Image: MomJunction Design Team
If the Netherlands has inspired you with its cheeses and flowers and you wish to commemorate it with something unique, perhaps you could use Dutch baby names. Their famous painters and nature inspire most Dutch names. Traditional Dutch names include common European names and exotic names inspired by the immigrants of other nations. These names depict the nobility, eminence, and strength the Dutch are known for. Read on to learn some trendy Dutch names and their meanings, and find the one you deem perfect for your baby.
Key Pointers
- Dutch names carry deep meanings that reflect the rich heritage and traditions of the Netherlands.
- Names such as Ambroos, Boudewijin, and Lieke are some of the many influential names that highlight Dutch culture.
- Abel, Lara, Fay, and Noa are short yet stylish Dutch-inspired choices.
- These names often have unique spelling and sound, adding an exotic flair to your child’s identity.
- Learning about Dutch naming customs is a good idea for making the right choice inspired by this culture.
Historical And Cultural Significance Of Dutch Baby Names
The earliest known Dutch given names often had Germanic influence, and these names have seen significant changes during the Middle Ages, the early Modern era, and the post-World War II period. Most Germanic-influenced names are composed of two elements, so children often receive these two parts from their parents or different family members, giving rise to unique names and meanings.
During the Middle Ages, Christian names saw a rise in popularity due to the direct influence of the church. Several Dutch variations of names of Christian saints were trendy during that time. During the early Modern period, parents chose either Christian or Germanic names. The naming convention involved naming children after a close relative or ancestor to facilitate the reincarnation of the person. So, children were often named after their grandparents or even uncles and aunts.
After World War II, there was a slight decline in the popularity of Christian and Germanic names. Instead, parents chose names of foreign origins. People opted for modern and stylish names instead of traditional ones. Today, parents choose a traditional name as an addition to a modern one (1).
Dutch people usually have a given name and a calling name, also known as ‘roepnaam.’ While given names are used in official documents, parents give their children a calling name, which the people around them use. So, if someone has Elizabeth as their given name, Elsa or Ilse can be their calling names.
85 Best Dutch Baby Names For Boys And Girls
The Dutch commonly name the children after the grandparents to honor one’s family and ancestors. The following names show the values and traits Dutch people appreciate, such as strength, beauty, and nobility. Read on to find the perfect one for your baby.
Dutch Names For Boys
Dutch baby boy names sound both timeless and modern. Explore the following names to find one that inspires you.
1. Aart
Aart is one of the most alluring and artistic Dutch baby names. It is the Dutch form of the Germanic name Arnold. Meaning ‘eagle power’, the name denotes strength and authority. Both Aart and Arnold are common in English and German-speaking worlds. One of the most notable personalities bearing this name is Aart van der Leeuw, a Dutch writer of prose fiction and poetry.
2. Adrianus
Adrianus is the Dutch variant of the name Adrian. It comes from the Latin name Hadrianus, which means ‘from Hadria’. One of the popular baby boy names in Dutch, this name was quite famous in early Christianity. Several Popes were named Adrian, including the renowned Adrian VI.
3. Abbe
It originates from the Germanic name Adalbert and means ‘nobleman’ or ‘noble and bright’. This masculine name is used widely in the Netherlands and rarely in the US. So American parents are getting a unique name here.
4. Dirk
Did you know Dirk has several royal connections? The name was given to several Counts of the Netherlands. Dirk traces its roots to the Dutch name Diederik, which was derived from the Gothic name Theodoric, meaning ‘ruler of the people’. Actor and novelist Dirk Bogarde and professional footballer Dirk Kuyt are a few renowned name bearers.
5. Aldert
Aldert is the Dutch form of the vintage names Adelhard and Aldhard. The meaning of Aldert is ‘noble and strong’ or a ‘brave nobleman’. Thus, Aldert is associated with courage, leadership, strength, and nobility. A noteworthy figure bearing this name is Dutch physicist Aldert van der Ziel, who significantly contributed to the semiconductor noise theory.
6. Ambroos
Ambroos is the Dutch variation of the popular name Ambrose. The original name comes from the Late Latin name Ambrosius, which means ‘immortal’ in Greek. Ambroos would make a charismatic name for any boy.
7. Sander
Sander is the quirky Dutch diminutive of the name Alexander with a powerful meaning. It’s also a spelling variation of Zander and Xander. The meaning of Sander is ‘defender of mankind’. This name is widely used in the Netherlands and Belgium, with Dutch coach and football player Sander Westerveld and philosopher Sander Griffioen being two well-known namesakes.
8. Pim
Pim is a mighty baby name and means ‘resolute protection’. It ranks among the top 200 names in the Netherlands, but is not so well known outside the country (2). The name is derived from the English name William and Germanic name Willehelm, meaning ‘will helmet’. Pim would sound great with any surname. You do not even need to shorten it for a nickname.
9. Cas
Like most of the one-syllable Dutch names, Cas is super powerful. Even though Cas is the short form of Casper, you can use this honorable name on its own too. It is derived from the Biblical Hebrew word ‘gizbar’, which means ‘treasurer’. Famous Dutch chef and author Cas Spijkers bears this name.
10. Isaak
Isaak is the Dutch variation of the popular name Isaac. The Isaak with the ‘k’ is catching on well with the parents. In the Old Testament, Isaac is the beloved son of Abraham and Sarah, for whom they waited 100 years. Originating from Hebrew, the name means ‘He will laugh’ or ‘He will rejoice’.
11. Berend
Berend is a Dutch variation of the cool male name Bernard and means ‘strong and brave like a bear’. It brings to mind a boy who would grow up to be fearless and daring. Powerlifter and strongman Berend Veneberg and geologist Berend George Escher are two notable bearers of this name.
12. Lars
Suitable to be used as a nickname, Lars is derived from the masculine name Laurence. The meaning of Lars is ‘from Laurentum,’ referring to an ancient Roman city, or ‘crowned with laurel,’ which comes from the Latin word ‘laurus’. Several well-known personalities bear this name, including actor Lars Mikkelsen, drummer and co-founder of Metallica Lars Ulrich, and professional cyclist Lars Boom.
13. Elmo
Here’s another popular Dutch name for you. It is inspired by the common name of Saint Erasmus, the patron saint of the sailors associated with Saint Elmo’s fire, the glow that accompanies the discharge of electricity from objects during thunderstorms). Elmo may also be derived from the Old German term ‘helm,’ meaning ’helmet or protection’.
14. Markus
Markus is the Dutch variation of Marcus or Mars, the name of the Roman god of war (3). It is possibly related to the Latin word ‘mas,’ meaning ‘male’. Marquee would make a fun nickname for Markus.
15. Van
Van is one of the most famous and striking Dutch baby names for boys. Van is equivalent to ‘de’ in French names. It is a preposition suggesting ‘of’ or ‘from’. It was also used as a surname prefix by the early American immigrants.
Trivia16. Joost
Joost is a unique and original Dutch baby boy name. It is pronounced ‘Yoost’. This name might have originated from Joyce, meaning ‘lord’. We think it’s absolutely adorable for a young boy.
17. Coen
Coen is the shorter version of the name Coenrad, the Dutch for Conrad. The meaning of the captivating name Coen is ‘bold advisor’. Some people spell it Koen. Do not confuse it with Cohen. Legendary Dutch footballer Coen Moulijn is a renowned name bearer.
18. Espen
Espen is one of the coolest Dutch names. With its roots in Old Norse, the meaning is ‘Bear God’ or ‘Divine Bear’. Asbjørn is a Danish and Norwegian variant of Espen.
19. Diederik
Diederik is the Dutch for Theodoric. The name is perfect for a confident boy who would feel comfortable in his own skin. The meaning of Diederik is ‘ruler of people’.
20. Andries
Andries is the Dutch version of Andrew, which in turn is the English form of the Greek name Andreas. The meaning of this multicultural name is ‘man’.
Fun Fact: Did you know there are over 250 spellings of Andrew in different languages, and all have the same meaning?
21. Floris
Floris is the Dutch male version of Florence. Originating from the Latin name Florentius, Floris means ‘prosperous’. This name might attract parents who nurture high ambitions for their child.
22. Jacobus
Jacobus is the Dutch variation of the evergreen Hebrew name Jacob. The meaning of Jacobus is ‘supplanter’ or ‘holder of the heel’. Dutch physical chemist Jacobus Henricus van ‘t Hoff was the first Nobel prize winner in Chemistry.
23. Jelle
Jelle is the shorter Dutch variation of the name William. We think Jelle would work better as a nickname than a first name. The Dutch meaning of this unconventional name is ‘resolute protector’. Professional darts player Jelle Klaasen and former cyclist Jelle Nijdam are two notable namesakes.
24. Kees
Kees is the Dutch version of Cornelius and is believed to be derived from the Latin element ‘cornu’, meaning ‘horn’. This moniker has a certain charm to it as it has a creative connection with the Dutch artist Kees van Dongen.
25. Bas
Bas is the diminutive of Sebastian or Bastiaan. Derived from Greek and Latin, the name means ‘venerable’ or ‘from Sebaste’ respectively. This lovely name is fashionable in its own right in the Netherlands. We think it would work best as a straightforward yet charming nickname. Baz is another spelling variation of this name.
26. Abel
Abel, the name of Adam and Eve’s younger son, is one of the most familiar names in the Netherlands. With Hebrew origins, the name means ‘breath’. Abel has several positive connotations such as capable, willing, competent, and ready. It’s one of those Biblical names that is not plagued with excess use.
27. Mees
This diminutive of Bartholomew reflects the clipped and short style that is in vogue in the Netherlands. Bartholomew is one of the apostle names that have been out of favor for a long time, and it means ‘son of Talmai’. Dutch filmmaker and director Mees Peijnenburg is a noteworthy bearer of this name.
28. Sem
A variation of Shem, Sem can be an attractive and catchy name for your little boy. Shem was the name of one of Noah’s sons. It means ‘name’. Sem was often used in the Greek and Latin Bibles. Dutch composer and conductor Sem Dresden is a well-known name bearer.
29. Stijn
Stijn is the Dutch short form for Constantijn and Augustijn. This fascinating name is quite popular in the Netherlands, but is obscure elsewhere, probably because of spelling and pronunciation issues. Stijn can mean ‘constant’ or ‘exalted’, based on its origin name.
30. Thijs
Thijs is the Dutch short form of Matthijs, which is derived from Mathew. It means the ‘gift of Yahweh’ in Hebrew. Thijs van Leer is a Dutch singer and keyboardist and one of the founding members of the rock band Focus.
31. Sven
Sven is an attractive Dutch name with a mix of swag and strength. One of the mystical foreign baby boy names, Sven means ‘boy’ in Old Norse. It probably comes from the ancient Swedish tribe, the Sviars, who gave the name to Svealand, which later turned into Sweden.
32. Timo
This name is popular in its own right in Amsterdam. This name will make an intriguing short form of the classic name Timothy. The meaning of Timo is ‘honoring God’. Timo can also be a short form of Theodemir, meaning ‘famous people’.
33. Arnoud
Arnoud is the Dutch variant of the name Arnold. The Germanic-origin name means ‘eagle power’. This name is popular not just among the Dutch, but also among English and German-speaking communities.
34. Ruben
This spelling variation of Rueben is more popular than the original. It means ‘behold, a son’ in Hebrew. In the Old Testament, Reuben is the eldest son of Jacob and Leah (4).
35. Gerrit
Gerrit, a variation of Gerard, is borne by several Old Master Painters. Dutch Golden Age painter Gerrit Dou is a remarkable bearer of this name. The name is derived from Old German elements and means ‘brave spear’.
36. Fabian
The Latin name Fabian, meaning ‘bean grower’, is very famous in the Netherlands. It has a strong literary connection. Fabian was the name of Olivia’s servant in the Twelfth Night. It also made an appearance in Harry Potter.
37. Bram
Bram is the Dutch variation of Abraham and means ‘father of multitudes’. We think Bram has charm and character for a one-syllable name. It may have started as a diminutive of Abraham, but is now an independent Dutch baby boy name. Singer-songwriter Bram Vermeulen and footballer Bram Nuytinck are two notable name bearers.
38. Boudewijn
Boudewijn is the Dutch variation of the name Baldwin. This old name comes from the Old English name Bealdwine. Boudewijn means ‘brave friend’. Former Dutch footballer Boudewijn Zenden is a notable personality bearing this name.
39. Christoffel
The Dutch variation of Christopher, Christoffel has Old Greek origins and means ‘bearing Christ’ or ‘follow the leader’. Christoffel Beudeker was a Dutch collector of maps and prints, whose collection is now in the British Library.
40. Bartel
The Dutch are experts where it comes to creating diminutives. The righteous name Bartel is the short form of the Biblical name Bartholomew, which is derived from an Aramaic word and means ‘son of Talmai’ or ‘furrowed’.
Dutch Names For Girls
Dutch baby girl names are distinctive in terms of their sound and have an elegant aura to them. Here are some of the best ones we’ve curated for your child.
42. Aleid
Aleid is the Dutch short form of Adelaide. This pretty name originates from a Germanic language and means ‘graceful and noble’. This name was used for saints and royalty throughout history. If you have a daughter named Adelaide, you can use Aleid as a nickname.
43. Aya
Simple and meaningful names have a distinct appeal, just like Aya. The meaning of this cute name is ‘bird’ or ‘to fly’ and is taken from Hebrew. The name also has several other meanings from different languages, making it culturally and linguistically rich.
44. Bente
Can you guess this one? We’re sure most of you would falter. Bente is the feminine form of Benedict in Dutch. The meaning of Bente is ‘blessed’. Dutch politician Bente Becker is a well-known name bearer.
45. Brechtje
Brechtje is the feminine version of Brecht. It might be derived from Old German and means ‘bright’. Any baby with this name would bring joy to people around her.
46. Danique
There couldn’t be a perfect alternative to Danielle than Danique. It means ‘God is my judge’. The name has lost a bit of its luster, probably because of the hard consonants in it.
47. Jade
Jade is a Spanish term for the precious green stone, but it’s on the rise as a baby name in the Netherlands. The gem is said to transmit clarity, wisdom, justice and modesty, virtues that parents want in their children.
48. Arabella
If you find the name Isabella stunning, but do not want your daughter to share it with six other kids in her school, then you can try Arabella. The name may sound new, but it is fairly common in the Netherlands and the UK. Arabella might mean ‘lovable’. It appeared in several literary works such as Jude, the Obscure by Thomas Hardy and Tom Jones by Henry Fielding.
49. Aleta
This one’s truly unique and exotic. Aleta is the Dutch form of Alethea, meaning ‘truth’.
50. Lara
Even though Lara is the Russian diminutive of Larissa, it is very popular with the Dutch parents. The name was popularized by the video game character, Lara Croft. The meaning of Lara is ‘citadel’.
51. Ilse
Ilse is the enchanting Dutch variation of the English name Elizabeth. The name is on the rise in the Netherlands, along with its cousin, Elsa, all thanks to the animated film Frozen. The meaning of Ilse is ‘my God is an oath’. Dutch singer-songwriter Ilse DeLange is a noteworthy bearer of this name.
52. Haven
Haven is a Dutch name, meaning ‘port.’ This contemporary name became popular after actress Jessica Alba gave it to her daughter. Haven is an excellent virtue name, without having a strong connotation of a moniker like Heaven.
53. Gwen
Gwen may have originated as a short form of Gwendolyn, but now stands on its own. The meaning of Gwen is ‘white, blessed’. Dutch beauty queen Gwen Weijers won Miss Netherlands in 2005.
Trivia54. Doutzen
The famous Dutch supermodel, Doutzen Kroes introduced this name to the Netherlands. The name is as glamorous and chic as its bearer. Doutzen comes from Douwe, meaning ‘dove’.
55. Fay
Also spelled as Faye, Fay sounds like the cousin of May and Ray. People now use it more as a middle name than a first name. Morgan le Fay, the original bearer of this name, was a mighty sorcerer in the Arthurian legends.
56. Fleur
Fleur means ‘flower’ in French, and it entered into the English-speaking world when John Galsworthy bestowed it on one of his characters. The name was also featured in Harry Potter. Currently, Fleur is the 311th name in the Netherlands (3).
57. Famke
The delightful name Famke entered the mainstream via the Dutch-born actress Famke Janssen. It means a ‘little girl’ in Frisian. The name is familiar in the neighboring parts of the Netherlands as well.
58. Anneke
Anneke is the Dutch version of the classic name Anna. This feminine name would suit your elegant little girl as its meaning is ‘grace’ in Hebrew. A popular name bearer is Dutch singer-songwriter Anneke van Giersbergen.
59. Anouk
Here’s another Dutch variant of Anna. It would suit an adventurous and sweet girl. Former Dutch football player Anouk Hoogendijk is a well-known bearer of this name.
60. Evi
This is the sweetest Dutch baby girl name. Evi is a short name and would make it easy for the kids to learn the spelling. It is the Dutch variant of the name Eve and means ‘to breathe’ in Hebrew.
61. Cornelia
Cornelia is the feminine version of the name Cornelius. It means ‘horn’. The name is Latin, but is widely popular in the Netherlands. Do you know how this name became popular? In ancient Rome, Cornelia was the paragon of a woman’s nature, making it a great name with excellent pedigree.
62. Marit
Marit is a straightforward and unusual baby name, with an attractive Scandinavian accent. The regal name Marit was vital in Norwegian culture. The name means ‘pearl’, but sounds even prettier.
63. Maud
Maud is the Dutch variation of Matilda, meaning ‘strength in battle’. This name was widely popular with the Dutch people over a hundred years ago, but it is not much heard now. Some parents still use it as a middle name. Maude is another spelling variation of Maud.
64. Luna
This robust and shimmery name has been growing in popularity after being influenced by the Harry Potter character Luna Lovegood. Luna, the name of the Roman goddess, is increasing in popularity in Europe. It refers to the moon in Latin.
65. Noa
Noa is one of the most familiar Biblical Dutch baby names. This sophisticated name is used not just in the Netherlands, but all over Europe. It’s also one of the top 100 baby names in Spain, and has now entered the US top 1000 as well. The meaning of Noa is ‘motion’ in Hebrew.
66. Tess
Tess is a Dutch short form of Theresa. With a strong, Thomas Hardy backing, Tess has a lot of strength, substance and style than most of the one-syllable Dutch baby names. Another namesake is Tess Gerritsen, who was born Terry, but changed her name when she began writing novels.
67. Yara
Yara is an exotic baby name meaning ‘small butterfly‘ or ‘lady of the water’ in Tupian. It’s the name of a beautiful green-hued Brazilian water nymph. We think it sounds much cooler and more unique than Sara or Mara.
68. Hannie
Hannie, the stylish diminutive Dutch version of Johanna, refers to the Dutch taste for the nicknames taken from the middle and the end of the name. They have tweaked the end slightly here, but it’s still quintessentially Dutch. The meaning of Hannie is ‘Yahweh is gracious’.
69. Hedy
This feminine name is derived from Hedwig, which originates from the Old German name Hadewig. It means ‘battle’ or ‘combat’.
70. Lieke
Lieke is the Dutch short form of Angelica. The meaning of Lieke is ‘angelic’. Dutch professional footballer Lieke Martens is a renowned name bearer. She is considered one of the best football players in the world.
71. Malou
Malou is a combination of Mary and Lou or Marie and Louise. This charming and popular Dutch name has not yet traveled to the US. So American parents should definitely use this name before it becomes common. Lou is the best nickname for Malou.
72. Liv
Liv Tyler, the famous Hollywood actress, infused life into this short yet old Dutch baby girl name. Julian Moore selected this name for her daughter. The meaning of Liv is ‘life’.
73. Sanne
Sanne, the hip Dutch diminutive of Susanne, is a popular baby girl name in the Netherlands. But it’s almost unknown in Asian and American countries, making it an excellent prospect for parents who are looking for an unusual name. It refers to ‘lily’ or ‘lotus’.
74. Skylar
Skylar is traditionally a baby boy name, but it is used more as a female name in the Netherlands. It’s an alternative spelling for the classic name Schuyler, meaning ‘scholar’.
75. Adrie
Adrie is a beautiful and short name meaning ‘from Hadria’. It is derived from Adriana.
76. Amalia
Amalia is a cross-cultural name heard throughout Europe. The current heir to the throne of the Netherlands is Princess Catharina Amalia. This name means ‘unceasing and vigorous’.
77. Anneliese
Anneliese is the Dutch combination of Anna and Liese. It is an old-fashioned name but has a modern appeal to it. The name means ‘grace’ and ‘my God is an oath’.
78. Beatrix
Beatrix is not a Dutch name, but is used widely in the Netherlands. It means ‘she who brings happiness’. The name also means ‘voyager’ or ‘blessed’. This name is associated with Beatrix Potter, creator of Peter Rabbit.
79. Brandy
This Dutch name once belonged to the sorority circle of the 1970s and 1980s. It’s now on the wagon, with thousands of parents opting for it every year. This Dutch name means ‘burnt wine’.
80. Tulip
You must have heard of the beautiful Tulip Garden in Amsterdam. It is also one of the most unusual floral names.
81. Dael
Don’t you think Dael, the variation of the name Dale, sounds cooler than the latter? We believe that it’s the vowel switching that is giving this name a hippy look. The name refers to a person living near a valley and has an English origin.
82. Daffodil
Daffodil is also one of the most used floral names in the Netherlands. This nature-inspired name would make a strong, springtime statement. For the nickname, you can use Daffy.
83. Doortje
Doortje is the Dutch name for Dorothea. This romantic name has been off the charts for a while now. So, it will make a unique pick for your daughter. Doortje means ‘gift of God’.
84. Elsje
Elsje is the Dutch variation of Elisabeth and means ‘my God is an oath’. This spiritual name was lost in limbo for decades and is not very well-known outside of Dutch-speaking regions.
85. Grietje
Grietje is the Dutch form of Greta, which is a diminutive of Margaret. It means ‘pearl’. Grietje sounds exotic and unique, and was used as the Dutch translated name for Gretel.
86. Eline
Eline is the Dutch variation of Eliane. This rhythmic and lilting name is one of the fastest rising El – starting names. It is also the Dutch variant of Helen, meaning ‘torch’ or ‘corposant’.
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can non-Dutch parents choose Dutch baby names for their children?
Yes, if a Dutch name is appealing or you like the meaning of it, you can give it to your little one irrespective of your nationality, ethnicity, or religion. However, ensure you choose one with a simple pronunciation for ease of usage. Also, if you have Dutch heritage and live outside the Netherlands, giving your child a Dutch name is a great way to honor your family history.
2. What factors do Dutch parents consider when choosing a baby name?
Dutch parents may consider factors such as family tradition, cultural heritage, historical significance, and personal preference when picking a name for their child.
3. How do Dutch baby names vary by region within the Netherlands?
Dutch baby names can vary by region within the Netherlands, reflecting regional dialects and cultural influences. Some names may also reflect the tradition and culture of a specific region.
4. How do Dutch baby names differ between boys and girls?
Dutch baby names can differ between boys and girls, with some names being associated only with the male gender, while others are only given to females. However, there are some gender-neutral names that can be given to both baby girls and boys.
Naming your baby can be one of the most exciting things during your parenting journey. Parents want their babies to have unique names that stand out and sound elegant. The Dutch baby names provided in this list are perfect for fulfilling your desire to have a special name for your child. Most of these names have been inspired by the nature and culture of the Dutch, symbolizing honesty and bravery. So, now that you have a handy list with you, explore the names and choose the one that fascinates you the most.
Infographic: Popular Dutch Names For Boys And Girls
The Netherlands has some of the most famous painters and places of scenic beauty. So, why not take inspiration from it for something else too? The following infographic presents Dutch-inspired names you can keep handy while choosing a name for your baby. Read on! Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Illustration: Most Popular Dutch Baby Names For Boys And Girls
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Find out the cultural heritage of the Dutch people through this video on the top 20 Dutch baby boy names! Get inspired and find the perfect name for your little one.
References
- History of Dutch Name-Giving
https://tesellefamily.org/winterswijk-the-netherlands/history-of-dutch-name-giving/ - Kindernamen home
https://www.svb.nl/nl/kindernamen/ - Mars
https://www.worldhistory.org/Mars/ - Genesis 35:23–26
https://www.esv.org/Genesis+35:23%E2%80%9326;Genesis+46:8%E2%80%9327;Exodus+1:2%E2%80%934/
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our nurturing community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with fellow parents.
Read full bio of Arshi Ahmed
Read full bio of Srija Chanda Burman
Read full bio of Angela Alex
