Marie92's Favourite European Name List

A form of Alexander commonly used in Russia, Armenia, Estonia and Kazakhstan.

Claudia is a classic name with ancient Roman roots. Never truly in or truly out, Claudia feels like a strong, modern choice that hits the sweet spot between too popular and too unusual..

Dimitri is a Slavic variation of the Russian Dmitriy, a name that comes from the Greek Demetrius. Demetrius was derived from Demeter, the name of the Greek goddess of fertility and farming. Among the possible spelling variations are Dmitri, Dmitrii, Dmitriy, and Dmitry.

Maybe it's because she shares that winning -elle sound with Isabel and Bella, but Estelle is no longer seen as a muumuu-wearing canasta player of a certain age (think George Costanza's mother on Seinfeld or Joey Tribbiani's talent agent in Friends). This could be in part thanks to the young Royal Couple of Sweden, who chose it for their firstborn daughter, or the single-named British R&B singer. It reentered the US Top 1000 in 2012 after a nearly fifty-year absence.

It's the French Steve yet feels oh so much more debonair. Well-used and still a popular classic in French-speaking lands, but one of the many French names for boysunfamiliar to most English speakers, except maybe fashionistas who associate it with designer Etienne Aigner. A new way to honor Grandpa Steve?

Variant of Evelyn or Aveline

Eastern European variation of Felix.

The quintessentially elegant and worldly Gabrielle -- designer Coco Chanel's real name -- is on its descent after years on the rise.

Now that Tristan has been rediscovered, maybe it's time for his fabled lover in the Arthurian romances and Wagnerian opera, a beautiful Irish princess, to be brought back into the light as well.

Spelling variant of Catalina, currently on the rise in the US.

Ksenia is a feminine name with deep Slavic roots, particularly popular in Russia, Ukraine, and other Eastern European countries. Derived from the Greek word "xenos" meaning "stranger" or "hospitality," it carries connotations of welcoming and generosity. Traditionally spelled "Xenia" in Western countries, the Slavic spelling with 'K' maintains its authentic cultural connection. The name gained wider recognition through figures like Russian Saint Ksenia of Petersburg and various contemporary celebrities. With its exotic sound and relatively uncommon usage in English-speaking countries, Ksenia offers a distinctive choice that's still accessible in pronunciation. The name combines strength and femininity with its crisp 'k' sound and melodic ending.

Lavinia is a charmingly prim and proper Victorian-sounding name which actually dates back to classical mythology, where it was the name of the wife of the Trojan hero Aeneas, who was considered the mother of the Roman people.

Linnea is an attractive Scandinavian name that derives from the renowned 18th century Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus, who developed the Linnean system of classifying plants and animals.

Lucienne is a soft and ultra-sophisticated French-accented option in the Lucy family, one that could provide a fresh alternative to such fatigued Gallic choices as Danielle and Michelle.

Maks is a masculine name with Slavic origins, functioning as a shortened form of Maksim or Maksymilian (variations of Maximus and Maximilian). Popular throughout Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland, Russia, and Ukraine, the name means 'greatest' or 'the greatest,' reflecting its Latin roots. Maks gained increased international recognition in the early 21st century, partly due to globalization and the influence of Slavic celebrities and public figures. The name's concise, strong phonetic quality gives it a contemporary feel despite its traditional roots. While still relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Maks has been gradually rising in usage as parents seek short, distinctive names with cross-cultural appeal and straightforward pronunciation.

Nicolas is the French and Spanish form, or streamlined spelling, of Nicholas, popularized by actor Nicolas Cage. Nicolas has been consistently on the charts since Social Security began releasing data, but the name did not truly take off until around the 70s. Today Nicolas is popular among Spanish and Portuguese-speaking parents, ranking in the Top 30 in Spain, Brazil, and Chile.

Lacks the vintage charm of the original Arabella, but with the love for all names Bella, it might appeal to some.