Find out how popular the first name Aitor has been for the last 25 years (from 1999 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.
A masculine Basque name meaning "rich man" or "wealthy leader".
Based on the last 25 years of data, Aitor is exclusively a male name.
For the most recent data in 2023, there were 10 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Aitor.
Year | Male Count | Female Count |
---|---|---|
2023 | 10 | 0 |
2022 | 15 | 0 |
2020 | 11 | 0 |
2019 | 10 | 0 |
2018 | 6 | 0 |
2017 | 5 | 0 |
2015 | 6 | 0 |
2013 | 7 | 0 |
2005 | 6 | 0 |
2002 | 5 | 0 |
1999 | 5 | 0 |
The given name Aitor has its origins in the Basque language and culture, which is native to the Basque Country, a region spanning parts of northern Spain and southwestern France. The name Aitor is derived from the Basque word "aita," meaning "father" or "patriarch."
In Basque mythology, Aitor is the name of the legendary patriarch and founder of the Basque people. According to tradition, Aitor is said to have been the first human inhabitant of the Basque Country, arriving in the region after the Great Flood. His descendants are believed to have populated the area and given rise to the Basque culture and language.
The earliest recorded instances of the name Aitor can be traced back to medieval Basque texts and historical documents from the 10th and 11th centuries. One of the earliest known individuals with the name Aitor was Aitor Gualdiz, a prominent noble and landowner in Navarre during the 11th century.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Aitor. One of the most famous was Aitor Karanka (1973-), a Spanish football player and manager who played for clubs like Athletic Bilbao and Real Madrid. Another notable figure was Aitor Esteban (1979-), a Spanish cyclist who won multiple stages in prestigious events like the Vuelta a España.
In the field of literature, Aitor Iriarte (1959-) is a renowned Basque writer and poet, known for his contributions to contemporary Basque literature. Aitor Narciso (1967-) is a Spanish actor who has appeared in numerous films and television series, including the popular Spanish crime drama Víctor Ros.
Aitor Elizegi (1965-) is a prominent businessperson and the current president of Athletic Bilbao, one of the most successful football clubs in Spain's La Liga. He has played a significant role in shaping the club's identity and promoting its unique policy of only fielding players from the Basque Country.
While the name Aitor has its roots in Basque culture, it has gained popularity and recognition beyond the Basque region, particularly in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries. The name's association with Basque heritage and mythology has contributed to its enduring appeal and historical significance.
The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.
The history and meaning of the name Aitor was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.
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"Aitor first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on August 23, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/aitor-meaning-and-history/.
"Aitor first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/aitor-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 23 August, 2025
Aitor first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/aitor-meaning-and-history/.
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