Dutch Names that Start With E

Makes a serious name frilly and feminine, which, depending on your viewpoint, might be a good or a bad thing. In this case, we vote good.

Though she has long stood on her own, Elke has many longer cross-cultural connections, to the Dutch/German/Scandinavian Adelheid and Alice and the English Adelaide, as a feminine version of Elkanah and as a Yiddish form of Eleanor.

Eline is a delicate feminine name with multiple potential origins. In the Scandinavian tradition, it functions as a variant of Helena or Ellen, while in French contexts, it may be considered a form of Aline. The name carries a gentle, refined quality with its soft sounds and simple structure. Eline is more common in Northern European countries, particularly the Netherlands, Belgium, and Norway, where it maintains steady popularity. The name's international versatility makes it appealing for multicultural families, as it translates well across language boundaries while remaining distinctive. With its elegant simplicity, Eline balances uniqueness with accessibility.

The sophisticated Edmond and its nearly-identical twin Edmund are coming out of mothballs now that Edward, inspired by Twilight, is once again a hot name. Parents looking for an alternative might gravitate to Edmond, a handsome classic that has both class and style.

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 spin on a solid name.

Egidius is a masculine name with ancient roots, derived from the Greek name Aigidios, which relates to 'aegis' (shield). It's the Latin form of the name that evolved into Giles in English. Historically popular among early Christians due to Saint Egidius (Saint Giles), a 7th-century hermit revered for his piety and compassion. The name remains relatively uncommon today but holds appeal for parents drawn to classical or ecclesiastical names with substantial historical weight. Egidius carries connotations of protection, wisdom, and spiritual devotion. Though rare in contemporary usage, it offers a distinctive alternative to more common classical names while maintaining rich historical and religious connections.

Elsje is a feminine Dutch name that originated as a diminutive form of Elisabeth or Elsa. This charming name combines the classic elegance of its root names with the distinctive Dutch '-je' suffix that adds a sense of endearment and affection. In Dutch culture, diminutive forms are commonly used to express fondness, making Elsje a name that conveys warmth and closeness. While primarily found in the Netherlands and areas with Dutch heritage, Elsje remains relatively uncommon internationally, giving it a distinctive quality for those seeking a name with European roots and a gentle, melodic sound.

The yoo sound at the beginning of a name has not typically been attractive to the modern ear. Probably the most appealing form of this ancient name has been the feminized Eugenie, thanks to the British princess.