Whereas in English, Josephine gets shortened to Jo, in Dutch it gets shortened to 'Fiene" (sounds like Feen). Fiene is now a name in its own right.

This common name for both boys and girls in Scandinavia would definitely work better as a feminine name in the U.S.

If you like Annika but want a rarer alternative, Lonneke has a lot to offer. Originating as a diminutive of Apollonia, it is a subtle and stylish Greek mythology-inspired choice. Namesakes include the model Lonneke Engel, volleyball player Lonneka Slöetjes, and racing cyclist Lonneka Uneken.

A Dutch feminine form of George, originating from the Dutch variants Joris and Jorin. Pronounced with a soft J, it has a distinct sound from other George variants. Significant namesakes include the Dutch speed skaters Jorien ter Mors and Jorien Voorhuis.

Popular in the Netherlands, Lieve is a considered both a short form of the grand Godelieve and an affectionate word name meaning "dear, sweet, love". Pronounced with two syllables, it might appeal to those who also like Liv or Livia.

Sidonia is a feminine form of the Ancient Roman habitational name Sidonius. Sidonie is the French form, which sounds similar to the recently trendy Sydney but comes from a different root. An original way to honor grandpa Sid.

Fenne and its phonetic version Fenna are vintage names enjoying a resurgence in The Netherlands, where both make the girls' Top 100.

A cutesy Dutch diminutive of Sophia. Illustrator Fiep Westendorp (born Sophia Maria Westendorp) is a notable bearer of this name

A sweet nickname name in the "rose" family, Roosje is a diminutive of Roos, the Dutch form of Rose.

Dael is cooler than Dale -- but why? Vowel switch gives an old nature name a hipper look.

A cute and dainty Dutch diminutive of Eva, reminiscent of Effie or Aoife.

This botanical name is one of the few Dutch names that could work outside the Netherlands, especially in Germany or Scandinavia.

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.

Stella gets a cool European makeover.

A vintage Dutch name, Berendina is the feminine form of Berend, a Dutch variant of Bernard. Can be shortened to Dina or Diny.

In old Norse mythology Lifa/Liva is one of only two people that are destined to survive Ragnarok (Nordic armageddon) and will therefore be the parents of a new race of man.

Think of Yfke as a cooler Yvonne, or a more unusual Eva. The Frisian name is rarely heard beyond the Netherlands.

Esme and by extension Esmee have gotten more popular in the US in recent years, but that extra e can confuse an already-confusing pronunciation, especially if you start adding accents.

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.

A Dutch and Flemish name that is used as either a short form of Laurentien, ultimately from Laurence or Laurentius, or as a variation of the French Laurine, itself an elaboration of Laure or Laura. In both cases, the meaning links back to laurel trees.