European Boy Names

  1. Henrik
    • Origin:

      Danish and Hungarian variation of Henry, German
    • Meaning:

      "estate ruler"
    • Description:

      The long history and solid usage of Henry has infiltrated other cultures, where a number of variations experience the same degree of popularity. In the US, Henrik first entered the Top 1000 in 2014. In Norway, Henrik is a mega popular choice.
  2. Alessio
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Alexis
    • Meaning:

      "defender"
    • Description:

      Alessio, simpler than the related Alessandro, would be a welcome settler here.
  3. Noel
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "Christmas"
    • Description:

      Noel is British, fey, and sophisticated, connoting wit and creativity, much like namesake Noel Coward. Noel has also been a character on Felicity and Pretty Little Liars. Thanks to their association with Christmas, Noel and Noelle make ideal names for December babies and names for Christmas babies.
  4. Iker
    • Origin:

      Basque
    • Meaning:

      "visitation"
    • Description:

      Long an extremely popular name in Spain, Iker (usually pronounced EE-kuhr in the English speaking world) is the rare Basque name that's starting to make it big in the States also, thanks to soccer player Iker Casillas. Indeed, it's been one of the fastest growing boys' names of the decade.
  5. Rui
    • Origin:

      Portuguese diminutive of Rodrigo
    • Meaning:

      "famous ruler"
    • Description:

      This charming mini name began life as a nickname for Rodrigo but has since taken on a life of its own, ranking as an independent name in Portugal, it’s country of origin. If you’re looking to honor a Rodrigo, Roger, or Roderick in your life, Rui is an appealing international option. Ruy is a spelling variation that is more commonly seen in Spain.
  6. Sven
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  7. Alvaro
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "elf warrior"
    • Description:

      Traditionally written with an accent (Álvaro), this is a well-used Spanish saint's name with a lot of flair that could definitely cross over to more general usage. It reached its peak in the United States in 1985, when it ranked Number 456. In Spain, Álvaro is a Top 20 boys' name.
  8. Sem
    • Origin:

      Dutch form of Shem, Russian short form of Semyon, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "name; he has heard"
    • Description:

      A popular name in the Netherlands that's arguably more attractive than the original, Sem is a Dutch variant of the Biblical Shem who was one of the sons of Noah. Only ever given to a handful of boys in the US, it is currently in the Dutch Top 10 and a familiar option in Belgium and Italy. It might also be used as a short form of Semion or Semyon in Russia.
  9. Sander
    • Origin:

      Dutch and Scandinavian, diminutive of Alexander
    • Meaning:

      "defending men"
    • Description:

      Sander is a more conventional form of Zander or Xander, heard frequently on its own in Europe. It is now a Top 20 name in Norway, and is also popular in Denmark, Belgium and the Netherlands.
  10. Leandro
    • Origin:

      Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian variation of Leander
    • Meaning:

      "lion-man"
    • Description:

      Leandro is a variation of the Ancient Greek name Leander, created by combining the Latin words leo and Andro together, to get a meaning that suggests strength, power, and bravery. The Hero and Leander myth lends the name a romantic, poetical feel, while it's association to Bishop Leander of Seville gives it a more saintly quality.
  11. Val
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Valentine, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "strength, health"
    • Description:

      Val as a boys' name is closely associated with the late actor Val Kilmer.
  12. Elton
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "from the old town"
    • Description:

      Elton is an unassuming, lesser-used place name belonging to several towns in the British Isles, the US and Canada, and even a lake in Russia. The singer Elton John gives it a bit of extra pizzazz.
  13. Floris
    • Origin:

      Dutch variation of Florence, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "flowering"
    • Description:

      This Dutch favorite was the name of five Counts of Holland and many notable Renaissance artists, including still life painter Floris van Dijck. It is a variation of Florence, ultimately from the Latin florens, which was historically a unisex name.
  14. Rene
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "reborn"
    • Description:

      Though it's used for boys, most non-French people would hear it as a girls’ name. Most would be surprised to learn that Rene has always charted in the US Top 1000 for boys.
  15. Lias
    • Origin:

      Swedish diminutive of Elias, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "Yahweh is God"
    • Description:

      This short form of Elias is gaining traction in Sweden, it’s culture of origin. The trendy S-ending and similarity to Liam make Lias a gem of an international boy name.
  16. Teo
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Teodoro or Mateo, Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "gift of God"
    • Description:

      An international take on Theo that would be easily wearable for a child in the US or any European culture, Teo is a simple but versatile choice. It's popularly used across a number of countries, including Georgia, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Croatia, Czechia, Italy, England, and Bosnia and Herzegovina too.
  17. Malo
    • Origin:

      Breton
    • Meaning:

      "shining hostage"
    • Description:

      Malo, the name of an important sixth century Breton saint who founded St. Malo, the charming port town in Brittany -- is considered quite au courant in France right now, ranking firmly in the Top 100.
  18. 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.
  19. Giuseppe
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Joseph, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah increases"
    • Description:

      This form of Joseph is an enduring classic in Italy where it remains in the Top 20. In the States it's been hovering under the radar for decades, but its spirited, distinctive-yet-familiar sounds might help it catch on, as Giovanni has
  20. Carlo
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Charles, French
    • Meaning:

      "free man"
    • Description:

      An energetic and friendly Italian classic, Carlo is popular in its native Italy, but also familiar across Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, the UK, France, and Brazil. A variation of the regal French and English classic Charles, it is ultimately derived from the Latin Carolus and the Germanic Karl, meaning "free man".

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