Dutch Names for Girls

Anneke

Dutch

"grace"

Dutch, Limburgish and Afrikaans diminutive of Anne.

Anouk

Dutch and French variation of Anna

"grace"

Anouk, made famous by French actress Anouk Aimée, is a singular name with a lovely sound and a Bohemian feel. Anouk Aimée was born as Francoise, but adopted the first name of the character she played…

Dael

Dutch variation of Dale

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

Daffodil

Flower name, from Greek

"asphodel"

Yes, though it seems so extreme, girls were actually sometimes given this name a century ago; now it is so uncommon it would make a strong springtime statement. Biggest obstacle: the nickname Daffy.…

Doortje

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,…

Leesa

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…

Elsje

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.

Rika

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…

Famke

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

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

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…

Jetje

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

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

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

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

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…

Julitta

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

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

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…

Liesja

Dutch diminutive of Elizabeth

"pledged to God"

Also spelled Liesje, this is one of many international variations of the traditional Elizabeth.