By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 14 pages
of 14
Spelling variation of Lisa, short form of Elizabeth, Hebrew
"pledged to God"
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…
Dutch diminutive of Elisabeth
A Dutch short form of Elisabeth, occasionally used as a given name, Elsje is an interesting twist on the more familiar Elsa and Elsie.
Japanese, or diminutive of names that end in -rika
"beautiful village; peaceful ruler; estate ruler"
Rika is most common as a Japanese name, when it means "beautiful village" in one kanji combination. It is also seen as a nickname and given name in Scandinavia, Lithuania, and the Netherlands, where…
Dutch
"little girl"
Famke was introduced to this country via Dutch-born actress Famke Janssen, but is not likely to appeal to many American parents.
Geerta is a feminine name of Dutch and Frisian origin, representing the female form of Geert or Gert. These names derive from Gerard, which combines Germanic elements meaning "spear" and "brave" or…
Grietje is a feminine Dutch name, serving as the traditional Dutch diminutive form of Margaret. Pronounced roughly as 'GREET-yuh' in Dutch, the name derives from the Greek 'margarites' meaning…
Dutch diminutive of names ending in jet
Like Jette, Jetje is kind of a diminutive for a diminutive: The suffix je indicates the name is a pet form -- think Katje for Katharina --in this case of Jet, itself a short form of names such as…
Hendrika is a feminine Dutch name derived from the masculine Hendrik (the Dutch form of Henry), meaning 'ruler of the home' or 'estate ruler.' This feminine adaptation features the suffix '-ika,' a…
Jante is a feminine name with Scandinavian connections, though it's relatively uncommon even in Nordic countries. The name may relate to the Danish-Norwegian concept of 'Janteloven' (the Law of…
Jordaan is a feminine name that represents an alternative spelling of the more common Jordan. While Jordan has Hebrew origins meaning "flowing down" or "descend," referring to the Jordan River, this…
Juut is an uncommon feminine name with possible Dutch or Frisian origins. It likely developed as a short form of Judith, a biblical name meaning 'woman from Judea' or 'praised.' In some Dutch…
Dutch variation of Julia, Latin
"youthful or sky father"
This fairly obscure saint's name was chosen by Oscar-winning actress Marcia Gay Harden for one of her twins.
Karste is an uncommon feminine name that likely originated as a variant of Karsten or Carsten, which themselves derive from the Christian name Christian, ultimately meaning 'follower of Christ.' This…
Letja is an uncommon feminine given name with possible connections to various linguistic traditions. It may be related to names like Letitia or Leticia, which derive from Latin and mean 'joy' or…
Dutch diminutive of Elizabeth
Also spelled Liesje, this is one of many international variations of the traditional Elizabeth.
Marieke is a Dutch and Frisian feminine name, serving as a diminutive form of Maria. Ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Miriam, it shares the same roots as Mary, meaning "sea of bitterness,"…
Dutch variation of Mary
Foreign variations of Mary are definitely the way to go; this one has a nice Dutch-girl feel. It also works as a cultural crossover name, e.g. between European languages and Japanese.
Dutch form of Marie
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
Derived from Marie, the meaning of which is uncertain. Theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea"); "bitter" (from Hebrew marah "bitterness"); and "beloved" (from…
Combination of Mary and Louisa
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + famous battle"
Variant of Marisa
"blackbird"
Merel is a soundalike of Meryl and may be thought of as a variation of that name, but it's also the Dutch word for blackbird and so you can make it more stylish as one of the flock of cool new bird…
