Very popular in France and Belgium, this name -- pronounced mat-tees, like the surname of the painter Matisse -- might make an appealing new way to say Matthew here.

When it's spelled with two dots over the 'u' in German, Gunther is pronounced GUWN-ter, but it has a much softer sound when the 'h' is voiced by English-speakers, as it was, for example, for the name of a character in Friends.

Zorion may seem like a funky variation of Orion or Zorro to most English-speakers, but it is a genuine Basque name meaning happiness. The feminine version of this lovely name is Zorione.

Didier is kind of a Desiree for boy--a lively, confident name that's widely used in France and has definite possibilities here. It's the name of an early French saint.

This international variation deserves its own listing for a winning combination of distinctiveness and simplicity.

Ignasi is the Catalan form of Ignatius, a name derived from the Latin word 'ignis' meaning 'fire.' This masculine name carries historical significance through its association with Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order. While popular in Catalonia (northeastern Spain) and parts of the Spanish-speaking world, Ignasi remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. The name combines strength and intellectual associations, reflecting the fiery passion and determination of its Latin roots. Pronounced approximately as 'eeg-NAH-see' in Catalan, it offers a distinctive alternative to the more familiar Ignatius or Ignacio variants while maintaining the rich historical and religious connections of the original name.

The name of an ancient saint, a legendary holy man and martyr who is the patron saint of the city of Pamplona in Navarre, Spain. The popular week-long festival Sanfermines, which takes place in Pamplona every year from July 6-14 and includes the infamous encierro or bull runs, is named in his honor.

Distinct, sunny and energetic, Txomin is actually a variant of Dominic used in the Basque Country.