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Distinctly European

Nimwey
By Nimwey
Updated Thu Apr 27 2023
My favourite variations that appear on European name charts.
  1. Abelone

    • Origin:

      Danish form of Apollonia

    • Meaning:

      "destroyer, strength, father of light"

    • Description:

      A Danish name relating back to the Greek Apollo.
  2. Adrien

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Adrian

    • Description:

      This spelling variation of the much more popular Adrian entered reentered the Social Security list after an over 100 year absence in 1999. The -en ending makes it sound like the feminine Adrienne. We suggest sticking with the all A Adrian for your little boy.
  3. Alexei

    • Origin:

      Russian, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "defending men"

    • Description:

      Alexei could well join the legion of Alex names popular in the US. There are countless opportunities to liven up Alexander, and Alexei (or Alexey) is one of the most straightforward and appealing.
  4. Anaise

    • Origin:

      Variation of Anais

    • Description:

      Anais, the name forever attached to the daring French-born American novelist and diarist Anais Nin, is unusual and French enough without appending an e, though some may think it clarifies pronunciation.
  5. Anke

    • Description:

      Anke is a feminine name of Dutch and German origin. In Dutch, it developed as a diminutive of the name Anna, which means "grace" or "favor." In German usage, it can also be considered a variant of Anke, derived from the Hebrew name Hannah. The name is characterized by its simplicity and distinctive short sound. Anke has been consistently popular in the Netherlands, northern Germany, and Scandinavian countries, though it remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking nations. The name peaked in popularity in Europe during the mid-20th century but continues to be used. Anke is appreciated for its clean, crisp sound and international recognizability while still maintaining a sense of uniqueness in many regions.

  6. Anouk

    • Origin:

      Dutch and French variation of Anna

    • Meaning:

      "grace"

    • Description:

      Anouk, made famous by French actress Anouk Aimée, is a singular name with a lovely sound and a Bohemian feel. Anouk Aimée was born as Francoise, but adopted the first name of the character she played in her debut film.
  7. Aleida
    • Bartek

      • Description:

        Bartek is a masculine name of Polish origin, functioning as a diminutive form of Bartholomew (Bartłomiej in Polish). The name derives from the Aramaic name meaning 'son of Talmai' or 'son of the furrows.' Bartek is widely used in Poland, where it strikes a balance between formal and friendly, often used as both a given name and a familiar form. The name carries a strong Slavic character while remaining relatively easy to pronounce for English speakers. Bartek conveys qualities of strength and reliability in Polish culture. Outside Poland, it remains uncommon but is occasionally found in Polish diaspora communities. The name offers a distinctive European option for parents seeking a name with clear cultural roots and a contemporary sound.

    • Drika
      • Gian

        • Origin:

          Italian, diminutive of Giovanni

        • Meaning:

          "God is gracious"

        • Description:

          Gian sounds (almost) like John, so there's some potential for confusion, but the spelling makes it unmistakeably Italian. It could be a solution if longer names like Gianni and Gianluca aren't your style.
      • Ilya

        • Origin:

          Russian variation of Elijah

        • Meaning:

          "the Lord is my God"

        • Description:

          A rare example of an a-ending boy's name that sounds masculine, Ilya has a large measure of creative Slavic charm. >p>Ilya Ilyich Oblomov is the central character in Goncharov's novel "Oblomov." Unfortunately, he spends most of his life in his bathrobe and slippers.
      • Inka

        • Origin:

          Norse, diminutive of Ingrid or Inga

        • Meaning:

          "guarded by Ing or Ing is beautiful"

        • Description:

          Inka is a feminine name with rich multicultural origins. Most prominently, it references the Inca civilization of South America, lending the name historical and cultural significance. In Finnish and other Baltic languages, Inka serves as a diminutive form of names containing 'Ing' such as Ingrid or Inge.

      • Julien

        • Origin:

          French from Latin

        • Meaning:

          "youthful, downy-bearded, or sky father"

        • Description:

          Julien is the handsome French form of Julian, which derives from Julius, a Roman family name. Its origin is shrouded in history, but possible roots include Latin iuvenis, meaning "youthfu"; Greek ioulos, meaning "downy-bearded"; or Jovis, a form of Jupiter, which means "sky father".
      • Kaj

        • Origin:

          Danish

        • Meaning:

          "earth"

        • Description:

          Kaj is a name that looks great on paper, but while it's pronounced with to rhyme with rye, it is sure to be pronounced by most people to rhyme with "raj" or, much worse, "Madge".
      • Lea

        • Origin:

          Variation of Lee or Leah

        • Meaning:

          "meadow; weary"

        • Description:

          While traditionally pronounced as a homonym for Lee, Glee actress Lea Michele pronounces her name like Leah, and it may also rhyme with Freya. Regardless of your preferred pronunciation, it's interesting to note that Lea has always charted in the US Top 1000, despite coming close to the bottom a few times, making it one of the girl names starting with L that both fits in and stands out.
      • Lilou

        • Origin:

          Occitan pet form of French Liliane

        • Meaning:

          "lily"

        • Description:

          Lilou is a charming, rarely heard import. Occitan is a language spoken in Provence, in the south of France, in which the suffix "ou" denotes a pet form — thus, Lilou as a short form of Liliane or its Occitan form Liliana or Liliano. Its popularity in France--where it's currently Number 12--can be traced to the 1997 film The Fifth Element.
      • Liselotte

        • Origin:

          Combination name of Lise and Charlotte, German, Dutch, Danish, Swedish

        • Meaning:

          "pledged to God + free man"

        • Description:

          Also spelled Lieselotte, this European compound name blends popular Elizabeth and Charlotte into something with a fairy-tale-esque feel and unexpected style.
      • Loic

        • Origin:

          French variation of Louis or Lucas

        • Description:

          While there is some disagreement over the origins of this name, it's clearly fashionable and a new idea, for English speakers, of a way to spin either an old classic or a familiar favorite. Still, Loic is one of those French names for boys that is rarely heard outside its native land.
      • Lotte

        • Origin:

          German, Scandinavian diminutive of Charlotte

        • Meaning:

          "free man"

        • Description:

          Lotte is a short form of Charlotte and a name used in its own right in Scandinavia as well as Dutch- and German-speaking countries. It’s unlikely to catch on in the US, where even Lottie hasn’t reached its full potential. Unisex Charlie will remain Charlotte’s nickname of choice for the foreseeable future.
      • Lovise

        • Description:

          Lovise is a feminine name with Scandinavian roots, functioning as a Nordic variant of Louise, ultimately derived from the Germanic name Ludwig meaning 'famous warrior.' Common in Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, Lovise combines elegant simplicity with historical depth. The name has maintained steady usage in Scandinavian countries while remaining relatively uncommon elsewhere, giving it a distinctive quality in most English-speaking regions. Lovise carries a gentle sophistication with its soft sounds and connection to the more familiar Louise. The name's connection to 'love' in its first syllable creates a warm association, though this is coincidental rather than etymological. With its blend of classic heritage and melodic pronunciation, Lovise offers timeless appeal with a touch of Nordic distinction.