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Dutch Names

  1. Cornelis

    • Description:

      Cornelis is the Dutch form of the Latin name Cornelius, which originated from the Roman clan name Cornelii. This masculine name carries a sense of heritage and strength, derived from the Latin word 'cornu' meaning 'horn'. Throughout Dutch history, Cornelis has been a consistently popular name, with many notable bearers including the Dutch Golden Age painter Cornelis Troost and explorer Cornelis de Houtman. While common in the Netherlands and other Dutch-speaking regions, the name is less frequently used internationally. Many Cornelis bearers use the nicknames Cor, Cees, or Kees. The name combines traditional dignity with historical significance.

  2. Dael

    • Origin:

      Dutch variation of Dale

    • Description:

      Dael is cooler than Dale -- but why? Vowel switch gives an old nature name a hipper look.
  3. Joost

    • Origin:

      Dutch

    • Meaning:

      "just"

    • Description:

      Like many Dutch names, this one, pronounced 'yoost' has an upbeat sound. Also spelled Joos, as in sixteenth century Netherlandish master Joos van Cleve, one of the first to introduce background landscapes in his paintings.
  4. Mies

    • Origin:

      Dutch, diminutive of Bartholomeus

    • Meaning:

      "son of the earth"

    • Description:

      Apt choice for an architect's child, honoring German-born Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, a central figure in modern design, and universally referred to as Mies.
  5. Benedick

    • Origin:

      Variation of Benedict, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "blessed"

    • Description:

      Stick with the original.
  6. Anneke

    • Origin:

      Dutch

    • Meaning:

      "grace"

    • Description:

      Dutch, Limburgish and Afrikaans diminutive of Anne.
  7. Arje

    • Description:

      Arje is a masculine name with Hebrew and Nordic connections. In Hebrew contexts, it relates to 'aryeh' meaning 'lion,' symbolizing strength and courage. In Nordic regions, particularly Finland, it may be a variation of Ari or Arie. The name is compact yet distinctive, with a strong sound despite its short length. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, Arje has maintained usage within certain cultural communities, particularly Jewish and Scandinavian populations. The name carries connotations of natural power and leadership. Its brevity makes it practical while its unique character helps it stand out, offering a balance that appeals to parents seeking something both substantial and uncommon.
  8. Dinand

    • Origin:

      Short form of Ferdinand

    • Meaning:

      "bold voyager"

    • Description:

      Dinand is popular in the Netherlands thanks to a local singing sensation. Dinand is one of many Dutch short forms that come from the middle or end of a name -- think Bas for Sebastian or Hans from Johannes -- rather than from the beginning as is more usual in the U.S. and UK, though we're catching on.
  9. Pepijn

    • Origin:

      Dutch form of Pepin

    • Meaning:

      "awe-inspiring"

    • Description:

      Pepijn, with its emphasis on the second syllable pronounced with a long i to rhyme with pine, is in the Dutch Top 100. Clipped, energetic-sounding nickname names such as Pep and Pip are stylish in The Netherlands. Could that translate to the English speaking world? Stay tuned.
  10. Kerstan

    • Description:

      Kerstan is a masculine name with Germanic origins, likely a variant of the more common Kersten, Karsten, or Carsten. These names ultimately derive from the Latin 'Christianus,' meaning 'follower of Christ.' This particular spelling variation gives the name a distinctive look while maintaining its strong sound. Kerstan has never been widely popular but appears occasionally in Germanic countries and among families with German heritage. The name has a strong, sturdy quality with its consonant clusters and decisive ending. Some might also connect it to the German word 'stark' (strong) due to its phonetic similarities, though this is not its etymological origin. Kerstan offers parents seeking a masculine name with European heritage an uncommon option with historical depth.
  11. 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.
  12. Krelis

    • Description:

      Krelis is a masculine name of Dutch origin, functioning as a diminutive form of Cornelis (the Dutch variation of Cornelius). This relatively uncommon name carries ancient Roman heritage, as Cornelius was the name of a prominent Roman clan. In the Netherlands and Dutch-speaking regions, Krelis has historically been used as a familiar form of the more formal Cornelis. Outside these areas, the name remains quite rare, giving it an exotic quality for international users. Krelis has a distinctive sound that's both strong and approachable. The name offers the appeal of ancient roots combined with an uncommon presentation, potentially attractive to parents seeking a name with historical depth but little chance of classroom duplication.
  13. Vincentius

    • Description:

      Vincentius is the original Latin form of the name Vincent, derived from the Roman name 'Vincentius' which stems from 'vincens' meaning 'conquering' or 'victorious.' This masculine name carries a sense of classical dignity and strength through its historical connections. Vincentius was borne by several early Christian saints and martyrs, including St. Vincent of Saragossa, giving it deep religious significance. While the shortened form Vincent has remained popular throughout Western countries, the full Latin Vincentius is considerably rarer, often chosen by parents who appreciate its scholarly, historical character and impressive sound. The name offers the friendly nicknames Vince or Vinny while maintaining a formal, distinguished full version.
  14. 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.
  15. Hendrika

    • Description:

      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 common Dutch feminine ending. Popular in the Netherlands and among Dutch communities worldwide, Hendrika reached its peak popularity in the early to mid-20th century but has become less common in recent decades. The name is sometimes shortened to affectionate forms like Henny, Rika, or Rieke. Hendrika carries a strong, traditional European character with its Germanic roots, offering both historical depth and a distinctive sound that sets it apart from more common feminine names in English-speaking countries.

  16. Jeroen

    • Description:

      Jeroen is a masculine Dutch name, the Netherlands' variant of Jerome, which ultimately derives from the Greek name Hieronymos, meaning "sacred name." Popular in the Netherlands and Flanders (Dutch-speaking Belgium), Jeroen gained particular recognition through famous bearers like the renowned Dutch painter Jeroen Bosch (commonly known internationally as Hieronymus Bosch). The name has a strong, distinctive sound while remaining approachable. Though common in Dutch-speaking regions since the mid-20th century, its popularity has somewhat declined in recent decades as international names have gained favor. Outside the Netherlands and Belgium, Jeroen remains relatively uncommon, giving it an exotic quality while still being pronounceable for most English speakers.
  17. Patricius

    • Description:

      Patricius is a masculine name of Latin origin, being the original Roman form of Patrick. It derives from 'patricius,' referring to the patrician class in ancient Rome—the noble aristocrats and ruling elite. The name literally means 'nobleman' or 'of noble birth.' Patricius traveled through history via Saint Patrick (born Patricius), the 5th-century missionary who became Ireland's patron saint. While the shortened form Patrick is widely used internationally, the classical Patricius remains rare, carrying an air of antiquity and scholarly distinction. Those choosing this name often appreciate its historical depth, classical roots, or connection to Latin heritage, though its formality and length make it less common for everyday use.

  18. Cristiaan

    • Description:

      Cristiaan is a masculine name representing a Dutch and Afrikaans variation of Christian, derived from Latin 'Christianus' meaning 'follower of Christ.' This spelling maintains the name's religious connotations while giving it a distinctive Dutch character through the double 'a' construction typical in Dutch naming patterns. Most popular in the Netherlands, Belgium, and South Africa, Cristiaan remains uncommon in English-speaking countries. The name carries the same religious significance as its more common variants while offering a connection to Dutch heritage. Pronunciation typically emphasizes the final syllable more than in the English Christian. For parents seeking a name with religious meaning combined with Dutch cultural connections, Cristiaan provides a recognizable yet distinctive option.
  19. Gye

    • Description:

      Gye is an extremely rare masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from an English surname, a variant of Guy (from Germanic origins meaning "guide" or "wood"), or have Korean origins where it can mean "large" or "great" depending on the Chinese character used. In some contexts, it might be a short form of names like Gyles or an Anglicized spelling of a name from another culture. The name's brevity makes it distinctive yet simple to pronounce in most languages. Gye has never been common enough to register in popular naming statistics in Western countries. Its rarity gives it an enigmatic quality, making it intriguing for parents seeking a truly uncommon name with cross-cultural potential.

  20. Marieke

    • Description:

      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," "rebelliousness," or possibly "wished-for child." Pronounced mah-REE-keh, this melodic name is particularly popular in the Netherlands and Belgium. It gained international attention through Dutch gold medal Olympic swimmer Marieke Guehrer and through references in popular culture, including Jacques Brel's famous song "Marieke." The name has a gentle, flowing quality with its soft ending, combining traditional roots with a distinctive sound. While uncommon outside of Dutch-speaking regions, Marieke offers an appealing alternative to more familiar Mary derivatives that still feels accessible to English speakers.