Dutch Names for Boys

Wisse

Dutch, Germanic

"wise; leader; forest; wide"

Wisse is a Dutch diminutive of a variety of Old Germanic names ranging from Wizo, Altwidus, and Witold, to Wisamar, Wissebert, Alawis, and Wisgard. It has been used for names that contain the…

Frenkie

Dutch variation of Frankie, Latin

"from France; free man"

Friendly and handsome, Frenkie is a Dutch variation of Frankie, spelled phonetically to lean closer to the (American) English pronunciation of the name. It began to climb up the name charts in The…

Joes

Dutch form of Joseph, Hebrew

"Jehovah increases"

Joes is a fast-rising boys name in the Netherlands, pronounced with the initial J as a Y, a long o, and a soft s -- it rhymes with close. But American English speakers would inevitably rhyme it with…

Rijn

Variation of Rein or short form of Marijn, Dutch

"advice, counsel; of the sea, of Mars"

With the strong, succinct sound of Reign, Rein, Rain, and Rayne, Rijn is a Dutch name, used as both a stand-alone name and as a nickname. While it may look unfamiliar to English eyes, names ending in…

Misja

Dutch variation of Mischa, Russian, Hebrew

"Who is like God?"

Adapted from the gentle yet energetic Russian diminutive for Mikhail and Michael, Misja is a rare Dutch spelling of Misha, less familiar outside of the Netherlands to Mischa. It coincides with the…

Sasja

Dutch variation of Sasha, Russian, Greek

"liberator of man"

Adapted from the Russian nickname for Alexander and Alexandra, Sasja is a Dutch spelling of Sasha, Sacha, and Sascha. It was notably borne by the 19th-century Dutch Noble, Prince Alexander of the…

Rivi

Dutch diminutive of River, Ricfrid, or Rivka, or alternative spelling of Revi

"river, peaceful ruler, join, dew, bind; sun"

A Dutch diminutive of a variety of names, along with a Sanskrit name, likely related to Ravi and Revi.

Marijn

Dutch, Latin

"of the sea"

Marijn is a unisex Dutch name, though in recent years, it has been used most often for boys. Out of the charts for girls since the late 2000s, for boys, it remains in the Top 500. Derived from the…

Martinus

Latin and Dutch form of Martin

"warlike"

Used as both the original Latin form of classic Martin, and the official Dutch form. It was a familiar choice in the Netherlands until 2011, appearing on birth certificates, even if Maarten, Martin,…

Tinus

Dutch and Afrikaans short form of Martinus

"warlike"

Typically used as a short form of Martinus — or occasionally for Constantinus — Tinus is heard in the Netherlands and South Africa. While the long form may appear on the birth-certificate, Tinus…

Mart

Diminutive of Martin, Latin

"warlike"

Fresher and snappier than Marty and Martin, could Mart be successful as an independent baby name? It certainly has in the Netherlands, where it featured in the Top 300 in a recent year, outranking…

Hansie

Afrikaans short form of Johannes, Dutch, Latin

"God is gracious"

A playful short form of Johannes, predominantly heard in South Africa, Hansie could make an interesting alternative to Jan, Jens, Johan, and Jon. A notable bearer was cricket player Hansie Cronje.

Sarel

Afrikaans and Dutch form of Charles, French, German

"free man"

An Afrikaans variation of Charles, likely adapted other forms such as Carel and Charl, Sarel is also used occasionally among Dutch speakers. A historic bearer is Sarel Cilliers, a 19th-century…

Michiel

Dutch form of Michael, Hebrew

"who is like God?"

Closely associated in the States with handsome young actor Michiel Huisman, who's best known for playing Daario Naharis in HBO's "Game of Thrones", this is a Dutch form of Michael. Pronounced…

Aart

Dutch

"eaglelike"

That double a invests the old Arthur nickname with fresh life.

Wiebe

Dutch, Frisian

"war bright"

Zippy and energetic in sound with an spirited meaning, Wiebe likely started out as a diminutive of the Old English and Old Germanic names Wigberht and Wigbrand. Meaning "war bright", "war torch", it…

Arje

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…

Arend

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…

Bas

Dutch, diminutive of Bastiaan and Sebastian

"person from the city of Sebastia"

Bas is a fashionable name in its own right in the Netherlands, where it's been in the Top 10. Used throughout Europe, it may have a future here as a straightforward-but-charming nickname name. Baz is…

Bastiaan

Dutch short form of Sebastian, Latin from Greek

"man of Sebastia"

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. Bas…