International Baby Names
525+ European Names for Girls and Boys
Across 29 pages
of 29
Jago
Cornish variation of Jacob or James
"supplanter"
A dashing alternative to the popular James and Jacob, Jago is the jaunty Cornish form of the Biblical names. Occasionally (or historically) appearing as Jagoe, Jego, and Jaego, it may have been…
Jagoda
Diminutive of Jagwida or word name, Polish and Croatian
"war, battle; berry, strawberry"
Jagoda is a Top 50 choice in Poland and Croatia, where it doubles up as a diminutive of Jagwida — itself a variation of the battle-mighty Hedwig — and as a word name, meaning "berry" in Polish, but…
Fenella
Celtic
"white-shouldered one"
More unusual than Fiona and more user-friendly than Fionnuala, the engaging Scottish Fenella, has been scarcely heard in this country. Fenella first became known outside of Ireland when Sir Walter…
Jaroslav
Czech, Slovak, from Russian
"fierce and glorious"
This form of the Russian Yaroslav is a well-used classic in Czechia. With a handsome traditional sound and inspiring meaning, Jaroslav would be a strong choice for a baby boy. Some bearers of this…
Jeanne
French variation of Jean
"God is gracious"
Pronounced just like Jean in the English-speaking world, but as the more unusual zhahn in France, this has sailed away with the first wave of French favorites: Denise, Michelle, et soeurs.
Jesper
Jesper is a masculine name of Scandinavian origin, particularly popular in Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands. It developed as a variation of the name Jasper, which derives from Persian meaning…
Camille
French
"young ceremonial attendant"
Camille is a unisex name in France, where it's in the Top100 for both boys and girls. It is certainly one of those names whose gender identity is culturally specific: In the US, more than 1100 baby…
Joao
Portuguese variation of John
"God is gracious"
A Portuguese classic, typically spelled with a tilde over the A. Many members of the Portuguese royal family were named João, and today it’s associated with a number of Portuguese and Brazilian…
Federico
Italian and Spanish variation of Frederick, German
"peaceful ruler"
If Frederick feels too heavy, the Spanish and Italian has more energy. It's a long-term Top 20 name in Italy, and has neat nicknames like Fredo in Italian and Fede in Spanish. Famous bearers include…
Jokull
Icelandic
"glacier; ice"
This cool Icelandic word name — meaning "ice" — is on the rise in its native Iceland. Jökull is also used in geographical names; Eyjafjallajökull is an ice cap in Iceland. Jökull shares a root with…
Brynjar
Old Norse
"warrior armor"
An attractive Nordic name most common in Iceland. It was derived from the Old Norse elements bryn , meaning "armor," and her , "warrior" or "army." Brynjar Leifsson is a member of the band Of…
Jordi
Catalan variation of George
To the American ear, Jordi seems like a nickname for Jordan, which means this popular name from Catalonia could certainly cross cultures.
Joris
Dutch variation of George
"farmer"
A fresh Dutch take on George, although you’re likely to get pronunciation errors upon first meetings.
Joss
Diminutive of Jocelyn or Joseph, German
"member of the Gauts tribe; Jehovah increases"
Succinct and to the point, Joss may appeal to those who enjoy the likes of Jude, Jesse, Jem, and Ozzy. Brought into the spotlight by Joss Whedon , creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer , Angel and…
Julen
Basque variation of Julian, English
"youthful; downy"
The Basque form of Julian is pared down and may appeal to parents looking for a less-syllabic option. It’s not typically used outside of Spain, but it would make an easy import. Julen is also a…
Jules
French form of Julius, Latin
"youthful; soft, downy; sky father"
Though Jules hasn't been on the US popularity list in fifty years, it remains a hit in its native France where it's currently in the Top 10 — and has been in the Top 500 nearly every year since the…
Aroa
Basque
"era, time"
Part of a group of lovely A-starting names popular in Spain, along with Ainhoa and Aitana. Spanish actress Aroa Gimeno introduced this one.
Juni
Scandinavian
"June"
Juni is the Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, and Finnish form of the month name June. While Juni feels cute and fresh, most Americans would assume it was a nickname or a Joni variation. We prefer Juna or…
Junot
Spanish variation of Junius
Junot, which sounds like the goddess and indie movie name "Juno" and the Alaskan place name Juneau, is actually someting completely different. The literati will recognize the unusual name of writer…
Faustine
Latin, feminine variation of Faust
"fortunate one"
Faustine has a positive meaning, although the association with the character who sold his soul to the devil may be off-putting. This name is among the Top 100 girls' names in France, but was given to…