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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 know the trendy Dutch names with 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.
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 a short form of Arnold. Meaning ‘strong and powerful’ both Aart and Arnold are common in English and German speaking worlds.
2. Aya
Simple and meaningful names have a distinct appeal, just like Aya. The meaning of this cute name is ‘bird’.
3. 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. Six Popes were named Adrian, including the renowned Adrian, the 6th, making it a historical name.
4. Abbe
This moniker originates in the Germanic language and means ‘nobleman’. This masculine name is used widely in the Netherlands and rarely in the US. So American parents are getting a unique name here.
5. Dirk
It’s high time people stop associating this endearing name with Dirk Diggler from the “Boogie Nights”. Many of you may not be aware, but Dirk has several royal connections. The name was given to several Counts of the Netherlands. The meaning of Dirk is ‘ruler of the people’.
6. Aldert
Aldert is the Dutch form of the vintage name Adelhard, which is the German form of the English name Abelard. The meaning of Aldert is ‘noble or resolute’.
7. Ambroos
Ambroos is the Dutch variation of the popular name Ambrose. The original moniker comes from the word ‘ambrosios’, which means ‘immortal’. Ambroos would make a charismatic name for any boy.
8. 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’.
9. Pim
Pim is a mighty baby name and means ‘resolute protection’. It is one of the top 100 baby names in the Netherlands, but not so well known outside the country. Pim would sound great with any surname. You do not even need to shorten it for a nickname.
10. 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. The meaning of Cas is ‘imperial’.
11. Isaak
Isaak is the Dutch variation of the popular 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.
12. Berend
Berend is a variation of the cool male name Bernard and means ‘brave’. It brings to mind a boy who would grow up to be fearless and daring.
13. Lars
The nickname-worthy moniker Lars is the Dutch male version of the female name Lara. The meaning of Lars is ‘crowned with laurel’.
14. 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. It’s believed that Saint Elmo’s fire is the glow that accompanies the discharge of electricity from objects during the thunderstorms.
15. Danique
There couldn’t be a perfect alternative to Danielle than Danique. It means ‘morning star’. The name has lost a bit of its luster, probably because of the hard consonants in it.
16. Markus
Markus is the Dutch variation for Mars, the name of the Roman god of fertility. Marquee would make a fun nickname for Markus.
17. Van
Van is one of the most famous and striking Dutch baby names for boys. Van is equivalent to ‘de’ in the French names. It was also used as a surname prefix by the early American immigrants.
Trivia18. Joost
Joost is a unique and original Dutch baby boy name. It is pronounced ‘Yoost’. We think it’s absolutely adorable for a young boy.
19. 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.
20. Espen
Espen is one of the coolest Dutch names. The meaning is ‘Bear of God’.
21. 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’.
22. 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?
23. Floris
Floris is the Dutch male version of Florence. It would sound great on a little boy with huge plans as Floris means ‘prosperous’.
24. Hiddie
Hiddie is one of our favorite Frisian names. It means ‘battle’.
25. Jacobus
Jacobus is the Dutch variation of the evergreen name Jacob. The meaning of Jacobus is ‘protector’.
26. 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 ‘sacrifice’.
27. Kees
Image: IStock
Kees is the Dutch version of Cornelius and means ‘calm’. This moniker has a certain charm to it as it has a creative connection with the Dutch artist Kees van Dongen.
28. Bas
Bas is the diminutive of Sebastian or Bastiaan. This lovely name is fashionable in its own right in the Netherlands. In fact, it’s one of the top 10 names there. We think it would work best as a straightforward, yet charming nickname. Baz is another spelling variation of this name.
29. Abel
Abel, the Hebrew name of Adam and Eve’s younger son, is one of the most familiar names in the Netherlands. The name has several positive connotations: capable, willing, competent and ready. It’s one of those Biblical names that are not plagued with excess use.
30. Meese
This diminutive of Bartholomeus reflects the clipped and short style that is in vogue in the Netherlands. Bartholomeus is one of the apostle names that have been out of favor for a long time.
31. Sem
A variation of Shem, Sem is much more attractive and usable than its original form. Shem was the name of one of the sons of Noah. It means ‘name’.
32. Stijn
As you can surmise from its origin, Stijn is the Dutch short form for Constantin and Augustin. This fascinating name is quite popular in the Netherlands, but is obscure elsewhere, probably because of spelling and pronunciation issues.
33. Thijs
Thijs is the Dutch short form of Matthew, even though it sounds nothing like it. Matt Lauer’s son is named Thijs.
34. Sven
Sven is an attractive Dutch name with a mix of swag and strength. One of the mystical foreign baby boy names, Sven, comes from the ancient Swedish tribe, the Saviars, who gave the name to Svealand, which later turned into Sweden.
35. 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’.
36. Arnoud
Arnoud is the Dutch variant of the name Arnold. This name is popular not just among the Dutch, but also with English and German speaking communities.
37. Ruben
This spelling variation of Rueben is more popular than the original. It means ‘behold, a son’.
38. Gerrit
Gerrit, a variation of Gerhard, is borne by several Old Master Painters. A slightly hard name, but definitely usable.
39. 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.
40. Bram
Bram is the Dutch variation of Abraham and means ‘father of multitudes’. We believe that Bram has a certain 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.
41. Boudewijin
Boudewijin is the Dutch variation of the name Baldwin. This old name comes from the Old English name Bealdwine. Boudewijin means ‘brave’.
42. Christoffel
Christoffel is the Dutch for Christopher. It is an Old Greek name and means ‘bearing Christ’ or ‘follow the leader’.
43. 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 ‘having many furrows’.
Dutch Names For Girls
Dutch baby girl names are distinctive in terms of their sound and have an elegant air to them. Here are some of the best ones we’ve curated for your child.
44. Aleid
Image: IStock
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, use Aleid as a nickname.
45. Bente
Can you guess this one? We’re sure most of you would falter. Bente is the feminine form of Benedict in the Dutch language. It conjures up the image of a fearless little girl who would dare to make the world a better place. The meaning of Bente is ‘brave’.
46. Brechtje
Brechtje is the feminine version of Brecht. Any baby with this name would bring joy to people around her.
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. 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 Adelheid.
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 sultry video game character, Lara Croft. The meaning of Lara is ‘citadel’.
51. Ilse
Ilse is the enchanting Dutch variation of the English name Ilsa. 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 ‘pledged to God’.
52. Haven
Haven is a Dutch name, meaning ‘port.’ This contemporary did not show up on the baby name list until super mother 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 for Gwendolyn, but now stands all on its own. Successful music artist, Gwen Stefani gave this name a boost not just in the US, but also in Europe. The meaning of Gwen is ‘white circle’.
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 gets our thumbs-up.
55. Fay
Also spelled as Fay, Faye sounds like the cousin of May and Ray. In the year 2014, Faye jumped to the top 1000 baby name list. But people now use it more as a middle name than the first name. Morgan le Fay, the original bearer of this name, was a mighty sorcerer in the Arthurian legends.
56. Fleur
Fleur is a generic flower name that 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 12th most popular name in the Netherlands.
57. Famke
The delightful name Famke entered the mainstream via the Dutch-born actress Famke Janssen. It means a little girl. 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 ultra-feminine name would suit your elegant and graceful little girl as its meaning is ‘grace’.
59. Anouk
Here’s another Dutch variant of Anna. It would suit an adventurous and sweet girl.
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. If you want a unique name for your daughter, Evi would be perfect.
61. Cornelia
Cornelia is the feminine version of the name Cornelius. 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. This lacy and mauve-tinted 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. This name jumped 119 places in just two years. Luna, the name of the Roman goddess, is increasing in popularity in Europe. It’s already on the top 100 list in the Netherlands.
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’.
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‘. It’s the name of a beautiful green-hued Brazilian goddess. 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 ‘compassionate’.
69. Lieke
Lieke is the Dutch short form of Angelica. The meaning of Lieke is ‘angelic’.
70. Malou
Mary Lou is a combination of Mary and Lou and means ‘bitter’. 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.
71. 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. Liv is constantly on a rise as it gained 340 spots since the year 2012. The meaning of Liv is ‘life’.
72. Sanne
Sanne, the hip Dutch diminutive of Susanne, is a hugely 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.
73. 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 ‘Schuler’.
74. Adrie
Adrie is a beautiful and short name meaning ‘from the Adriatic’.
75. 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 ‘work’.
76. Anneliese
Anneliese is the Dutch combination of Anna and Liese. It is an old-fashioned name, but has a modern appeal to it. It is at 510th spot right now on the baby name list.
77. Beatrix
Beatrix is not a Dutch name, but is used widely in the Netherlands. It means ‘she who brings happiness’. This name is associated with Beatrix Potter, creator of Peter Rabbit.
78. 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.
79. Tulip
You must have heard of the beautiful Tulip Garden in Amsterdam. It is also one of the most unusual floral names.
80. 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.
81. Daffodil
Image: Shutterstock
Apart from Tulip, 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.
82. 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’.
83. Elsje
Elsje is the Dutch variation of Elsa and means ‘pledged to God’. This spiritual name was lost in the limbo for decades, now revived after the release of the movie ‘Frozen,’ adding a magical meaning to it.
84. Grietje
Grietje is the Dutch form of Greta, which is a diminutive of Margaret. It means ‘pearl’. Grietje sounds incredibly exotic
85. Eline
Eline is the Dutch variation of Eliane. This rhythmic and lilting name is one of the fastest rising El – starting names.
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. Do Dutch baby names have any specific naming conventions or traditions?
No, there are no specific naming conventions or traditions associated with Dutch baby names; however, Dutch people commonly choose baby names that have religious or historical significance and reflect their faith, usually Christianity. Dutch people often name their children after family members, usually the grandparents. In addition, some may have a roepnaam or “calling” name that people can use to address them instead of their official name.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
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