Dutch Girl Names
- Anneke
Origin:
DutchMeaning:
"grace"Description:
Dutch, Limburgish and Afrikaans diminutive of Anne.
- Annemieke
Origin:
Dutch variation of Anne-MarieDescription:
A variation on Anne-Marie, this sweet name deserves the attention of some Anglophone parents. Note that "Mieke" rhymes with "Peak-a" not "Pike-a".
- Anouck
Origin:
Dutch and French variation of AnnaDescription:
As Anouk, a name that's newly popular in The Netherlands, this spelling is borne by Belgian supermodel Anouck Lepere.
- Brandy
Origin:
DutchMeaning:
"burnt wine"Description:
The alcohol-laced member of the Randy-Candy-Mandy sorority of 1970s to 80s nickname names; now pretty much on the wagon.
- Eleonara
Origin:
Italian, German, Dutch, and Polish version of EleanorMeaning:
"bright, shining one"Description:
The usual form of Eleonara is Eleanora, with each syllable pronounced, but transposing, adding, or subtracting a vowel or syllable here or there works fine and adds to the international, feminine spin on a solid name.
- Eline
Description:
Eline is a delicate feminine name with multiple potential origins. In the Scandinavian tradition, it functions as a variant of Helena or Ellen, while in French contexts, it may be considered a form of Aline. The name carries a gentle, refined quality with its soft sounds and simple structure. Eline is more common in Northern European countries, particularly the Netherlands, Belgium, and Norway, where it maintains steady popularity. The name's international versatility makes it appealing for multicultural families, as it translates well across language boundaries while remaining distinctive. With its elegant simplicity, Eline balances uniqueness with accessibility.
- Elke
Origin:
Dutch, German, and Frisian, diminutive of AdelheidMeaning:
"noble"Description:
Though she has long stood on her own, Elke has many longer cross-cultural connections, to the Dutch/German/Scandinavian Adelheid and Alice and the English Adelaide, as a feminine version of Elkanah and as a Yiddish form of Eleanor.
- Fenna
Origin:
Dutch and FrisianMeaning:
"peace"Description:
The vintage Fenna, an old lady name making a comeback in the Netherlands, originates in Friesland in the northern part of the country, where the Fries language is spoken. Rhyming with Jenna, it's both rare and familiar and could conceivably enjoy wider usage in the English-speaking world as well. Fenna is a Top 50 girls' name in the Netherlands.
- Hendrika
Description:
Hendrika is a feminine Dutch name derived from the masculine Hendrik (the Dutch form of Henry), meaning 'ruler of the home' or 'estate ruler.' This feminine adaptation features the suffix '-ika,' a common Dutch feminine ending. Popular in the Netherlands and among Dutch communities worldwide, Hendrika reached its peak popularity in the early to mid-20th century but has become less common in recent decades. The name is sometimes shortened to affectionate forms like Henny, Rika, or Rieke. Hendrika carries a strong, traditional European character with its Germanic roots, offering both historical depth and a distinctive sound that sets it apart from more common feminine names in English-speaking countries.
- Janna
Origin:
Dutch contraction of JohannaDescription:
Could run into pronunciation confusion.
- Karsten
Description:
Karsten as a feminine name is a very unusual usage of what is traditionally a masculine name of Germanic and Scandinavian origin. Derived from the name Carsten, itself a variant of Christian, Karsten means 'follower of Christ' or 'anointed one.' While predominantly used for boys in Northern European countries, particularly Germany, Denmark, and Norway, its occasional feminine usage represents the modern trend of gender-crossing names. The feminine application is extremely rare and typically found in North America where Germanic names have sometimes been adapted beyond their traditional gender associations. Despite its strong consonants, the name has a certain melodic quality that can work for girls, though parents choosing it for a daughter are making a distinctly unconventional choice.
- Leesa
Origin:
Spelling variation of Lisa, short form of Elizabeth, HebrewMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Leesa is a feminine name that emerged as a variant spelling of Lisa, which itself derives from Elisabeth or Elizabeth, a Hebrew name meaning 'God is my oath' or 'consecrated to God.' This alternative spelling became popular in the mid-20th century as parents sought more distinctive ways to write familiar names.
- Lieke
Origin:
Dutch diminutive of Angelique et alDescription:
The popular Dutch name Lieke is one of those diminutives, like Lena, that can be short for a range of names ending in its sound -- which, by the way, is the two-syllable LEE-ka. Despite its versatility, we don't see Lieke's popularity translating to English-speaking cultures.
- Malena
Description:
Malena is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Spanish, it's often used as a diminutive of Magdalena, deriving from Mary Magdalene in the New Testament. In Greek contexts, it relates to meanings of 'light' or 'bright.' The name has gained popularity in Latin American countries and is increasingly recognized internationally. Malena has a melodic quality that contributes to its appeal, with three flowing syllables that give it a gentle rhythm. The actress Malena Alterio and the film 'Malena' starring Monica Bellucci have added to the name's cultural visibility. The name offers a balance of familiarity and distinctiveness, making it accessible while still feeling somewhat uncommon in many Western countries.
- Mariel
Origin:
Dutch diminutive of MaryMeaning:
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"Description:
Mariel Hemingway popularized this attractive and unusual variation of Mary. It's a fairly recent form, emerging in the twentieth century. Other variations include Marielle and Mariella, which is found in Italy.
- Marien
Description:
Marien is a feminine name with multiple cultural roots. It can be considered a variant of Marion or Marian, which themselves derive from Mary (Hebrew origin meaning 'bitter' or 'beloved'). In some European contexts, particularly French, it may be viewed as a combination of Marie and the -en suffix. Marien has a delicate, melodic quality and conveys a sense of traditional femininity with a slightly uncommon flair. While not widely used in English-speaking countries, it enjoys some popularity in French and Dutch-speaking regions. The name carries a classic elegance while remaining distinctive enough to stand out.
- Marysa
Origin:
Combination of Mary and LouisaMeaning:
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + famous battle"Description:
Variant of Marisa
- Merel
Origin:
DutchMeaning:
"blackbird"Description:
Merel is a soundalike of Meryl and may be thought of as a variation of that name, but it's also the Dutch word for blackbird and so you can make it more stylish as one of the flock of cool new bird names, joining Wren, Lark, and Sparrow.
- Michielle
Description:
Michielle represents a creative spelling variation of Michelle, which is the feminine form of Michel, ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Michael meaning 'who is like God?' This distinctive spelling emerged as parents sought to personalize a classic name while maintaining its familiar pronunciation. The additional 'i' adds a unique visual element. Michielle remains relatively uncommon compared to the standard Michelle, which peaked in popularity during the 1960s and 1970s. The name carries the same sophisticated French heritage as Michelle but with an individualized touch. Michielle offers the friendly nicknames Michi, Chelle, or Elle. The name projects both familiarity and uniqueness, appealing to parents who appreciate traditional names with distinctive presentations.
- Mieke
Origin:
Dutch variation of MarieMeaning:
"bitter"Description:
A Dutch version of Marie - this is a cute name that has potential.