Basque or Spanish names

Basque names, indeed the entire Basque language, are unrelated to any other. Arantxa is a diminutive of Arantzazu. This obscure choice was made known by tennis player Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario.

For the parent who genuinely wants something different, this nature choice is popular in Spain. Downside: connection to words irate and irritation.

Jago is a dashing alternative to overused favorite Jacob.

Also spelled Leyre and taken from the name of a monastery fortress, the popular and lilting choice in Spain will pose pronunciation problems elsewhere. Among the Top 100 girls' names in Spain, Leire was given to only a handful of baby girls in the US last year.

A variation of the name Nere, both choices are distinctive and accessible. In the Top 20 in Spain.

This name of an admired Puerto Rican pop singer has been picked up by hundreds of Hispanic parents.