics have also named their children Lourdes.
43. Maialen
Maialen is the Basque equivalent of Magdalene and is associated with May Magdalene. This name has a sophisticated and unique quality that will attract a lot of people.
44. Naiara
The musical Arabic name originated from the Spanish city of Najera. In the 12th century, people claimed to have seen an apparition of the Virgin Mary in a cave nearby. An alternative way to spell the name is Nayara.
45. Nekane
Nekane is a Basque version of the name Dolores, which means ‘sorrow’, but it has a more positive and contemporary vibe. This basque baby name is not commonly used in English-speaking countries, so it feels new and trendy. We believe it would be a great modern twist on the name Nicole.
46. Nerea
Nerea is a basque baby name that comes from Nere and ‘mine’, both names are unique and can be used, but we prefer it because it ends with ‘an’. It is also one of the most popular names in Spain, ranking in the top 20.
47. Urraca
This name from Basque, which means ‘magpie’, has been used by many queens in medieval Iberian Kingdoms. Even though it has a royal background, this name is easy for anyone to use.
48. Uxue
This is one of the top choices on the list that we really like. Uxue in the Basque language refers to the Spanish town Ujue, which is home to a church devoted to the Virgin Mary. The basque baby name means ‘dove’.
49. Ximenia
If you are searching for Basque baby names inspired by nature for your daughter, you can choose Ximenia. This name is derived from a Spanish monk called Ximenes and it represents ‘a tropical plant with wild limes’.
50. Xuxa
This Basque girl’s name is a different version of Shoshana and it means ‘lily’.
We hope you found the perfect basque baby name and its meaning on our list. If your favorite name isn’t included, please leave a comment to let us know!
Frequently Asked Questions
This collection of special Basque baby names contains many simple yet charming options. These names come from French-Spanish backgrounds, adding excitement to your child’s personality. Pick a name that both you and your partner love for your baby boy or girl. When deciding, consider the meaning of the name to make sure it is significant for your child. If you are unsure, try listening to the names being read out loud with your eyes closed to find the best fit for your baby.
