Popular in the Netherlands

  1. Lieve
    • Origin:

      Word name or short form of Godelieve, Flemish, Dutch
    • Meaning:

      "sweet, dear; beloved by God"
    • Description:

      Popular in the Netherlands, Lieve is a considered both a short form of the grand Godelieve and an affectionate word name meaning "dear, sweet, love". Pronounced with two syllables, it might appeal to those who also like Liv or Livia.
  2. Fiene
    • Origin:

      Dutch, shortened form of Josephine
    • Description:

      Whereas in English, Josephine gets shortened to Jo, in Dutch it gets shortened to 'Fiene" (sounds like Feen). Fiene is now a name in its own right.
  3. Jari
    • Origin:

      Short form of Jalmari, Finnish
    • Meaning:

      "helmet protector"
    • Description:

      Sleek modern short form of a classic Scandinavian name.
  4. Pien
    • Description:

      Pien is a feminine name with Dutch origins, though it also appears in Chinese culture with different meanings. In Dutch usage, Pien emerged as a diminutive form of names containing the element 'pien' or as a nickname for Josephine. It has a sweet, gentle sound in Dutch pronunciation. The name has seen modest popularity in the Netherlands since the late 20th century, appreciated for its short, modern feel while maintaining traditional roots. In Chinese contexts, the name Pien (or Pián in Pinyin) uses different characters and can have various meanings including 'graceful,' 'clever,' or 'comfortable' depending on the specific Chinese characters used. As a cross-cultural name, Pien offers simplicity and charm while working well in multiple linguistic environments, contributing to its appeal for parents seeking a distinctive yet accessible name.

  5. Eslem
    • Origin:

      Turkish
    • Meaning:

      "to submit"
    • Description:

      Possible Esme alternative that is thought to be derived from the Arabic word aslama, meaning "to submit."
  6. Senn
    • Origin:

      Dutch, meaning unknown
    • Description:

      Modern Dutch invention — the name of a 2013 science fiction movie and its lead character.
  7. Asel
    • Origin:

      Arabic, Persian, Turkish and Kazakh
    • Meaning:

      "honey"
    • Description:

      Top 10 in Turkey and Top 500 in the Netherlands (which has a high Turkish population), this sleek and pretty name is virtually unknown elsewhere.
  8. Thom
    • Origin:

      Aramaic
    • Meaning:

      "twin"
    • Description:

      Pronounced like Tom, but not everyone will know that.
  9. Jette
    • Origin:

      Dutch diminutive of names ending in jette or iette
    • Description:

      Many popular Dutch short forms are drawn from the middle or end of their proper name: Sanne from Susanne, Bas from Sebastian. Jette could be from a name like Henriette or Mariette.
  10. Mehmet
    • Origin:

      Turkish variation of Muhammad, Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "praiseworthy"
    • Description:

      A common form of Muhammad in Turkey, where the spelling Muhammed is also used. In the US, Mehmet is commonly known as the first name of Dr. Oz.
  11. Laurens
    • Description:

      Laurens is a masculine name of Latin origin, derived from the ancient Roman name 'Laurentius,' meaning 'from Laurentum' or 'crowned with laurel.' The laurel wreath was a symbol of victory and honor in ancient Rome. Laurens is popular in Dutch-speaking countries like the Netherlands and Belgium, as well as parts of Scandinavia. It's a variant of the more common Lawrence or Laurence. Throughout history, the name has maintained a sense of dignity and classical appeal. While not extremely common in English-speaking countries, Laurens offers a distinguished European alternative to more familiar forms of the name.

  12. Loek
    • Origin:

      Dutch diminutive of Lucas, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "man from Lucania"
  13. Mats
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian diminutive of Matthias, Aramaic
    • Meaning:

      "gift of God"
    • Description:

      If you're looking for a Euro-chic alternative to Max, Mats is a strong possibility. It's a fading classic in Norway, but is popular in the Netherlands and Belgium, where short names are the height of style.
  14. Jelle
    • Origin:

      Dutch and Frisian
    • Meaning:

      "sacrifice, value"
    • Description:

      Originally a Frisian short form of names beginning with the element gild "sacrifice, value". It is also used as a Dutch short form of William.
  15. Zef
    • Origin:

      Dutch diminutive of Jozef
    • Description:

      This zippy nickname would make an interesting update to Joseph.
  16. Meva
    • Origin:

      Uzbek
    • Meaning:

      "fruit"
  17. Niek
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Nicolaas, Dutch variation of Nicholas
    • Meaning:

      "people of victory"
  18. Fieke
    • Origin:

      Dutch and Frisian
    • Meaning:

      "victory or wisdom"
    • Description:

      A Frisian short form of Victoria, or a Dutch diminutive of Sofieke, from Sofie.
  19. Mihra
    • Description:

      Mihra is a feminine name with Persian origins, connected to 'Mithra,' the ancient Persian deity of light, friendship, and contracts. The name carries connotations of light, sun, and love across various Middle Eastern and South Asian cultures. In some interpretations, Mihra represents kindness and benevolence. The name has a lyrical quality with its balanced syllables and gentle consonant sounds. While not widely used in Western naming practices, Mihra maintains meaningful cultural significance in Iranian, Indian, and surrounding regions. Its exotic yet accessible pronunciation makes it increasingly attractive to parents seeking names with ancient roots and positive associations. The name's connection to light and friendship gives it a warmth that transcends cultural boundaries while maintaining its distinctive heritage.

  20. Kato
    • Description:

      Hungarian nickname for Katherine that provides a fresh option for parents who want to move beyond Kathy and Kate.