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Dutch Names that Start With J

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Oct 01 2024
  1. Justus

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "just"

    • Description:

      More unusual than Justin, less word-like than Justice, this New Testament name could make an intriguing choice. After being off the popularity lists from 1904 to 1993, it is now being used in steady numbers.
  2. Johannes

    • Origin:

      German, Dutch, Scandinavian, and Estonian variation of John

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      An Old World name that might have a chance to rise again with other ancient and worldly forms. Be sure to say yo-HAHN-es.
  3. Jan

    • Origin:

      Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Czech, Polish, Slovene, German, and Catalan variation of John, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      A standard form of John in Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Czech, Polish, Slovene, German, and Catalan. Properly pronounced yahn (in most of these languages), most Americans will still equate it with the Brady Bunchesque girls' name Jan, which is now officially extinct.
  4. Jannik

    • Origin:

      Dutch and German variation of John

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      Popular form of John in Germany. Just remember to pronounce it YAHN-nik, which most English-speakers won't. Jannick is another spelling.
  5. Jannick

    • Origin:

      Dutch and German form of John

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      Another spelling of JANNIK, a John form that has a terminally Olde Worlde sound to the American ear.
  6. Joost

    • Origin:

      Dutch

    • Meaning:

      "just"

    • Description:

      Like many Dutch names, this one, pronounced 'yoost' has an upbeat sound. Also spelled Joos, as in sixteenth century Netherlandish master Joos van Cleve, one of the first to introduce background landscapes in his paintings.
  7. Janna

    • Origin:

      Dutch contraction of Johanna

    • Description:

      Could run into pronunciation confusion.
  8. Jurre

    • Origin:

      Dutch and Frisian short form of Gerard

    • Description:

      Gerard, Gerry, and Jerry may be so far out they may never come back in the U.S., but Jerry-equivalent Jurre is a Top 100 name in The Netherlands.
  9. Jetje

    • Origin:

      Dutch diminutive of names ending in jet

    • Description:

      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 Henriette or Mariette. An English equivalent might be Ettie.
  10. Julitta

    • Origin:

      Dutch variation of Julia

    • Description:

      This fairly obscure saint's name was chosen by Oscar-winning actress Marcia Gay Harden for one of her twins.
  11. Joop

    • Origin:

      Dutch, diminutive of Johannes

    • Description:

      Has an almost comical enthusiastic feel that may not translate to this culture.
  12. Jaap

    • Origin:

      Dutch variation of Jacob and James

    • Description:

      Jaap is a common if not exactly fashionable first name for boys' in The Netherlands. For more on Dutch names and their pronunciation, check out this specialty website: http://www.heardutchhere.net/names.html
  13. Joshuah

    • Description:

      Joshuah is a masculine name that represents a spelling variation of Joshua, which derives from the Hebrew name Yehoshua, meaning "Yahweh is salvation" or "God is deliverance." This biblical name refers to the successor of Moses who led the Israelites into the Promised Land. While Joshua has consistently remained popular in English-speaking countries, the Joshuah spelling variant adds a distinctive touch while maintaining the traditional pronunciation. This alternative spelling began appearing more frequently in the late 20th century as parents sought unique variations of classic names. Though less common than the standard spelling, Joshuah offers the familiarity of a timeless name with a slight twist, giving it an individualistic quality while honoring the name's rich historical and spiritual heritage.
  14. Jante

    • Description:

      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 Jante), a cultural phenomenon describing a mentality that discourages individual achievement in favor of collective welfare. As a personal name, Jante has a distinctive, modern sound with its crisp consonants and clear ending. It's particularly appealing to parents seeking a short, international-sounding name that remains unusual. The name has never been widely popular in English-speaking countries, maintaining its rarity across most naming databases. Jante offers a minimalist yet distinctive option for parents seeking something truly unique.
  15. Jordaan

    • Description:

      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.

  16. Jeroen

    • Description:

      Jeroen is a masculine Dutch name, the Netherlands' variant of Jerome, which ultimately derives from the Greek name Hieronymos, meaning "sacred name." Popular in the Netherlands and Flanders (Dutch-speaking Belgium), Jeroen gained particular recognition through famous bearers like the renowned Dutch painter Jeroen Bosch (commonly known internationally as Hieronymus Bosch). The name has a strong, distinctive sound while remaining approachable. Though common in Dutch-speaking regions since the mid-20th century, its popularity has somewhat declined in recent decades as international names have gained favor. Outside the Netherlands and Belgium, Jeroen remains relatively uncommon, giving it an exotic quality while still being pronounceable for most English speakers.
  17. Jozua

    • Description:

      Jozua is a masculine name of Dutch and Afrikaans origin, representing a variation of Joshua, which comes from the Hebrew name Yehoshua, meaning 'Yahweh is salvation.' This distinctive spelling is particularly common in the Netherlands, South Africa, and other Dutch-influenced regions. While maintaining the biblical roots and strong meaning of the original Hebrew name, Jozua offers a unique cultural twist that sets it apart. The name carries the same historical significance as Joshua – in the Bible, Joshua was Moses' successor who led the Israelites into the Promised Land. Despite its traditional roots, Jozua has a modern, international feel.
  18. Joord

    • Description:

      Joord is an uncommon masculine name with Dutch origins. It appears to be a variant spelling of the Dutch name Joord or Joorde, which may be related to the name Jorden or Jordi, derivatives of Jordan. The name has limited usage globally, primarily appearing in the Netherlands and among Dutch descendants. With its distinctive single-syllable sound and double 'o' vowel combination, Joord carries a strong, concise quality. The name remains quite rare in contemporary naming practices, giving it a unique character for those who bear it.

  19. Jordaan

    • Description:

      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 specific spelling variation adds a distinctive touch. The double 'a' spelling may be influenced by Dutch naming patterns, as Jordaan is notably a neighborhood and canal in Amsterdam. As a given name, this spelling is quite rare compared to the standard Jordan or Jordyn variations. Jordan began as primarily masculine but became popular for girls in the 1990s. The Jordaan spelling maintains the name's connection to nature and biblical history while offering something more distinctive. Parents choosing this spelling likely appreciate its unique visual character and possibly its subtle European flair while retaining the familiar pronunciation of the more common forms.
  20. Juut

    • Description:

      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 communities, Juut serves as a familiar nickname for Judith or potentially other J-names. The name's brevity gives it a distinctive quality - with just one syllable, it makes a concise yet memorable impression. While rare in international contexts, Juut may appeal to parents seeking a name with simplicity and Dutch cultural connections. Its uncommon nature means a person named Juut would likely have a unique identity within most communities.