525+ European Names for Girls and Boys

A radiant Slavic name with an easily accessible sound. While it is reminiscent of the more familiar Svetlana, Svetla actually originates from the Bulgarian word svetal, meaning bright.

Lærke is the Danish equivalent of English name Lark. For those that find the monosyllabic English name too short for such a harmonious bird, Lærke might be a a good option - if you can get passed the confusion of that "æ" spelling.

Another one of the lively, vowel-ending twists on Thaddeus — à la Tadeo and Taddeo — this time from Slovenia.

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.

Hungarian form of Bartholomew

A cool Slavic short form of Sigmund, properly spelt Žiga in Slovene.

Galician form of Joel, in the Top 25 in Galicia and Top 250 in Spain. As with Joel and Noel, pronunciation can sound like one syllable or two.

Isak is a Scandinavian and Eastern European variant of Isaac, a name with ancient Hebrew origins meaning 'he will laugh' or 'he will rejoice.' This spelling is particularly common in Sweden, Norway, Finland, and parts of Eastern Europe. The Biblical Isaac was the son of Abraham and Sarah, giving the name deep religious significance in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. Isak has maintained steady popularity in Scandinavian countries, appreciating its clean, simple sound. In recent years, the name has gained international appeal as parents seek distinctive alternatives to more common biblical names. Notable bearers include Swedish writer Isak Dinesen (pen name of Karen Blixen) and various European athletes and artists.

The enduring form of Nicholas in countries that speak predominantly Germanic languages.

An attractive and popular choice in the Netherlands, but not one we see making it to the Top 50 in the US anytime soon.

Diminutive form of Tholf, itself derived from the Old Norse Þórulfr which gives you the cool meaning "thunder wolf". It coincides with the Icelandic word for "twelve".

Lovro originated as a short form of Lovrenc — the Slovene variation of Laurence — but is now used more often in its own right.

Isabel and Isabella are everywhere - but here is a variation that is both unusual and familiar.

The saintly Italian form of the saintly Latin Benedicta.

It's unusual, but that may be its best feature.

A Top 50 choice in Poland and Hungary, but familiar in the Czech Republic and the UK, Blanka is a bright and spiky form of the French Blanche. Derived from the word blanc meaning "white, fair", it was originally used as a nickname for someone blonde and pale, before shifting into a given name, sometimes associated with purity, thanks to its white hues.

Not much to recommend this relative of Wilma; consider Willa or Willow instead.

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