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Dutch Names

  1. Friso

    • Origin:

      Frisian

    • Meaning:

      "a Frisian"

    • Description:

      Friso is a name that refers to Frisian person living in the Dutch province of Friesland. The name has become more popular in recent years as it was used for a member of the Dutch royal family, making it one of the more adventurous royal baby names.
  2. Bendix

    • Origin:

      Frisian, Germanic

    • Meaning:

      "blessed"

    • Description:

      German painter and sculptor Bendix Passig bore this eye-catching name, a Frisian and German form of Benedict, also found as a surname.
  3. Wessel

    • Description:

      Wessel is a masculine name with Germanic and Dutch origins. Derived from the medieval Germanic name 'Wessilo' or 'Wesselin,' it's a diminutive form meaning 'little descendant of Wesso.' The root 'wes' relates to concepts of vigor and liveliness. Wessel has been consistently used in the Netherlands and parts of Germany for centuries, though it has always remained relatively uncommon. In Dutch communities, it carries traditional appeal and historical significance. The name experienced brief popularity in South Africa among Dutch-descended Afrikaner communities. With its strong consonants and distinctive sound, Wessel conveys a sense of solidity and heritage. This rare but accessible name offers international character while still being relatively straightforward to spell and pronounce.
  4. Daneel

    • Description:

      Daneel is a masculine name with multiple cultural connections. It appears to be a variant of Daniel, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'God is my judge.' This spelling variation is found in Dutch communities and gained some recognition through Isaac Asimov's science fiction, where R. Daneel Olivaw is a robot character. The name combines the familiar sound of Daniel with a slightly exotic spelling, giving it a unique quality while maintaining recognizability. Daneel has never been widely popular but offers an interesting alternative to the more common Daniel. Its literary connections may appeal to science fiction enthusiasts, while its Dutch heritage provides a cultural link for families with Netherlands ancestry.

  5. Vandyke

    • Origin:

      Dutch

    • Meaning:

      "of the dyke"

    • Description:

      Though it has worthy associations with the Old Master painter and singer-songwriter Van Dyke Parks, this would be tough on a child because of the slang meaning of the second syllable.
  6. Veit

    • Description:

      Veit is a masculine German name derived from the Latin name Vitus, which means 'lively' or 'full of life.' With ancient roots, this name has been used since medieval times, particularly in German-speaking regions including Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland. The name is associated with Saint Vitus, a Christian martyr from the early 4th century who became one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers venerated in Roman Catholicism. Veit experienced periods of popularity throughout German history but remains relatively uncommon in the modern era, especially outside German-speaking countries. The name's brevity gives it a strong, clear quality, while its historical depth provides cultural richness and connection to European heritage.
  7. 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.
  8. Karel

    • Origin:

      Czech variation of Charles

    • Description:

      A name that seems to switch genders when it switches nationalities.
  9. Ignaas

    • Description:

      Ignaas is a masculine name of Dutch origin, serving as a regional variation of Ignatius. The name ultimately derives from the Latin name Ignatius, which comes from the Roman family name Egnatius, possibly meaning 'fiery' or related to the Latin word 'ignis' meaning 'fire.' This connection to fire symbolically represents passion and enthusiasm. Most famously associated with Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuit order, the name carries historical and religious significance. While common in the Netherlands and Flemish regions of Belgium, Ignaas remains rare in English-speaking countries, offering a distinctive option with European flair. The double 'a' spelling is characteristic of Dutch naming conventions, giving it an authentic continental European quality.
  10. Arend

    • Description:

      Arend is a masculine name of Dutch and German origin meaning 'eagle.' It derives from Germanic elements related to birds of prey, symbolizing strength, vision, and freedom. The name has been used primarily in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and among Dutch-descended communities elsewhere. Arend functions both as a given name and surname in Dutch communities. It shares linguistic roots with names like Arnold and Arndt. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, it offers an accessible pronunciation while maintaining its distinctive European character. The eagle symbolism connects the name to qualities of independence, perception, and nobility, making it appealing for parents seeking a name with natural imagery and strong symbolic associations.

  11. Kort

    • Origin:

      Dutch

    • Meaning:

      "short"

    • Description:

      A Dutch surname which is given as a full name to a handful of boys in the US each year, possibly as a spelling variant of Kurt.
  12. Doortje

    • Description:

      Doortje is a feminine Dutch name that functions as a diminutive form of Dorothea, meaning 'gift of God' in Greek. Common in the Netherlands and occasionally found in other Dutch-speaking regions, this name combines traditional roots with a distinctive cultural identity. The characteristic Dutch '-tje' ending adds a sense of endearment and affection. Pronunciation may challenge non-Dutch speakers, as the 'oo' is pronounced more like 'oh' and the 'tj' has a specific Dutch sound. Though rare outside its cultural context, Doortje carries a quaint charm and authentic connection to Dutch heritage that might appeal to parents with Dutch ancestry or those seeking a truly distinctive international name.
  13. Franciscus

    • Description:

      Franciscus is the Latin form of the Italian name Francesco, ultimately derived from the Late Latin name Franciscus, meaning 'Frenchman' or 'free man.' This classical form gained prominence through Saint Francis of Assisi, whose birth name was Giovanni but who was called Francesco by his father who had trading ties with France. As a male name, Franciscus carries a sense of dignity and historical weight, being used throughout European history particularly in Catholic countries. While not commonly used in its Latin form today, it remains present in academic and ecclesiastical contexts. The more common modern variants include Francis (English), Francisco (Spanish), and Franz (German).

  14. Diederick

    • Description:

      Diederick is a masculine name with strong Germanic roots, serving as a variant of Dietrich, Diederik, or Theodoric. These names derive from the Old Germanic elements 'theud' meaning 'people' and 'ric' meaning 'ruler' or 'power,' creating the meaning 'ruler of the people.' With historical connections to Gothic kings and medieval nobility, Diederick carries an air of strength and leadership. This name has remained relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries but maintains steady usage in German, Dutch, and Scandinavian regions. The distinctive spelling and strong consonant sounds give Diederick a commanding presence, while its historical depth provides gravitas. Parents might choose this name for its European heritage, distinctive character, and powerful associations while appreciating its connection to traditional naming patterns.
  15. Rutger

    • Description:

      Rutger is a masculine name of Dutch and Germanic origin, derived from the elements 'hrod' meaning 'fame' and 'gar' meaning 'spear.' This powerful combination creates a name that historically conveyed the image of a famous warrior. The name has been used in the Netherlands and other Germanic countries for centuries. While not common in English-speaking countries, it gained some recognition through Dutch actor Rutger Hauer. The name carries a strong, distinctive quality with its unique sound and historical depth. Rutger offers parents a robust, European option that's recognized internationally yet remains uncommon enough to stand out.

  16. Bastiaan

    • Origin:

      Dutch short form of Sebastian, Latin from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "man of Sebastia"

    • Description:

      Bastiaan is a common Dutch form of Bastian, a short form of Sebastian that stands on its own. While the double A is not intuitive for English speakers, the name is widely used in the Netherlands.
  17. Piet

    • Origin:

      Dutch, diminutive of Pieter

    • Meaning:

      "rock"

    • Description:

      Wonderful nickname name most often associated in this country with Dutch modernist painter Mondrian. Pronounced PEET.
  18. Diderick

    • Description:

      Diderick is a masculine name of Germanic origin, representing a variant of Dietrich or Diederik. The name combines the Germanic elements 'theud' meaning 'people' or 'folk,' and 'ric' meaning 'ruler' or 'power,' thus translating to 'ruler of the people.' This historical name was popular among medieval Germanic nobility and has variants across many European cultures. While relatively uncommon today, Diderick carries the weight of historical significance and projects strength and leadership qualities. The name has a distinctive, somewhat formal sound that sets it apart from more common contemporary names. For parents interested in names with clear etymological meanings and historical connections, Diderick offers a strong masculine option with royal connotations and cross-cultural European heritage.

  19. Julitta

    • Origin:

      Dutch variation of Julia

    • Description:

      This fairly obscure saint's name was chosen by Oscar-winning actress Marcia Gay Harden for one of her twins.
  20. Eugenius

    • Origin:

      Latin form of Eugene, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "well-born, noble"

    • Description:

      The yoo sound at the beginning of a name has not typically been attractive to the modern ear. Probably the most appealing form of this ancient name has been the feminized Eugenie, thanks to the British princess.