European Boy Names

It originated as a nickname for Lodewijk, but now Lowie is more popular as-is, even ranking in the Top 100 in Belgium.

Pronounced YAH-nosh, has a serious, violin-playing air. Perhaps that's why it has so many nicknames: JANCKZI, JANCSI, JANI, JANKIA, JANKO.

The Dutch answer to Gus. Pronounce it like the English word and you have a name that means air.

Chirpy form of Leonard that's common in its native Slovenia.

A Greek classic.

Probably most familiar to English-speakers as Zsa Zsa Gabor's last name, the rise of other Eastern European boys' names like Casimir, Milo and Laszlo make Gabor an increasingly wearable option.

Softens up the 20th century classic Martin.

The Spanish version of Lysander is to some, more wearable than the original, perhaps due to the familiar — but not widely-used — Italian name Alessandro. It’s past its peak in the Spanish-speaking countries of Europe and South America, but France has caught on to Lisandro’s handsome charm.

Deceptively close to Bernardo, but suaver.

In Poland, a Top 100 name on the rise.

A top name in Eastern European countries including Croatia and Bosnia, where it is a transcription of Jacob.

Common in its native Lithuania, but likely to read feminine in Anglophone countries. Stick with Emil.

Kende is derived from the Hungarian title kende, referring to the king of Magyar, the nation that predated Hungary.

Geraud, as with many French variations of familiar names, makes the somewhat old-fashioned Gerard sound fresh and dashing. It's pronounced as if it ended with o, another trendy factor, though many English speakers may not get that.

Ivano is a name that's a variation of a variation, with Ivan a common Russian and Eastern European version of John. Ivano puts an Italian spin on the name.

In Slavic cultures, Saint Vitus is called Sveti Vid, making this a saintly appellation.