Dutch Baby Names for Boys
Dutch boy names are uncommon in the US, where we’re mainly familiar with them via notable bearers of Dutch names such as Willem Dafoe and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. So far, these figures have done little to inspire American parents in the way of baby names — only a small number of boys are given their names each year.
Along with Willem, the most common Dutch names for boys in the US include Bram, Sander, and Gerrit. The most popular Dutch boy names in the Netherlands include Daan, Sem, Luuk, and Noud.
Also include on this list are names such as Hugo, Olivier, Xavi, and Boris, which have origins outside of the Netherlands yet rank among the country’s Top 100 baby names. Browse our collection of stylish Dutch baby names for boys, below.
Dutch Boy Names
Along with Willem, the most common Dutch names for boys in the US include Bram, Sander, and Gerrit. The most popular Dutch boy names in the Netherlands include Daan, Sem, Luuk, and Noud.
Also include on this list are names such as Hugo, Olivier, Xavi, and Boris, which have origins outside of the Netherlands yet rank among the country’s Top 100 baby names. Browse our collection of stylish Dutch baby names for boys, below.
Dutch Boy Names
- Hugo
Origin:
Latinized form of HughMeaning:
"mind, intellect"Description:
Hugo, the Latin form of Hugh, has more heft and energy than the original -- and of course we love names that end (or begin, for that matter) with an o. This one is especially appealing because it's backed up by lots of solid history and European style.
- Casper
Origin:
Dutch form of Jasper, PersianMeaning:
"bringer of treasure"Description:
This ancient name, also spelled Caspar, is finally shedding its ghostly image and moving into the 21st century. Popular in the Netherlands and Scandinavia, where it's sometimes shortened to Cas, Casper could ride the style coattails of cousin Jasper. Casper was one of the Three Magi who brought gifts to the infant Jesus along with Melchior and Balthasar.
- Luca
Origin:
Italian variation of Luke and LucasMeaning:
"light or man from Lucania"Description:
If there was once a bias against this charming and venerable Italian name for possibly sounding too feminine, consider it gone. Since Luca entered the boys’ names U.S. popularity list in 2000, it has shot up in popularity. It's one of the top Italian baby names in the US and a popular choice throughout Europe as well.
- Abel
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"breath"Description:
Abel, the name of Adam and Eve's unfortunate younger son, compensates with positive connotations: capable, competent, ready and willing.
- Dion
Origin:
Diminutive of Dionysius, GreekMeaning:
"child of heaven and earth"Description:
In ancient Greece, a student of Plato; in modern America, a cool guy.
- Boaz
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"swiftness"Description:
Now that such Old Testament patriarchs as Elijah and Moses fill the playground, Boaz seems downright baby-friendly, having more pizzazz than many of the others, perhaps as a successor to Noah.
- Fabian
Origin:
Latin clan nameMeaning:
"bean grower"Description:
Fabian is the ancient name of a saint and pope that also has Shakespearean cred as Olivia's servant in Twelfth Night and more recently made an appearance in Harry Potter. In the U.S. Fabian became best known via the 1960s teen idol/singer who went solely by his first name.
- Lars
Origin:
Scandinavian from Latin LaurentiusMeaning:
"crowned with laurel"Description:
Lars is a perfect candidate for a cross-cultural passport: it has been heard often enough here to sound familiar and friendly, yet retains the charisma of a charming foreigner.
- Coen
Origin:
Dutch diminutive of CoenraadMeaning:
"bold advisor"Description:
Like many short forms now popular as full names in the Netherlands, Coen—also spelled Koen—originated as the diminutive of the more old-fashioned Coenraad, the Dutch Conrad. May be confused in the US with Cohen, which stems from the Jewish surname designating a priest.
- Florian
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"flowering"Description:
If Flora and Florence have returned full force, Florian, with its trendy Latinate ending, could also have a chance. Popular in Germany, Austria and Switzerland -- he was the venerated patron saint of those in danger from water and of firefighters -- might sound a tad feminine and floral to English speakers. But as a middle name, Florian could be a great way to honor grandma Florence (or any other flower name).
- Bram
Origin:
Dutch variation of AbrahamMeaning:
"father of multitudes"Description:
Bram has an unusual measure of character and charm for a one-syllable name; it started as a hipper-than-Abe diminutive of the biblical Abraham, but is also an independent Irish and Dutch name, made famous by Irish-born Dracula creator Bram (nee Abraham) Stoker. Bram is currently Number 16 in the Netherlands; Bram Howard was a character on The West Wing.
- Ruben
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"behold, a son"Description:
International variant of Reuben that is actually much more popular than the original in the US.
- Sven
Origin:
ScandinavianMeaning:
"youth"Description:
Especially for parents of Scandinavian descent, Sven is an accessible and attractive name with an appealing mix of strength and swagger. It comes from the ancient Swedish tribe, the Sviars, who gave their name to Svealand, which later morphed into Sweden.
- Job
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"persecuted"Description:
If you focus on the patience of the biblical Job, rather than his trials, the name becomes more usable. He was, after all, the Old Testament hero of the Book of Job, whose faith was severely tested by God but remained faithful. The name was was used by Puritans and Christian fundamentalists and can be found in the novels of Dickens, George Eliot and Robert Louis Stevenson..
- Joah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"brother of God"Description:
Joah is a simple but obscure Biblical name, the name of four men in the Old Testament. Joah could be the perfect way to honor Grandpa Joe, or might be seen as a streamlined alternative to Josiah. Joah has so much basic appeal, in fact, that it just might be the next Noah.
- Timo
Origin:
Norwegian, Finnish, German, and Dutch variation of TimothyMeaning:
"honoring God"Description:
Popular in its own right in Germany and definitely makes a more intriguing and grownup short form of the classic Timothy than Timmy or even Tim.
- Olivier
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"olive tree"Description:
More and more frequently heard as the Gallic version of Oliver, Olivier could be seen as a tribute to the great British actor, Sir Laurence O.
- Xavi
Origin:
Catalan diminutive of Xavier, Basque or ArabicMeaning:
"new house or bright"Description:
This nickname was given often enough as a standalone to land it in the Top 1000 from 2010—2013.
- Koen
Origin:
Dutch diminutive of CoenraadMeaning:
"bold advisor"Description:
A short form popular in the Netherlands, though in the U.S. Koen and Coen are easily confused with Cohen, the Jewish surname meaning "priest" which has recently gained currency as a first name. The Dutch pronunciation is more like "coon."
- Maxim
Origin:
French variation of MaximusMeaning:
"greatest"Description:
Although often connected to the men's magazine title, Maxim is a chic and powerful name for a little boy. It's proving moderately popular too, having been in the Top 1000 in the US since the year 2000.