Some of these are names I already like, but would seriously consider using because of the positive association-- mostly saints names! To me, having positive namesake or meaning is pretty important.
St.
Francis Xavier -->
Xavier (mn only)
Father
Damien, missionary to leper colony -->
Damien or
Damian (possible FN)
St. Thérèse de Lisieux, & Bl.
Teresa of Calcutta-->
Therese (MN only)
St.
Ignatius -->
Ignatius (mn only)
St.
Martin de Porres -->
Martin St.
Gemma Gaglioni -->
Gemma
When I was a teenager I read a biography of
Susanna Wesley, mother of
John and
Charles (founders of the Wesleyan denomination), and really grew to love the name because of her.
I can't think of too many more contemporary or historical people that aren't personal friends or relatives that have struck me as someone to name my child after... Good food for thought!
(Vote on my names?
http://www.babynames.com/namelist/9516801 )