Popular in the Netherlands
- Sil
Description:
Sil is a concise masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Dutch contexts, it can be a diminutive of Silvester or Silas. In Italian, it may be short for Silvio, meaning 'forest' or 'wood.' The name also exists in Indian culture with different meanings. As a standalone name, Sil has a minimalist, modern appeal with its crisp single syllable. The brevity of Sil gives it versatility across languages and cultures. While uncommon as a full given name in most Western countries, its shortness makes it practical and memorable. The name carries subtle connections to nature through its potential derivation from Latin 'silva' (forest), giving it an earthy, organic quality despite its contemporary feel.
- Evert
Origin:
English, variation of Everett, from German EberhardMeaning:
"brave boar"Description:
Though you might have been a fan of tennis star Chris Evert, stick with EVERETT, which everyone will think you're saying anyway.
- Moos
Origin:
Short form of Mozes, Dutch, Egyptian, GermanMeaning:
"delivered from water; moss"Description:
While some English speakers might read this a "moose" or "moos" (as in the sound a cow makes), it is in fact said with the strong O sound of "boat" or "nose". A popular choice in the Netherlands, where it ranked at #35 in 2024, it is a short form of Mozes, the Dutch form of Biblical Moses, and has been notably borne by Olympic boxer, Moos Linneman.
- Bas
Origin:
Dutch, diminutive of Bastiaan and SebastianMeaning:
"person from the city of Sebastia"Description:
Bas is a fashionable name in its own right in the Netherlands, where it's been in the Top 10. Used throughout Europe, it may have a future here as a straightforward-but-charming nickname name. Baz is another, similar and more appealing possibility.
- Ole
Description:
Ole is a masculine name with strong Scandinavian roots, functioning as the Danish and Norwegian form of Olaf. Derived from the Old Norse name Óláfr, comprised of 'anu' meaning 'ancestor' and 'leifr' meaning 'heir' or 'descendant.' Traditionally pronounced 'OH-leh' in Scandinavian countries, the name has gained different pronunciations in other regions. Ole has maintained steady popularity in Norway, Denmark, and parts of northern Germany, while in the United States it has historically been associated with Scandinavian-American communities, particularly in the Upper Midwest. The name carries connotations of heritage and tradition while remaining simple and accessible. Ole's compact form gives it a friendly, approachable quality while still honoring Nordic naming traditions and cultural connections.
- Zofia
Origin:
Czech, Polish, and Ukrainian variation of SophiaMeaning:
"wisdom"Description:
An international variation of Sophia that ranks in the Top 10 in Poland and the Top 1000 in England and Wales. Zosia is a charming diminutive.
- Joris
Origin:
Dutch variation of GeorgeMeaning:
"farmer"Description:
A fresh Dutch take on George, although you’re likely to get pronunciation errors upon first meetings.
- Naleya
Description:
Naleya is a modern feminine name that has gained some popularity in recent years. It appears to be a creative variation of names like Nalani or Nala, possibly blended with the popular '-eya' ending seen in names like Aleya or Kaleya. The name has a melodic quality with its flowing syllables and may appeal to parents seeking something distinctive yet easy to pronounce. While not having specific historical roots, Naleya carries a contemporary feel and exotic sound that resonates with current naming trends. The name doesn't have a widely recognized traditional meaning, though some may associate it with concepts of beauty or uniqueness based on its pleasing phonetics. Its usage remains relatively uncommon, making it a distinctive choice.
- Marlie
Description:
Marlie is a modern feminine name that combines elements of traditional names like Mary and Charlie, or possibly represents a variation of Marley. Its soft sounds and ending with the feminine 'ie' suffix give it a gentle, contemporary feel. The name gained popularity in the early 2000s, reflecting the trend toward names that sound familiar yet fresh. Marlie has a versatile quality—it can evoke either a sweet, feminine impression or a slightly tomboyish character depending on the individual. The name works well cross-culturally and has been embraced in multiple English-speaking countries. Marlie's rise coincided with the popularity of similar-sounding names like Harley and Kaylie, representing parents' desire for names that balance tradition with modernity.
- Melle
Description:
Melle is a masculine name with diverse potential origins. In Germanic language traditions, it may be related to names containing the element 'mel' meaning 'council' or 'assembly.' In Frisian regions of the Netherlands, Melle has been used as a male name historically. It could also derive from place names in northern Europe. The name has a simple, strong quality with its two syllables and straightforward pronunciation. While uncommon in most English-speaking countries, Melle sees some usage in parts of northern Europe, particularly the Netherlands and Germany. The name's brevity gives it a contemporary feel despite its traditional roots, making it appealing for those seeking a masculine name that is both distinctive and unpretentious.
- Wouter
Origin:
Dutch, variation of WalterMeaning:
"army ruler"Description:
This Dutch variation of Walter is pronounced vow-ter, although Americans will likely default to wooter or wowter.
- Bart
Origin:
Diminutive of Bartholomew, HebrewMeaning:
"son of the earth"Description:
Permanent property of that devilish little Simpson kid.
- Mayson
Origin:
Spelling variation of MasonDescription:
Mayson, usually a spelling variation of the popular boys' occupational name Mason, has been on the US Top 1000 since 2010. This follows as trend for adding the letter Y to a name or substitution as Y for another vowel, as in Ayden or Kaytlyn.
- Ties
Origin:
DutchMeaning:
"gift of God"Description:
Diminutive of Matthijs, the Dutch form of Matthew.
- Florine
Origin:
FrenchDescription:
This rare and archaic French name is a little too close to Chlorine for our liking. Despite its flowery origins, Florine has a warrior history - Florine of Burgundy was a female French crusader, who fought in battles alongside her husband and died after continuing to fight with seven arrows in her chest.
- Mayla
Description:
Mayla is a modern feminine name with several possible origins. It may be a variation of Maila, which has Finnish roots, or it could be related to Maela, a Breton name. Some consider it a blend of the popular names May and Layla. The name has a melodic, gentle sound with its flowing consonants and feminine ending. Mayla has grown in popularity during the 21st century, particularly in the United States, as parents have been drawn to names with the popular '-la' ending sound. The name conveys a sense of freshness and natural beauty, possibly evoking connections to spring (May) depending on the interpretation. Though still relatively uncommon, Mayla has been steadily rising in usage.
- Lova
Origin:
Diminutive of Lovisa, SwedishMeaning:
"renowned warrior"Description:
Lova, a Louise relative virtually unknown in the US, is one of the top girl names in Sweden.
- Karam
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"generosity, nobility"Description:
A virtuous name derived from the same root (karuma) as Karim and Akram. Notably borne by Greco-Roman wrestler Karam Gaber and break dancer Kid Karam, the name is also used as a surname.
- Miya
Origin:
Variation of Mia or Maya; JapaneseMeaning:
"palace, shrine, temple"Description:
Is it pronounced MEE-ah or MY-ah? Only the bearer knows for sure, which is one of the central problems with this hybrid name.
- Sverre
Origin:
Dutch, NorwegianMeaning:
"wild"Description:
An intriguingly wild alternative to Sven.