Dutch names reflect Germanic and Latin roots and The Netherlands’ modern culture. While historically, The Netherlands has a tradition of naming children after grandparents, contemporary Dutch baby names blend traditional elements with modern aesthetics, creating a familiar and fresh fusion. In this guide, you will find our hand-picked list of common Dutch names and meanings and Dutch baby names.
Dutch Names and Meanings
The Netherlands is a small country packed with immense history and culture. The Dutch language is closely related to German and English, making it accessible and interesting to many speakers of these languages. Nobility and strength are common themes found in Dutch names and reflect their importance in the history of the Netherlands. Characteristics of Dutch names include the similarities between English and German names and a gentleness to the ear that is not always common in different names.
Dutch is a West Germanic language developed from Old Dutch, spoken around 500 AD. Like English, the language changed over the centuries and incorporated later major cultural shifts, including the introduction of Christianity. Ancient mythos and pre-Christian themes are common in Dutch names, but references to Biblical concepts and the adaptation of Biblical names became popular over the centuries. Examples include Janneke, which means ‘God’s grace,’ and Aleid, which means ‘noble maiden.’ Read on to discover our lists of common Dutch names and meanings and Dutch baby names by theme.
Top 100 Dutch Names
Many Dutch names originate from a history of linguistic influences, including Germanic, Latin, and biblical roots. This list is our informative and interesting compilation of common Dutch names and their meanings.
|
Female Names |
Male Names |
|---|---|
| Anna – Grace, Favor | Jan – God is gracious |
| Johanna – God is gracious | Hendrik – Ruler of the home |
| Elisabeth – God is my oath | Pieter – A rock Form of Peter |
| Adriana – From the city of Adria | Willem – Will or desire |
| Helena – Shining light | Jacob – Supplanter, holder of the heel |
| Lena – Light, shining | Dirk – Ruler of the people, powerful ruler |
| Joanna – God is gracious | Arie – From Hadria |
| Maria – Bitterness | Johan – God is gracious |
| Maaike – Maiden | Piet – Rock |
| Els – God’s promise | Kees – Horn |
| Anke – Dutch form of Anne | Henk – Home ruler |
| Femke – Little girl | Jaap – Supplanter |
| Mieke – Little Maria | Jeroen – Holy name |
| Ingrid – Beautiful, fair | Mark – Warlike |
| Marijke – Rebellious | Joost – Just or fair |
| Petra – Rock or Stone | Maarten – fondness of war |
| Marianne – Star of the sea and grace | Wouter – Ruler of the army |
| Karin – Pure | Tom – Twin |
| Christina – Christian, anointed | Peter – Rock, stone |
| Linda – Pretty | Ruud – Famous strength |
| Liesbeth – God’s promise | Gerard – Brave spear |
| Monique – Advisor, counselor | Paul – Small, humble |
| Ellen – Torch, shining light | Frank – Free man |
| Sanne – Truth | Albert – Noble and Bright |
| Marie – Bitter, beloved | Simon – He has heard |
| Lotte – Free man | Daan – God is my judge |
| Marlies – Mary of the lilies | Bram – Bramble, a thicket of wild gorse |
| Hanneke – God’s grace | Aart – Like an eagle |
| Esther – Star | Floris – Flowering |
| Gerda – Protected, stronghold | Andries – Manly |
| Miriam – Wished-for child | Abel – Breath |
| Saskia – Saxon | Gerrit – Variant of Gerald rules by the spear |
| Margriet – Daisy | Adrianus – From Hadria |
| Annemarie – Anna + Maria | Sem – Renown |
| Ria – River | Lars – Laurel |
| Nienke – Little girl | Lucas – From Lucania |
| Suzanne – Lily | Diederik – People ruler |
| Anja – Grace or Favor | Cornelis – Horn |
| Maartje – Little Martina | Alexander – Defender of men |
| Laura – Laurel | Espen – God bear |
| Lisa – God is my oath | Thijs – Gift of God |
| Anne – Grace | Ruben – Behold, a son |
| Iris – Rainbow, messenger | Johannes – God is gracious |
| Michelle – Who is like God? | Thomas – Twin, twin brother |
| Tessa – Harvester | Kevin – Handsome, kind |
| Melissa – Honeybee | Dennis – Wild, frenzied |
| Cornelia – Horn | Robin – Fame, bright fame |
| Wilhelmina – Resolute protector | Niels – Champion |
| Hendrika – Rules the home | Petrus – Rock |
| Catharina – Pure | Jacobus – Supplanter |
| Jacoba – Supplanter | Bart – Son of the earth |
| Angela – Angel | Sander – Defender of man |
| Nicole – Victorious people | Arjan – From Hadria |
| Yvonne – Yew wood | Martijn – Warrior |
| Jessica – Rich | Erik – Eternal ruler |
| Heleen – Torch or moon | Michiel – Who is like God? |
| Roos – Rose | Richard – Brave ruler |
| Brenda – Sword | Ronald – Ruler’s counselor |
| Simone – She who hears | Stefan – Crown or Wreath |
| Tineke – Little Christina | Hans – God is gracious |
| Martine – Warlike, Roman god of war | Robert – Bright fame, fame-bright |
| Lisanne – God’s promise + grace | Rik – Brave ruler |
| Patricia – Noble | Roel – Famous wolf |
| Evelien – Life | Jelle – Sacrifice |
| Ineke – Chaste | Joris – Farmer |
| Wendy – Friend, blessed ring | Roy – Red |
| Jacqueline – Supplanter | Luuk – From Lucania |
| Greet – Pearl | Vincent – Conquering |
| Denise – God of wine | Mike – Who is like God? |
| Sonja – Wisdom | Alex – Defender of the people |
| Judith – Woman of Judea | Guido – Guide |
| Corrie – Seething pool, ravine | Freek – Free man |
| Christel – Follower of Christ | Jeffrey – Peace of a stranger |
| Ilse – God’s promise | Ramon – Wise Protector |
| Noortje – Little Eleanor | Reinier – Wise warrior |
| Carine – Beloved | Casper – Treasurer |
| Annette – Grace, favor | Matthijs – Gift of God |
| Danielle – God is my judge | Jurgen – Earthworker |
| Marloes – Mary + Louise | Coen – Bold advisor |
| Inez – Chaste, pure | Jarno – Singing, chanting |
| Rianne – Small river, grace | Geert – Spear of strength |
| Jolanda – Violet flower | Jordy – Farmer |
| Wilma – Resolute protection | Patrick – Nobleman, patrician |
| Fleur – Flower | Bjorn – Bear |
| Karen – Pure | Pim – God will add |
| Bianca – White, pure | Sjors – Farmer |
| Chantal – Stony, rocky | Wilfred – Desires peace |
| Sharon – A plain | Edwin – Wealthy friend |
| Sabine – Woman of Sabine | Max – Greatest |
| Anneke – Grace | David – Beloved |
| Nina – Little Girl | Berend – Brave as a bear |
| Kim – Ruler, chief | Koen – Bold advisor |
| Mirjam – Bitter or sea of bitterness | Jasper – Bringer of treasure, treasure holder |
| Elise – God is my oath | Adriaan – From Hadria |
| Mariska – Little Maria | Harm – Home army |
| Loes – Famous warrior | Jurriaan – Down-flowing |
| Agnes – Pure, Holy | Gerardus – Spear strength |
| Jolijn – Pretty | Emiel – Rival |
| Sophie – Wisdom, skill | Hugo – Mind, intellect |
| Eline – Shining light | Gijs – Pledge |
Unique Dutch Names
We’ve hand-picked unique Dutch names for this list by finding those interesting or unconventional names within the broader Dutch-speaking population, and they often carry significant cultural or familial significance.
|
Female Names |
Male Names |
|---|---|
| Adrie – From the Adriatic | Anton – Priceless, Invaluable |
| Aleid – Of noble kin | Bartel – Son of the earth |
| Amalia – Work | Bert – Bright |
| Anika – Grace or Favor | Boaz – Swift |
| Annelies – God’s promise | Boris – Fighter |
| Anneliese – Gracious, consecrated to God | Cas – Imperial |
| Anouk – Grace | Daley – Assembly, gathering |
| Arabella – Yielding to prayer | Dani – God is my judge |
| Aya – Bird; colorful | Dion – Of Zeus, divine |
| Beatrix – She who brings happiness | Dolf – Noble or majestic wolf |
| Bente – Blessed | Douwe – Dove |
| Betje – Devoted to God | Elmo – Helmet, protection |
| Bibi – Lady | Evert – Strong as a boar |
| Bo – To live | Fabian – Bean grower |
| Brandy – Brandy drink | Florian – Flower, blooming |
| Brechtje – The bright one | Hendrick – Home ruler |
| Brigitte – Exalted, lofty | Isaak – He will laugh |
| Caroline – Free man | Issac – Laughter |
| Dael – Small valley | Ivo – Yew Wood |
| Danique – Morning star | Izaak – He will laugh |
| Daphne – Laurel tree, laurel wreath | Jari – Helmeted warrior |
| Demi – Half, small | Jelte – Strong, healthy |
| Doortje – Gift of God | Jens – God is gracious |
| Doutzen – Dove | Joah – Jehovah is brother |
| Dunya – World | Joas – Fire of the Lord |
| Eleonora – Shining light | Job – Persecuted |
| Elif – Slim, tall | Joop – God will add |
| Elin – Torch, Shining light | Kaj – Pure |
| Elsje – God’s promise | Karel – Free man or rustic |
| Esmee – Loved | Kerstan – Christian |
| Evi – Life | Klaas – Victorious people |
| Evy – Life | Laurens – From the place of the laurel trees |
| Famke – Little girl | Leendert – Brave as a lion |
| Fay – Fairy | Lex – Defender of the people |
| Fenna – Peace | Luc – Light |
| Frederique – Peaceful ruler | Luca – Bringer of light |
| Grietje – Pearl | Ludo – Famous warrior |
| Hanna – Grace | Markus – Warlike |
| Hedwig – Battle | Marten – Warrior |
| Henriette – Ruler of the home | Mats – Gift of God |
| Isa – God is my oath | Maxim – Greatest, most excellent |
| Janna – God is gracious | Micha – Who is like God? |
| Jaylinn – Jaya + Lynn | Milan – Gracious, dear |
| Jet – God is gracious | Norbert – Bright north, famous north |
| Joyce – Lord | Olivier – Olive tree |
| Juna – June | Omer – Sheaf of wheat |
| Katja – Pure | Otto – Wealth, prosperity |
| Kiki – Double happiness | Piter – Rock |
| Kirsten – Christian | Quintus – Fifth |
| Lana – Little Rock | Quirijn – Spear |
| Lara – Protection or Fortified Place | Rayan – Watered, abundant |
| Lina – Tender or Pliable | Rein – Pure, clean |
| Lisette – Pledged to God | Remco – Quick, swift |
| Liv – Life, protection | Rens – Laurel |
| Maja – Mother or Nurse | Roan – Little red-haired one |
| Manon – Bitter, rebellious | Saar – Princess |
| Marga – Pearl | Schyler – Sheltering |
| Marian – Bitter or sea of bitterness | Siebe – Victory, brightness |
| Marit – Pearl | Siem – Hearing |
| Maud – Mighty in battle | Sjoerd – Guardian |
| Noa – Motion | Stijn – Constant |
| Noe – Comfort | Storm – Storm |
| Nora – Honor, light | Sven – Young man |
| Novi – New | Teije – Gift of God |
| Renate – Reborn | Teun – Invaluable |
| Romee – Pilgrimage to Rome | Timo – Honoring God |
| Romy – Dew of the sea | Van – from, of |
| Senna – Brightness | Vic – Conqueror |
| Skylar – Scholar, eternal life | Vigo – Vitality |
| Sofie – Wisdom | Volkert – People’s guard |
| Sylke – Blessed | Walter – Ruler of the army |
| Tess – Harvest | Wim – Determined protector |
| Vera – Faith | Wout – Ruler of the army |
| Verena – True | Xander – Defender of the people |
| Yuna – Desire | Xavi – New house |
Cute Dutch Names
These cute Dutch names have endearing sounds and meanings and resonate with warmth and familiarity. Our curated list includes some of the cutest found in the beautiful country of Holland.
|
Female Names |
Male Names |
|---|---|
| Ada – Noble | Aäron – High mountain |
| Aletta – Of noble kin | Abbe – Noble |
| Alma – Soul | Aldert – Old, elder |
| Annemie – Bitter grace. | Alvin – Friend of elves |
| Annie – Gracious, merciful | André – Man, warrior |
| Astrid – Divine strength, beautiful | Arthur – Bear, noble one |
| Benthe – Blessed | Barend – Bear |
| Britt – Strength, exalted one | Bas – Revered |
| Cato – Pure | Beau – Beautiful, handsome |
| Cecilia – Blind | Ben – Son, son of the right hand |
| Chloë – Blooming or fertility | Benjamin – Son of my right hand |
| Cobie – Famous bearer | Bruno – Brown |
| Elke – Noble | Calvin – Bald, little bald one |
| Emmy – Universal, entire | Carl – Man, Free man |
| Eva – Life | Cees – Blind, gray-haired |
| Feline – Like a cat | Daniël – God is my judge |
| Fem – Peace | Duuk – Leader |
| Fenne – Fen | Egbert – Bright edge of a sword |
| Fien – Jehovah increases | Elias – My God is Yahweh |
| Fiene – God will add | Faas – Shining |
| Flora – Flower | Fedde – Peace |
| Frida – Peace | Felix – Happy, Fortunate |
| Gusta – Feminine form of Gustaaf | Finn – Fair, white |
| Guusje – Praise | Florus – Flowering |
| Heidi – Noble, of noble birth | Frits – Peaceful ruler |
| Inge – God Ing’s protection | Gabriël – God is my strength |
| Isabelle – God is my oath, pledged to God | Gert – Strong spear |
| Janne – God is gracious | Guus – Praiseworthy |
| Jasmijn – Jasmine | Han – God is Gracious |
| Jetje – God is gracious | Hidde – Battle, combat |
| Jinte – Protected | Hiddie – Battle, combat |
| Joëlle – God will be willing, Jehovah is God | Huub – Bright in mind and spirit |
| Julia – Youthful | Jelmer – Famous helmet |
| Juliana – Youthful, downy | Jesse – Gift, wealthy |
| Julitta – Youthful | Jip – Supplanter |
| Juul – Youthful | Joël – Jehovah is God |
| Kristi – Follower of Christ | Joep – He will add |
| Lieka – Like God | Jorn – Descendant or farmer |
| Lieve – Love | Jort – Farmer |
| Linde – Linden tree | Jurre – Farmer |
| Lise – God is my oath | Kai – Keeper of the keys, earth |
| Liva – Life | Karl – Man, Free Man |
| Lize – God’s promise | Lasse – Laurel |
| Lot – Hidden | Leen – Helmet of strength |
| Lucia – Light | Lenn – Strong as a lion |
| Lydia – Woman from Lydia | Leon – Lion |
| Malou – Mary + Louise | Levi – Joined, attached |
| Margo – Pearl, child of light | Linus – Flax |
| Marieke – Little Mary | Loek – Bringer of light |
| Melanie – Black, dark | Louis – Renowned warrior |
| Merel – Blackbird | Mees – Bravery, strength |
| Mette – Pearl | Meese – Bravery, strength |
| Mia – Mine | Melle – Meeting |
| Mirthe – Myrtle | Michaël – Who is like God?, God-like |
| Myrthe – Myrtle | Moos – Drawn out of the water |
| Natalia – Born on Christmas Day | Nico – People’s victory |
| Nettie – Grace | Niek – Victorious people |
| Nine – Gracious | Noe – Rest |
| Noëlle – Christmas, birth of Christ | Noud – Strong, powerful |
| Nore – Light | Onno – Honorable |
| Nova – New | Oscar – God Spear |
| Philou – Loving | Pelle – Rock, stone |
| Pien – God will add | Pepijn – Father of the people |
| Puck – Little | Puck – Little spirit or pixie |
| Rika – Peaceful ruler | Raf – God has healed |
| Rineke – Pure | Ralph – Wolf counsel, wise wolf |
| Rosa – Rose | Renger – Warrior’s advice |
| Rosalie – Rose | Samuel – God has heard |
| Ruth – Companion, friend | Sef – God will add |
| Saar – Princess | Senn – Truth |
| Sara – Princess | Sep – God will add |
| Sidonia – From Sidon | Sepp – God will add |
| Silke – Blind, dim-sighted | Stef – Crowned in victory |
| Stella – Star | Thaddeus – Courageous heart, praise |
| Sterre – Star | Theo – God’s gift, divine gift |
| Suus – Lily | Theodor – Gift of God |
| Suze – Lily | Ties – Gift of God |
| Vajen – Fire | Tijn – Little |
| Valencia – Strength, Health | Tobias – God is good |
| Veerle – Travel, protection | Toon – Priceless one |
| Viola – Violet | Udo – Wealthy, rich |
| Yfke – Yew wood | Vik – Conqueror |
| Yvette – Yew or archer | Wil – Determined protector |
| Zoë – Life | Ype – From the yew tree |
Pretty Dutch Names
These pretty Dutch names are lyrical and elegant. Their melodic flow and phonetic beauty are reminiscent of the nation’s artistic and poetic heritage.
|
Female Names |
Male Names |
|---|---|
| Adelheid – Noble kind | Andreas – Manly, brave |
| Agatha – Good | Antonius – Priceless one |
| Aleida – Of a noble kin | Aris – Best, most useful |
| Alida – Noble | Arjen – Eagle |
| Amber – Amber, gemstone | Arno – Eagle, power |
| Angelina – Angel, messenger | Arnold – Eagle power, ruler, strong as an eagle |
| Anita – Grace | Augustus – Venerable, great |
| Annabel – Loving | Aya – Bird |
| Anoushka – Grace | Bernard – Brave bear |
| Antonia – Priceless one | Bowie – Yellow-haired |
| Bernadette – Brave as a bear | Brecht – Bright |
| Carla – Free woman | Carel – Free man |
| Christine – Christian | Cornelius – Horn |
| Claudia – Lame | Damian – To Tame |
| Corine – Maiden | Danny – God is my judge |
| Désirée – Desired | Eddy – Wealthy guard |
| Dina – Judged or Vindicated | Eduard – Guardian of happiness |
| Dorothea – Gift of God | Elbert – Noble, bright |
| Edith – Wealthy, fortunate | Elian – Sun |
| Elian – The Lord is my God | Erwin – Friend of the sea |
| Eveline – Life | Ferdinand – Bold voyager, brave traveler |
| Febe – Bright | Filip – Lover of Horses |
| Felicia – Happy, fortunate | Fred – Peaceful ruler |
| Gabriëlle – God is my strength | Freddy – Peaceful ruler, Peaceful king |
| Gertie – Strong spear | Frederik – Peaceful ruler |
| Hedy – Battle, war | Gerald – Brave spear, Bold spear |
| Ida – Hardworking | Gerry – Spear ruler |
| Ina – Pure, innocent | Gideon – Great warrior, mighty warrior |
| Irene – Peace | Gilbert – Bright pledge |
| Irma – War goddess | Herbert – Bright army |
| Isabeau – God is my oath | Herman – Army man |
| Ivonne – Yew tree | Hubert – Bright mind, bright heart |
| Jana – God is Gracious | Jakob – Supplanter |
| Janine – God is gracious | Jonas – Dove |
| Jaylin – Jaya + Lynn | Jozef – God will increase |
| Jeanette – God is gracious | Julius – Youthful, downy-bearded |
| Jeanine – God is gracious | Justus – Just or righteous |
| Jeannette – God is gracious | Juul – Youthful, downy |
| Jennifer – White wave, fair phantom | Kasper – Bringer of treasure |
| Josephine – God will add, God increases | Keano – Ancient, distant |
| Kristel – Follower of Christ | Koert – Counsel, advice |
| Lea – Weary | Kris – Bearer of Christ |
| Leonie – Lioness | Lambert – Land bright, bright land |
| Lia – Weary | Lennard – Strong as a lion |
| Lien – Pure | Lennart – Lion strength |
| Livia – Blue, envious | Leonard – Brave lion |
| Louisa – Renowned warrior | Leopold – Bold people, brave ruler |
| Louise – Renowned warrior | Lukas – Man from Lucania |
| Magdalena – Woman from Magdala | Maikel – Who is like God? |
| Mariëlle – Bitter, rebellious | Manfred – Man of peace |
| Marina – Of the Sea | Marcel – Little Marcus |
| Marita – Bitter or sea of bitterness | Marco – Warlike |
| Marjan – Little Maria | Marius – From the Roman clan name Marii |
| Martha – Lady | Matthias – Gift of God |
| Martina – Warlike | Menno – Strength |
| Mathilda – Mighty in battle | Michel – Who is like God? |
| Mathilde – Mighty in battle | Mischa – Who is like God? |
| Mina – Love or Will | Noach – Comfort |
| Miranda – Admirable | Olaf – Ancestor’s descendant |
| Mireille – Admirable, to admire | Pascal – Easter child |
| Monica – Advisor | Philip – Lover of horses |
| Nadine – Hope | Quinten – Fifth |
| Nathalie – Christmas child | Rafaël – God has healed |
| Noor – Light | René – Reborn |
| Paula – Small | Roger – Famous spear |
| Renée – Reborn | Roland – Famous throughout the land |
| Rina – Peace or Joy | Rudolf – Famous wolf |
| Rini – Pure | Sascha – Defender of mankind |
| Robin – Fame, brightness | Senna – Truth |
| Rosanne – Rose + grace | Stan – Stone |
| Rosemarie – Rose + bitter, beloved | Stephan – Crown |
| Sandra – Defender of Mankind | Steven – Crown |
| Silvia – From the forest | Tim – Honoring God |
| Stefanie – Crowned | Timon – Honor, to honor |
| Susanna – Lily | Tycho – Fortunate, lucky |
| Sylvia – From the forest | Victor – Victor |
| Tamara – Date Palm Tree | Ward – Guardian, watchman |
| Tatiana – Fairy Princess | Wendel – Wanderer |
| Tina – River | Werner – Army guard |
| Trudy – Spear of strength | Wilbert – Bright will |
| Vanessa – Butterfly | Willy – Determined protector |
| Willemina – Protection, will | Wolter – Army ruler |
Cool Dutch Names
Cool Dutch names possess a contemporary edge, melding traditional roots with a modern flair. You’re sure to fit in the hottest Amsterdam cafes with a name from our list of cool Dutch names.
|
Female Names |
Male Names |
|---|---|
| Aleta – Noble | Axel – Father of peace |
| Angelique – Angelic | Bastiaan – Venerable |
| Annika – Grace | Broos – Fragile |
| Bea – She who brings happiness | Cato – Wise |
| Beau – Beautiful | Cobus – Supplanter |
| Bowie – Yellow haired | Cor – Horn |
| Carola – Free man | Danique – Morning star |
| Charissa – Grace, kindness | Dax – Leader |
| Dion – God | Dex – Right-handed, fortunate |
| Dora – Gift | Edo – Rich guard |
| Elly – Light | Enzo – Winner, ruler of the household |
| Elma – Apple | Flip – Lover of horses |
| Elvira – All true | Flynn – Red-haired, son of the red-haired one |
| Faye – Fairy | Fons – Noble, ready |
| Frederika – Peaceful ruler | Gio – God is gracious |
| Gisela – Pledge, hostage | Hein – Home ruler |
| Haan – Rooster | Ivar – Bow warrior |
| Hannie – God’s grace | Jax – God has been gracious, son of Jack |
| Haven – Safe place, refuge | Leo – Lion-bold |
| Henny – Home ruler | Lev – Lion |
| Hilda – Battle woman | Mads – Gift of God |
| Hilde – Battle, warfare | Marinus – Of the sea |
| Indy – Independent or Indian | Marnix – From the sea defense |
| Jade – Jade | Mathijs – Gift of God |
| Jetta – Home ruler | Mika – Who is like God? |
| Lang – Tall | Nino – Child |
| Laurie – From Laurentum | Quant – Fifth |
| Lieke – Like God | Quinn – Counsel |
| Luna – Moon | Ravi – Sun |
| Magda – Pearl | Rokus – Famous land |
| Marta – Lady or Mistress | Schuyler – shield, scholar |
| Milou – Gracious, dear | Sky – Sky, heaven |
| Mischa – Who is like God? | Tygo – Lucky |
| Quant – Fifth | Valentijn – Strong, healthy |
| Rebekka – To tie, To bind | Vince – Conquering |
| Rikki – Variant of Richard | Wessel – Army vessel |
| Sarina – Princess | Wolf – Wolf |
| Sascha – Defender of mankind | Yorick – Farmer |
| Selma – Helmet of God | Yves – Yew |
| Sky – Sky, heaven | Yvo – Yew |
| Ursula – Little bear, she-bear | Zane – God’s gracious gift |
| Yara – Water lady | Zeno – Gift of Zeus |
Rare Dutch Names
We dug through countless texts to find the best fit for our list of rare Dutch names. These rare names might not be widely recognized even within the Netherlands, but they hold a special allure for their distinctiveness.
|
Female Names |
Male Names |
|---|---|
| Adria – From Hadria | Alfred – Elf counsel, wise counselor |
| Ageeth – Good | Alwin – Friend of elves, noble friend |
| Alina – Noble, kind | Ambroos – Immortal |
| Angelien – Messenger | Anthonie – Priceless one |
| Anki – Dutch form of Anne | Arne – Eagle |
| Antje – Grace | Arnoud – Eagle power |
| Babette – Stranger | Augustijn – Venerable |
| Behati – She who brings happiness | Boudewijin – Bold friend |
| Berendina – Brave as a bear | Boudewijn – Bold friend |
| Carlijn – Free woman | Christoffel – Bearer of Christ |
| Carolien – Free woman | Coenraad – Bold counsel |
| Carolijn – Free woman | Dewitt – White |
| Edda – With clear goals | Diede – People’s ruler |
| Eefje – Life | Dominicus – Belonging to the Lord |
| Feike – Peace | Dries – Manly, brave |
| Fitin – Peace | Eduart – Rich guard |
| Geerten – Spear strength | Eef – Alive |
| Geertruida – Spear strength | Egon – Edge of a sword |
| Gerarda – Brave spear | Emerens – Deserving to be loved |
| Gerrie – Spear ruler | Ewald – Lawful |
| Gesina – Strength of the spear | Ferdi – Bold, brave |
| Godelieve – God’s love | Filibert – Much brightness |
| Hansje – God is gracious | Filippus – Lover of horses |
| Helga – Holy, Sacred | Frans – Free man |
| Hennie – Home ruler | Gerban – Spear friend |
| Imke – Universal | Gerben – Spear bear |
| Janneke – God is gracious | Gustav – Staff of the gods |
| Jente – Yahweh is gracious | Hanne – God is gracious |
| Jorien – To flow down | Hauke – Mind, spirit |
| Karien – Pure | Jaco – Supplanter |
| Karlijn – Free woman | Jelke – Noble kind |
| Klaartje – Clear, bright | Kilian – Church, strife |
| Lonneke – Ready for battle | Klaus – Victory of the people |
| Lowiena – Famous warrior | Kornel – Horn |
| Madelief – Daisy | Lodewijk – Famous warrior |
| Marije – Little Maria | Mattheus – Gift of God |
| Marijn – From the sea | Meindert – Strength, power |
| Marja – Berry | Nicolaas – Victorious army |
| Marjo – Berry | Olric – Elf ruler |
| Meike – Strength, power | Reinhardt – Brave counsel |
| Nanne – Daring, brave | Rembrandt – Strong counsel |
| Palika – Small | Rhett – Advice |
| Paulien – Small | Robbert – Bright fame |
| Rie – Frost | Roosevelt – field of roses |
| Rozamond – Reknown defender | Rudolph – Famous wolf |
| Schuyler – shield, scholar | Sebastiaan – Venerable |
| Teuntje – Priceless, inestimable | Sjef – God will add |
| Toine – Priceless, inestimable | Sverre – Wild, spinning |
| Tonie – Priceless, inestimable | Sylvester – Of the forest |
| Toos – Priceless, inestimable | Theodoric – Ruler of the people |
| Trijn – Pure | Theodoros – Gift of God |
| Truus – Strength | Thijmen – Timothy, honoring God |
| Tulip – Tulip flower | Viggo – War |
| Willeke – Will, desire | Yannick – God is gracious |
| Wilona – Wished-for | Youri – Farmer |
Uncommon Dutch Names
While many of these may be unfamiliar to the everyday Dutch ear, they exude a charm stemming from their unique character. These names stand out, not just for their rarity, but for their historic value.
|
Female Names |
Male Names |
|---|---|
| Anouska – Grace | Adriaen – From Adria |
| Diede – People | Aert – Eagle |
| Dirkje – Ruler of the people | Arnout – Eagle ruler |
| Drika – Ruler of the people | Bauke – Little brother |
| Else – God is my oath | Bertus – Bright, famous |
| Erna – Capable, Serious | Claes – Victory of the people |
| Fieke – Peaceful ruler | Derk – Ruler of the people |
| Floor – Flower | Eelco – Noble |
| Franka – Free one | Ewout – Law or guardian |
| Geertje – Spear strength | Gerwin – Spear friend |
| Gerdina – Spear strength | Giel – Bright mind, spirit |
| Gerlinde – Spear and soft, tender | Gillis – Pledge, hostage |
| Greetje – Pearl | Goos – God’s peace |
| Griet – Pearl | Govert – God’s peace |
| Hanke – God is gracious | Hannes – God is gracious |
| Hanne – God is gracious | Harmen – Army man |
| Heintje – Home ruler | Heinke – Ruler of the household |
| Helma – Will, desire, helmet | Hennie – Home ruler |
| Hendrina – Home ruler | Hessel – Horse, stallion |
| Hermina – Warrior maiden | Huib – Bright in mind and spirit |
| Jantine – God is gracious | Jacco – Supplanter |
| Jantje – God is gracious | Jannes – God is gracious |
| Jeltje – Noble, kind | Janus – Gateway |
| Jennigje – Fair, white, smooth | Jochem – Established by God |
| Katelijn – Pure | Joeri – Farmer |
| Katinka – Pure | Joos – God will add |
| Katrien – Pure | Joran – Farmer |
| Katrijn – Pure | Jorien – Farmer |
| Klasina – Victorious people | Jorrit – Farmer |
| Klazina – Victorious people | Jurjen – George, farmer |
| Liese – God is my oath | Kobus – Supplanter |
| Liesje – God is my oath | Koos – God will add |
| Liselot – God is my oath + beautiful | Lieven – Dear, beloved |
| Liselotte – God is my oath and Free man | Ludger – Famous spear |
| Lutgard – Protection in battle | Marijn – Of the sea |
| Lutgarde – Protection in battle | Mart – Warlike |
| Lysanne – God has favored me | Melis – Honey bee |
| Mariëtte – Bitter, rebellious | Nanne – Grace |
| Marijse – Little Maria | Nelis – Horn |
| Marike – Little Maria | Okkie – Wealthy, fortunate |
| Meintje – Strength, power | Paulus – Small |
| Minke – Strength, power | Peet – Rock |
| Mirte – Myrtle | Pier – Rock |
| Natasja – Born on Christmas | Rien – Reign, rule |
| Neeltje – Horn | Rinus – Brave, strong |
| Neske – Pure | Roelof – Famous wolf |
| Nicolet – Victorious people | Romeyn – From Rome |
| Pietronella – Rock | Rutger – Renowned spearman |
| Pleun – Little | Ruurd – Famous strength |
| Quirine – Spear | Saco – Sword |
| Renske – Laurel | Sjaak – Supplanter |
| Riny – Pure | Teunis – Priceless one |
| Roosje – Little rose | Tijl – People’s victory |
| Sabien – Sabine woman | Tijs – Gift of God |
| Teuna – Inestimable | Tinus – Follower of Christ |
| Thecla – Glory of God | Tjapko – Noble, kind |
| Thera – Harvest | Tjeerd – People’s ruler |
| Thirza – Delightful | Toine – Highly praiseworthy |
| Thyrza – Delightful | Twan – Highly praiseworthy |
| Trijntje – Pure | Wiebe – Battle |
| Trudie – Spear strength | Wilco – Determined guardian |
| Willemijn – Will, desire, helmet | Wisse – Sure, certain |
| Xandra – Defender of mankind | Zeger – Victory |
More Lists:
Names of Famous Dutch Men and Women
Vincent van Gogh was born in the Netherlands in 1853 and painted some of art history’s most iconic works. His paintings were in the Dutch Post-Impressionist style, focused on expressing color and emotions. Vincent is of Latin origin and means ‘victorious.’
Ruud Gullit, born in the Netherlands in 1962, is considered one of the greatest soccer players ever. As a player, he was captain of the Netherlands national team before transitioning into club management. Ruud is a Dutch male name meaning ‘famous wolf.’
Famke Janssen is an actress and Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations. Born in the Netherlands in 1964, she has acted in major movie series and in television, including the X-Men series and the Taken trilogy. Her current work is geared towards activism. Famke is a Dutch name that means ‘little girl.’
Jan Wolkers was an artist and author born in the Netherlands in 1925. He was a prominent part of the Netherland’s post-World War II literature scene. His artworks can be found in museums and as outdoor sculptures. Jan is a form of the Hebrew name John, which means ‘God is gracious.’
Carice van Houten, born in the Netherlands in 1976, is a singer and actress who has dominated screens around the globe. She received numerous accolades for her performances in the movie Black Book and the hit series Game of Thrones. Carice is a Dutch name of Latin origin meaning ‘grace’ and ‘love.’
References
Information from The Sociale Verzekeringsbank, the organisation responsible for implementation of the Dutch national insurance schemes, which collects, analyses, and publishes information on Dutch baby names was used in the collection of this data. Information from Wikipedia on male and female Dutch names was used in the collection of this data.