By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 10 pages
of 10
Roeland is a Dutch masculine name derived from the Germanic elements "hrod" meaning 'fame' and "land" meaning 'land' or 'territory'. It is a variation of Roland, a name popularized by the legendary…
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.
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…
Ruud is a Dutch masculine name, primarily used in the Netherlands and other Dutch-speaking regions. It originated as a short form of the Germanic name Rudolf, which combines the elements 'hrod'…
Dutch diminutive of Elisabeth
"pledged to God"
A Dutch short form of Elisabeth, occasionally used as a given name, Elsje is an interesting twist on the more familiar Elsa and Elsie.
Spelling variation of Lisa, short form of Elizabeth, Hebrew
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…
Theodoor is a Dutch and Flemish variant of Theodore, derived from the Greek name Theodoros, meaning "gift of God" (from Greek elements "theos" meaning "god" and "doron" meaning "gift"). This…
Valentijan is a masculine name that appears to be a variant of Valentine or Valentino, ultimately derived from the Latin name Valentinus, meaning 'strong' or 'healthy.' This particular spelling shows…
"of the dyke"
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.
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…
Dutch, variation of Walter
"army ruler"
This Dutch variation of Walter is pronounced vow-ter, although Americans will likely default to wooter or wowter.
Weit is an uncommon masculine name with Germanic origins. As a given name, it likely derives from the German word 'weit' meaning 'wide' or 'far,' possibly indicating broad horizons or far-reaching…
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…
Dutch diminutive of Willem or William
"resolute protection"
Short but spirited, Pim is in the Top 200 in The Netherlands, though it is little-known elsewhere. A diminutive of Willem (or William), it possibly emerged via its rhyme with alternative, more direct…
Spelling variation of Schuyler, Dutch
"scholar"
This name has spawned dozens of spelling variations, but this is one of the more unusual. People won't know whether the c is silent or pronounced as a k.
Dutch and French variation of Anna
As Anouk, a name that's newly popular in The Netherlands, this spelling is borne by Belgian supermodel Anouck Lepere.
Dutch, meaning unknown
Dutch supermodel Doutzen (pronounced doubt-son) Kroes has introduced us to a name from the Netherlands that might have a hard time in an American classroom and is nowhere near as glamorous as its…
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,…
Italian, German, Dutch, and Polish version of Eleanor
"bright, shining one"
The usual form of Eleonara is Eleanora, with each syllable pronounced, but transposing, adding, or subtracting a vowel or syllable here or there works fine and adds to the international, feminine…
Dutch form of Shem, Russian short form of Semyon, Hebrew
"name; he has heard"
A popular name in the Netherlands that's arguably more attractive than the original, Sem is a Dutch variant of the Biblical Shem who was one of the sons of Noah. Only ever given to a handful of boys…
