Dutch Girl Names

  1. Saskia
    • Origin:

      Dutch
    • Meaning:

      "Saxon"
    • Description:

      From the first time we saw the name Saskia attached to a portrait of Rembrandt's wife (her full name was Saakje van Uylenburgh, but she was always called Saskia), we have found it utterly charming and wondered why it hasn't attracted more fans In this country--she's appreciated by the Brits, who have moved her to Number 392. Saskia is one of those names that's been used in Europe since the Middle Ages, but has never crossed the ocean.
  2. Fenna
    • Origin:

      Dutch and Frisian
    • Meaning:

      "peace"
    • Description:

      The vintage Fenna, an old lady name making a comeback in the Netherlands, originates in Friesland in the northern part of the country, where the Fries language is spoken. Rhyming with Jenna, it's both rare and familiar and could conceivably enjoy wider usage in the English-speaking world as well. Fenna is a Top 50 girls' name in the Netherlands.
  3. Mariel
    • Origin:

      Spanish, Latin American, English, and Filipino diminutive of Mary, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
    • Description:

      Actress and author Mariel Hemingway popularized this attractive and unusual variation of Mary, which first emerged in the 20th century. Also the name of a Cuban town — which provided the source of the actress's name — Mariel is popular in Mexico, and recently saw a spike in interest in the US, tripling in use since 2020.
  4. Sanne
    • Origin:

      Dutch, diminutive of Susanne
    • Meaning:

      "lily"
    • Description:

      Sanne is hugely popular in the Netherlands, but almost unknown here; which makes it an interesting prospect for the parent in search of an unusual name. Pronounced sah-na, Sanne is in keeping with the Dutch taste for nicknames plucked from the middle or end of a name vs. the beginning, such as Bas for Sebastien or Bram for Abram.
  5. Elke
    • Origin:

      Dutch, German, and Frisian diminutive of Adelheid
    • Meaning:

      "noble"
    • Description:

      Though she has long stood on her own, Elke has many longer cross-cultural connections, to the Dutch/German/Scandinavian Adelheid and Alice and the English Adelaide, as a feminine version of Elkanah and as a Yiddish form of Eleanor.
  6. Brandy
    • Origin:

      English from Dutch
    • Meaning:

      "burnt wine"
    • Description:

      The alcohol-laced member of the Randy-Candy-Mandy sorority of 1970s to 80s nickname names; now pretty much on the wagon.
  7. Skyla
    • Origin:

      Variation of Dutch Schuyler
    • Meaning:

      "scholar"
    • Description:

      Skyla is the most feminine form of the Skylar / Sklyer trend - little Skyla will never be mistaken on paper for a boy.
  8. Mieke
    • Origin:

      Dutch variation of Marie
    • Meaning:

      "bitter"
    • Description:

      A Dutch version of Marie - this is a cute name that has potential.
  9. Marien
    • Description:

      Marien is a feminine name with multiple cultural roots. It can be considered a variant of Marion or Marian, which themselves derive from Mary (Hebrew origin meaning 'bitter' or 'beloved'). In some European contexts, particularly French, it may be viewed as a combination of Marie and the -en suffix. Marien has a delicate, melodic quality and conveys a sense of traditional femininity with a slightly uncommon flair. While not widely used in English-speaking countries, it enjoys some popularity in French and Dutch-speaking regions. The name carries a classic elegance while remaining distinctive enough to stand out.

  10. Lieke
    • Origin:

      Dutch diminutive of Angelique et al
    • Description:

      The popular Dutch name Lieke is one of those diminutives, like Lena, that can be short for a range of names ending in its sound -- which, by the way, is the two-syllable LEE-ka. Despite its versatility, we don't see Lieke's popularity translating to English-speaking cultures.
  11. Janna
    • Origin:

      Dutch contraction of Johanna
    • Description:

      Could run into pronunciation confusion.
  12. Eline
    • Description:

      Eline is a delicate feminine name with multiple potential origins. In the Scandinavian tradition, it functions as a variant of Helena or Ellen, while in French contexts, it may be considered a form of Aline. The name carries a gentle, refined quality with its soft sounds and simple structure. Eline is more common in Northern European countries, particularly the Netherlands, Belgium, and Norway, where it maintains steady popularity. The name's international versatility makes it appealing for multicultural families, as it translates well across language boundaries while remaining distinctive. With its elegant simplicity, Eline balances uniqueness with accessibility.
  13. Rina
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Caterina or other names ending in -rina
    • Description:

      A pan-European short form often used as a name in its own right, Rina is sister to names like Mina and Lena, popular at the end of the 19th century and showing their pretty if slight faces again. In the Netherlands, Rina itself is sometimes shortened to Rineke, as Tina may become Tineke.
  14. Malena
    • Description:

      Malena is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Spanish, it's often used as a diminutive of Magdalena, deriving from Mary Magdalene in the New Testament. In Greek contexts, it relates to meanings of 'light' or 'bright.' The name has gained popularity in Latin American countries and is increasingly recognized internationally. Malena has a melodic quality that contributes to its appeal, with three flowing syllables that give it a gentle rhythm. The actress Malena Alterio and the film 'Malena' starring Monica Bellucci have added to the name's cultural visibility. The name offers a balance of familiarity and distinctiveness, making it accessible while still feeling somewhat uncommon in many Western countries.
  15. Eleonara
    • Origin:

      Italian, German, Dutch, and Polish version of Eleanor
    • Meaning:

      "bright, shining one"
    • Description:

      The usual form of Eleonara is Eleanora, with each syllable pronounced, but transposing, adding, or subtracting a vowel or syllable here or there works fine and adds to the international, feminine spin on a solid name.
  16. Sidonia
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "of Sidon"
    • Description:

      Sidonia is a feminine form of the Ancient Roman habitational name Sidonius. Sidonie is the French form, which sounds similar to the recently trendy Sydney but comes from a different root. An original way to honor grandpa Sid.
  17. Leesa
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Lisa, short form of Elizabeth, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"
    • Description:

      Leesa is a feminine name that emerged as a variant spelling of Lisa, which itself derives from Elisabeth or Elizabeth, a Hebrew name meaning 'God is my oath' or 'consecrated to God.' This alternative spelling became popular in the mid-20th century as parents sought more distinctive ways to write familiar names.
  18. Annemieke
    • Origin:

      Dutch variation of Anne-Marie
    • Description:

      A variation on Anne-Marie, this sweet name deserves the attention of some Anglophone parents. Note that "Mieke" rhymes with "Peak-a" not "Pike-a".
  19. Anneke
    • Origin:

      Dutch
    • Meaning:

      "grace"
    • Description:

      Dutch, Limburgish and Afrikaans diminutive of Anne.
  20. Anouck
    • Origin:

      Dutch and French variation of Anna
    • Description:

      As Anouk, a name that's newly popular in The Netherlands, this spelling is borne by Belgian supermodel Anouck Lepere.