Dutch Names for Girls
- Alida
Origin:
Diminutive of AdelaideDescription:
Alida had a brief flurry of popularity a hundred years ago but is rarely used today. But given the rise of so many names related to Adelaide and Adeline, Alida might be rediscovered.
- Anneliese
Origin:
German, DutchMeaning:
"grace + oath"Description:
Anneliese is a German and Dutch combination of Anna and Liese (a form of Elizabeth) with an Old World feel but modern appeal. The Anglicized Annalise spelling in in the US Top 500, but this authentic German version has only ever broken into the US Top 1000 once, back in 2005.
- Brigitta
Description:
Brigitta is a feminine name with rich historical roots, derived from the ancient Celtic name Brighid, meaning 'exalted one' or 'high goddess.' It's the Central European form of Bridget, particularly popular in Hungarian, German, and Scandinavian cultures. The name is associated with Saint Brigid of Kildare, one of Ireland's patron saints known for her generosity and compassion. Brigitta gained international recognition through characters in literature and film, including Maria's friend in 'The Sound of Music.' While maintaining its classic origins, Brigitta offers a more distinctive alternative to the more common Bridget or Brigitte, combining ancient Celtic heritage with continental European elegance.
- Dorothea
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"gift of God"Description:
Dorothea is a flowing and romantic Victorian-sounding name which was popular in the early decades of the twentieth century, but has been off the charts since 1970. Definitely on the brink of a revival!
- Filomena
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"lover of singing"Description:
See PHILOMENA.
- Ilse
Origin:
Dutch variation of IlsaMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Pronounced with two syllables, as if spelled Ilsa, Ilse is popular in The Netherlands and may rise here with cousin Elsa.
- Irena
Origin:
Czech; Latvian; Polish; Bulgarian; Lithuanian, from GreekMeaning:
"peace"Description:
This form of Irene feels fresher and gives the classic name a chic, international flair. It's most commonly used in Eastern Europe.
- Katinka
Description:
Katinka is a charming feminine name of Hungarian, Russian, and Dutch origin. It's primarily a diminutive form of Katherine or Katarina, ultimately derived from the Greek name Aikaterine, meaning 'pure.' With its distinctive '-inka' suffix, common in Slavic and Eastern European diminutives, Katinka carries a playful yet sophisticated quality. The name enjoyed some popularity in the Netherlands and Hungary throughout the 20th century but remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. Its international character, combined with its melodic sound and friendly nickname potential, gives Katinka an exotic yet accessible appeal for parents seeking something distinctive with established roots.
- Linde
Origin:
Dutch variation of Linda, Spanish, Portuguese, ItalianMeaning:
"pretty"
- Livia
Origin:
Diminutive of Olivia or LatinMeaning:
"blue, envious"Description:
Though it sounds like a chopped-off variation of Olivia, which means olive, the distinctively attractive Livia has been an independent name since the days of the ancient Romans, when it belonged to Livia Drusilla—the powerful wife of the Emperor Augustus—and is still commonly heard in modern Italy.
- Margareta
Description:
Margareta is a feminine name that represents a European variant of Margaret, particularly common in Swedish, Romanian, and other Eastern European cultures. Derived from the Greek 'margarites' meaning 'pearl,' Margareta carries the same elegant connotations of purity and preciousness. This longer form has a melodic, flowing quality that distinguishes it from the more common Margaret or Marguerite. While maintaining moderate popularity in Scandinavian and Eastern European countries, Margareta remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking regions, making it an intriguing alternative for parents seeking a name with traditional roots but a distinctive sound. The name has royal associations in several European countries and conveys a sense of timeless dignity and grace while offering the versatility of cute nicknames like Greta, Eta, or Rita.
- Marieke
Description:
Marieke is a Dutch and Frisian feminine name, serving as a diminutive form of Maria. Ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Miriam, it shares the same roots as Mary, meaning "sea of bitterness," "rebelliousness," or possibly "wished-for child." Pronounced mah-REE-keh, this melodic name is particularly popular in the Netherlands and Belgium. It gained international attention through Dutch gold medal Olympic swimmer Marieke Guehrer and through references in popular culture, including Jacques Brel's famous song "Marieke." The name has a gentle, flowing quality with its soft ending, combining traditional roots with a distinctive sound. While uncommon outside of Dutch-speaking regions, Marieke offers an appealing alternative to more familiar Mary derivatives that still feels accessible to English speakers.
- Marijse
Origin:
Dutch form of MarieMeaning:
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"Description:
Derived from Marie, the meaning of which is uncertain. Theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea"); "bitter" (from Hebrew marah "bitterness"); and "beloved" (from the Egyptian root mr).
- Marit
Origin:
AramaicMeaning:
"pearl"Description:
An unusual and straightforward name with an attractive Scandinavian accent; a royal name in Norway.
- Prisca
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"ancient"Description:
The rarer long form of Priscilla, which comes from the Roman name Priscus, meaning "ancient".
- Romée
Description:
Romée is a feminine French name with elegant historical roots. Traditionally, it referred to someone who had made a pilgrimage to Rome, deriving from the Old French word 'romieu' meaning 'pilgrim to Rome.' This gives the name a subtle spiritual connection and sense of journey. With its delicate accent and melodic sound, Romée possesses a distinctly sophisticated French charm. The name has gained modest popularity in French-speaking regions and has begun to attract international attention for its blend of classical origins and contemporary sound. Romée offers a beautiful alternative to more common names like Rose or Renée while maintaining a similar romantic quality and refined aesthetic.
- Skyla
Origin:
Variation of Dutch SchuylerMeaning:
"scholar"Description:
Skyla is the most feminine form of the Skylar / Sklyer trend - little Skyla will never be mistaken on paper for a boy.