Dutch Baby Names for Boys

  1. Niels
    • Origin:

      Danish variation of Nicholas; Dutch diminutive of Cornelius
    • Description:

      Gives middle-aged Neil a new lease on life.
  2. Bas
    • Origin:

      Dutch, diminutive of Bastiaan and Sebastian
    • Meaning:

      "person from the city of Sebastia"
    • Description:

      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 another, similar and more appealing possibility.
  3. Micha
    • Origin:

      Variation of Micah
    • Description:

      The many names connected more by letter and sound than by root -- Micha, Micah, Mica, Misha, Mischa, Michal, and of course Michael -- can get very confusion, and this variation is sure to cause pronunciation problems in the US. Hard or soft ch? Long or short i? Better stick with Micah, Misha...or Michael.
  4. Luc
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "man from Lucania"
    • Description:

      Luc is the sleeker Gallic cousin of Luke, and if you want to know the difference between their pronunciations, just watch Kevin Kline's hilarious description in the film French Kiss. Peter Gabriel and Sean Patrick Thomas picked this version for their sons.
  5. Timo
    • Origin:

      Norwegian, Finnish, German, and Dutch variation of Timothy
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  6. Job
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "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..
  7. Jari
    • Origin:

      Short form of Jalmari, Finnish
    • Meaning:

      "helmet protector"
    • Description:

      Sleek modern short form of a classic Scandinavian name.
  8. Vik
    • Origin:

      Variation of Viktor, Scandinavian, Russian
    • Meaning:

      "conqueror"
    • Description:

      This short and striking Viktor nickname is more popular than the fuller form in the Netherlands, where it currently ranks in the Top 200.
  9. Vic
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Victor, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "conqueror"
    • Description:

      This short form of classic Victor is popular in its own right in Belgium and the Netherlands.
  10. Mats
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian diminutive of Matthias, Aramaic
    • Meaning:

      "gift of God"
    • Description:

      If you're looking for a Euro-chic alternative to Max, Mats is a strong possibility. It's a fading classic in Norway, but is popular in the Netherlands and Belgium, where short names are the height of style.
  11. Jens
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian variation of Johannes or John
    • Description:

      Short but substantial Nordic name that travels well -- although it runs the risk of being confused with all the feminine Jen names.
  12. Daley
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "assembly, gathering"
    • Description:

      Much stronger than Dale for a boy.
  13. Dani
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Daniel
    • Description:

      Seen as feminine in English-speaking countries, Dani is a Top 100 boy name in the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina.
  14. Sepp
    • Description:

      Sepp is a masculine German and Austrian name that originated as a diminutive form of Josef (Joseph). It's particularly common in Bavaria and throughout Alpine regions of Europe. The name carries strong cultural associations with rural Alpine traditions and is often perceived as earthy, strong, and traditional. Despite its short form, Sepp stands as an independent given name in Germanic regions. The name gained some international recognition through notable bearers like Sepp Herberger, the German football coach who led West Germany to victory in the 1954 World Cup, and more recently, Sepp Blatter, the former FIFA president. While uncommon outside German-speaking regions, the name's brevity and distinctive sound make it an accessible option for parents seeking a name with authentic European heritage.

  15. Luuk
    • Origin:

      Dutch diminutive of Lucas, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "man from Lucania"
    • Description:

      The most popular short form of Lucas in the Netherlands, the other being Loek.
  16. Thijs
    • Origin:

      Dutch short form of Matthijs
    • Meaning:

      "gift of God"
    • Description:

      Usually pronounced to rhyme with nice — though others may rhyme it with Jace — Thijs is a popular Dutch name short for that country's form of Matthew. Matt Lauer's half-Dutch son is called Thijs.
  17. Melle
    • Description:

      Melle is a masculine name with diverse potential origins. In Germanic language traditions, it may be related to names containing the element 'mel' meaning 'council' or 'assembly.' In Frisian regions of the Netherlands, Melle has been used as a male name historically. It could also derive from place names in northern Europe. The name has a simple, strong quality with its two syllables and straightforward pronunciation. While uncommon in most English-speaking countries, Melle sees some usage in parts of northern Europe, particularly the Netherlands and Germany. The name's brevity gives it a contemporary feel despite its traditional roots, making it appealing for those seeking a masculine name that is both distinctive and unpretentious.
  18. Ties
    • Origin:

      Dutch
    • Meaning:

      "gift of God"
    • Description:

      Diminutive of Matthijs, the Dutch form of Matthew.
  19. Sep
    • Description:

      Sep is a concise masculine name with multiple cultural origins. It can be a shortened form of Joseph ("God will add") or September (the seventh month in the ancient Roman calendar). In Persian culture, it means "three" or can refer to a three-sided object. This minimalist name has gained appeal in modern naming trends that favor brief, impactful names. Its simplicity makes it internationally accessible, easily pronounced across many languages. While uncommon as a standalone name, Sep functions well as both a given name and nickname. Its brevity gives it a contemporary feel while its varied cultural connections provide depth. The name's versatility and straightforward nature make it particularly appealing in today's globalized naming landscape.

  20. Joris
    • Origin:

      Dutch variation of George
    • Meaning:

      "farmer"
    • Description:

      A fresh Dutch take on George, although you’re likely to get pronunciation errors upon first meetings.