Dutch Baby Names for Girls
- Bloem
Origin:
DutchMeaning:
"flower"Description:
A cute and bubbly word name that means "flower" in Dutch. In English-speaking countries, Bloom would be a more intuitive spelling with a similar floral meaning.
- Fem
Description:
Fem is an uncommon feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may function as a shortened form of names containing the 'fem' element, which relates to the Latin 'femina' meaning 'woman.' In Dutch and Scandinavian contexts, it can serve as a diminutive of Femke or similar names. The name's brevity gives it a modern, minimalist quality despite potential historical roots. Exceptionally rare in the United States, Fem creates immediate associations with femininity and female strength through its etymological connections. Its single-syllable structure makes it distinctive in an era where longer names for girls are more common. The name might appeal particularly to parents seeking something strikingly brief yet clearly feminine, or those with Dutch or Scandinavian heritage looking for a culturally connected yet simple name option.
- Lize
Description:
Lize is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. It functions primarily as a short form of Elizabeth (Hebrew for "God is my oath") and is particularly popular in Dutch, Afrikaans, and some Scandinavian countries. The name is also used in French-speaking regions. Pronounced similar to "Leese" in most languages, Lize offers a modern, streamlined alternative to longer forms while maintaining connection to the rich history of Elizabeth. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, its international presence gives it sophisticated appeal. The name's brevity and strong 'z' sound create a contemporary feel, while its heritage provides historical depth. Lize combines simplicity with elegance in its compact form.
- Jip
Origin:
Frisian diminutive of Gijsbert, DutchMeaning:
"shining pledge"Description:
In the well-known Dutch children's book series Jip and Janneke, Jip is a boy, but this cutesy nickname name can traditionally be used on both girls and boys.
- Jantje
Origin:
DutchMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
A unisex Dutch nickname with a cute and lively sound. On a girl, Jantje is typically short for Johanna.
- Saar
Origin:
Dutch variation of Sarah, HebrewMeaning:
"princess"Description:
Saar is a very popular girls' name in The Netherlands, where it's an abbreviated form of Sarah. The Dutch feminine Saar, pronounced sahr, is distinct from the Hebrew place-name Saar used for boys in Israel.
- Pleun
Origin:
DutchMeaning:
"of the sun god"Description:
Pleun is a unisex Dutch name deriving from Apollonius or Apollonia, although now it ranks far higher for girls in its native land than the original form. In 2024, it ranked in the Top 140 in The Netherlands. The name is said somewhere between "plone" (rhyming with phone) and "ploon" (rhyming with moon), but it may be worth listening to it if you're unfamiliar.
- Janne
Origin:
Danish and Norwegian diminutive of JohannaMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
This common name for both boys and girls in Scandinavia would definitely work better as a feminine name in the U.S.
- Bloeme
Origin:
Dutch, YiddishMeaning:
"flower"Description:
This delicate floral name may originate from the Dutch word for flower, bloem, or as a Dutch variant of the Yiddish Blume / Bluma. An attractive and distinct choice regardless of origin.
- Lot
Description:
Lot is an unusual feminine name with biblical origins. In the Bible, Lot was a male character, the nephew of Abraham who escaped from Sodom before its destruction. As a female name, Lot is exceptionally rare. The name derives from Hebrew, possibly meaning 'covering' or 'veil.' Despite its biblical significance for males, Lot has not gained popularity as a feminine name in modern times. Parents choosing this distinctive name might appreciate its simplicity, biblical connection, or perhaps its unique quality as a conversation starter. The name's brevity gives it a strong, concise sound when spoken.
- Joske
Origin:
Dutch, from HebrewMeaning:
"Jehovah increases"Description:
A Dutch feminine form of Joseph, created by adding the -ke suffix to the traditionally male Jos. Joske could be a stylish European alternative if you want to honor a Joseph but Josie and Josephine aren't quite your style.
- Klaaske
Origin:
KLAS-kuhDescription:
Klaaske is the feminine form of Klaas, a Dutch diminutive of Nicholas, with a unique and lively sound.
- Roosje
Origin:
DutchMeaning:
"(little) rose"Description:
A sweet nickname name in the "rose" family, Roosje is a diminutive of Roos, the Dutch form of Rose.
- Guusje
Origin:
Dutch variation of AugustaDescription:
This Dutch name is the equivalent of Gussie, a pet form of Augusta. Unlikely to work well outside of the Netherlands due to its challenging pronunciation.
- Myrthe
Origin:
Dutch variation of MyrtleDescription:
This botanical name is one of the few Dutch names that could work outside the Netherlands, especially in Germany or Scandinavia.
- Rineke
Origin:
Dutch, diminutive of RinaDescription:
Rineke is a diminutive of a diminutive, which might have remained unknown outside The Netherlands were it not for the wonderful photographer Rineke Dijkstra.
- Lieka
Origin:
Variation of Lieke, DutchDescription:
Lieke is the more common variation of this name in the Netherlands, but the more intuitive Lieka spelling may be preferable if you're raising a child in a country that predominantly speaks English.
- Julitta
Origin:
Dutch variation of Julia, LatinMeaning:
"youthful or sky father"Description:
This fairly obscure saint's name was chosen by Oscar-winning actress Marcia Gay Harden for one of her twins.
- Juul
Origin:
Dutch diminutive of Julia, LatinMeaning:
"youthful"Description:
This Dutch version of Jules is used for both girls and boys. The association with the vaping product of the same name (but different pronunciation) makes this one a no-go in the US.
- Vajen
Origin:
Dutch