Dutch Names for Boys

Horats is a masculine name that appears to be a variant of Horatio or Horace. These names derive from the Latin Horatius, a Roman family name possibly related to the Latin word 'hora' meaning 'hour' or 'time.' Horats maintains the classical dignity of its Roman origins while offering a slightly different phonetic ending. The name carries connotations of literature and education through its association with the Roman poet Horace and Shakespeare's character Horatio in 'Hamlet.' Though uncommon in contemporary use, Horats could appeal to parents interested in classical names with literary connections. The name's distinctive sound sets it apart while still connecting to established naming traditions.

Maurids is a masculine name that appears to be a variant of Maurice, ultimately derived from the Latin name Mauritius, meaning 'dark-skinned' or 'Moorish.' This uncommon spelling variation might have Germanic or Scandinavian influences, though it's exceedingly rare in contemporary usage. The traditional Maurice has historical significance through Saint Maurice, a 3rd-century Roman soldier and Christian martyr. Maurids maintains the distinguished quality of its more common counterpart while offering a unique orthographic twist. The name carries connotations of dignity and strength associated with its classical origins. Its rarity makes it an unconventional choice for parents seeking distinctive names with historical roots and traditional masculine qualities.

Gervaas is a masculine name of Latin origin, a variant spelling of Gervase or Gervasius. The name derives from the Latin 'gervasus,' possibly meaning 'spear servant' or 'honored with a spear.' This name has historical significance, as Saint Gervasius was an early Christian martyr from Milan in the 2nd century. Gervaas is most commonly found in Dutch-speaking regions and has medieval roots throughout Western Europe. While not extremely popular in contemporary times, it retains an air of classical dignity and historical depth. The name has a strong, distinctive sound and carries connotations of steadfastness and traditional values. This unusual spelling variation adds a unique touch to this ancient name with rich historical connections.

Jordaan is a masculine name with Dutch origins, representing a variant spelling of Jordan. The name derives from the Jordan River in the Middle East, significant in biblical narrative as the river where Jesus was baptized. In Hebrew, 'yarden' means 'flowing down' or 'descend.' This Dutch spelling variation maintains the same pronunciation but gives the name a distinctive European character. While common as a surname and place name in the Netherlands (most notably the Jordaan district in Amsterdam), it remains uncommon as a first name globally. Jordaan offers a sophisticated European alternative to the more widespread Jordan, connecting both to biblical heritage and Dutch cultural traditions. The double 'a' reflects typical Dutch orthography, giving this name a distinctive visual identity while maintaining familiar sounds.

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.

Mauridsje is an extremely rare masculine name that appears to be a unique variant or creative spelling derived from Maurice or Maurits. The name has Germanic and Latin origins, ultimately coming from 'Mauritius,' meaning 'dark-skinned' or 'Moorish.' The distinctive '-dsje' ending suggests possible Dutch or Frisian influence, giving it a specialized regional character. Due to its rarity, Mauridsje has little documented usage history, making it one of the more unusual name variations. The name combines traditional roots with a highly distinctive spelling that would likely require pronunciation clarification in most regions. For parents seeking an extremely uncommon name with connections to more traditional naming patterns, Mauridsje offers near-guaranteed uniqueness while maintaining distant links to familiar naming traditions.

Christiaan is a Dutch and Afrikaans variant of Christian, ultimately derived from Latin 'Christianus,' meaning 'follower of Christ.' The distinctive double 'a' spelling reflects its Dutch linguistic roots, differentiating it from the more common international spelling. In the Netherlands and South Africa, Christiaan has enjoyed consistent popularity over centuries, representing cultural heritage and religious significance. The name carries an air of classical dignity while maintaining a warm, approachable quality. Outside Dutch-speaking regions, Christiaan appears exotic yet recognizable, making it attractive to parents seeking something distinctive with established roots. The name's religious connections make it particularly meaningful for many families with Christian faith traditions, though it has transcended purely religious usage to become appreciated for its melodic sound and historical depth.

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).

Cees is a masculine Dutch name, pronounced 'case' or 'kays,' functioning as a short form of Cornelis, the Dutch variant of Cornelius. This name has Roman origins from the clan name Cornelius, possibly derived from the Latin word 'cornu' meaning 'horn.' Cees gained popularity in the Netherlands during the 20th century as Dutch naming trends shifted toward shorter, more familiar forms of traditional names. It represents a typically Dutch phonetic simplification that maintains the essence of the original formal name. While extremely common among older generations in the Netherlands, its usage has declined somewhat for newer generations. Outside the Netherlands, Cees remains quite rare, giving it a distinctive Dutch character. The name's brevity and strong consonant sound give it a modern feel despite its ancient origins.