Leire

Leire is a feminine given name of Basque origin, commonly used in the Basque Country and in other Spanish-speaking communities. In Basque contexts, Leire is often chosen to reflect regional identity and cultural heritage, and the name has gained broader use in Spain and among Basque diaspora communities, including in Latin America.

The etymology of Leire is not definitively settled. It is frequently treated as a toponymic name, associated with locales in northern Spain, and it has become established as a personal name through local tradition and historical associations in those areas. As a given name, Leire is used for girls and appears in contemporary naming patterns across Spain.

Notable people with the name include Leire Pajín, a Spanish politician who has held government positions and led party committees. The name also appears among athletes, artists, and other public figures in Basque-speaking regions and beyond.

In addition to its use as a given name, Leire can appear in place names and institutional names in northern Spain, reflecting its regional heritage. In onomastic references, Leire is categorized as a Basque feminine name arising from local geography or historical associations rather than from common Latin-rooted naming traditions.