Remarkable Dutch Names with very Exceptional Meanings

Were you among those confused with the names Netherland and Holland? Obviously, that is how outstanding this nation is. Even Dutch names stand out among many as being simply classy. Many people, just like with other Dutch identities have adopted Dutch names in recent times. Dutch culture and naming system seem to have permeated all the nations of Europe and beyond.

Remarkable Dutch names with very Exceptional Meanings

In terms of fame, Netherland has achieved a great deal. Agreeably, this is responsible for her prominence and power among other nations. Though not very large in terms of landmass, Holland occupies a pride of place in the comity of nations. So also doe Dutch names take high ranks among other names.

The Dutch people are famous for their wooden clogs and annual tulip festival, their delicious cheese, and chewy stroopwafels, and of course their biking culture and stunning canals. Accordingly, this fame has been extended to Dutch names as they are increasingly growing in popularity, acceptance, and usage.

Talent-wise, the country has also produced some world-famous painters, including Rembrandt, Vincent van Gogh, and Piet Mondrian. We at Wordingvibes hope to furnish you with some fantastic Dutch names that are very lovely and nice. In the following sections, you will find incredibly wonderful Dutch names.

Dutch Names for Boys

Dutch Names for Boys

Here, we have listed out some really amazing Dutch names that are mostly borne by boys. Their masculine nature and origin make them a perfect fit for males.

1. Aart: Aart is one of the most artistic Dutch baby names. It is a short form of Arnold. Meaning ‘strong and powerful’ both Aart and Arnold are common in English and German speaking worlds.

2. Abel: Abel, the Hebrew name of Adam and Eve’s younger son, is one of the most familiar names in the Netherlands. The name has several positive connotations: capable, willing, competent and ready. It’s one of those Biblical names that are not plagued with excess use.

3. Abraham: This name may be viewed either as meaning “father of many” in Hebrew or else as a contraction of ABRAM (1) and הָמוֹן (Hamon) meaning “many, multitude”. AD m Dutch, Limburgish

4. Adam: This is the Hebrew word for “man”. It could be ultimately derived from Hebrew אדם (‘adam) meaning “to be red”, referring to the ruddy color of human skin, or from Akkadian Adamu meaning “to make”.

5. Adolf: From the Germanic name Adalwolf, which meant “noble wolf” from the Germanic elements adal “noble” and wulf. It was borne by several Swedish kings as a first or second name, most notably by Gustav II Adolf in the 17th century.

6. Adrianus: Adrianus is the Dutch variant of the name Adrian. It comes from the Latin name Hadrianus, which means ‘from Hadria’. This name was quite famous in early Christianity. Six Popes were named Adrian, including the renowned Adrian, the 6th.

7. Albert: From the Germanic name Adalbert meaning “noble and bright”, composed of the elements adal “noble” and beraht “bright”. This name was common among medieval German royalty. The Normans introduced it to England, where it replaced the Old English cognate Æðelberht. Though it became rare in England by the 17th century, it was repopularized in the 19th century by the German-born Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria.

8. Aldert: Aldert is the Dutch form of the name Adelhard, which is the German form of English name Abelard. The meaning of Aldert is ‘noble or resolute’.

9. Alfred: Means “elf counsel”, derived from the Old English name Ælfræd, composed of the elements ælf “elf” and ræd “counsel”.

10. Ambroos: Ambroos is the Dutch variation of the popular name Ambrose. The original moniker comes from the word ‘ambrosios’, which means ‘immortal’. Ambroos would make a fantastic name for any boy.

11. Andries: Andries is the Dutch version of Andrew, which in turn is the English form of the Greek name Andreas. The meaning of Andries is ‘man’.

12. Arnold: From a Germanic name meaning “eagle power”, derived from the elements arn “eagle” and wald “power”. The Normans brought it to England, where it replaced the Old English cognate Earnweald.

13. Arnoud: Arnoud is the Dutch variant of the name Arnold. This name is popular not just among the Dutch, but also with English and German speaking communities.

14. Arthur: The meaning of this name is unknown. It could be derived from the Celtic elements artos “bear” combined with viros “man” or rigos “king”. Alternatively it could be related to an obscure Roman family name Artorius.

15. Augustus: means “exalted, venerable”, derived from Latin augere meaning “to increase”. Augustus was the title given to Octavian, the first Roman emperor.

16. Aya: Simple names have a distinct appeal, just like Aya. The meaning of this cute name is ‘bird’.

17. Bartel: The Dutch are experts where it comes to creating diminutives. Bartel is the short form of the Biblical name Bartholomew, which is derived from an Aramaic word and means ‘having many furrows’.

18. Bas: Bas is the diminutive of Sebastian or Bastiaan. This name is fashionable in its own right in the Netherlands. In fact, it’s one of the top 10 names there. We think it would work best as a straightforward, yet charming nickname. Baz is another spelling variation of this name.

19. Benjamin: From the Hebrew name בִּנְיָמִין (Binyamin) meaning “son of the south” or “son of the right hand”, from the roots בֵּן (ben) meaning “son” and יָמִין (yamin) meaning “right hand, south”. Benjamin in the Old Testament was the twelfth and youngest son of Jacob and the founder of one of the southern tribes of the Hebrews.

Beautiful Flowers in Holland

20. Berend: Berend is a variation of the cool male name Bernard and means ‘brave’. It brings to mind a boy who would grow up to be fearless and daring.

21. Bernard: Derived from the Germanic element bern “bear” combined with hard “brave, hardy”. The Normans brought it to England, where it replaced the Old English cognate Beornheard.

22. Boudewijin: Boudewijin is the Dutch variation of the name Baldwin. This old name and comes from the Old English name Bealdwine. Boudewijin means ‘brave’.

23. Bram: Bram is the Dutch variation of Abraham and means ‘father of multitudes’. We believe that Bram has a certain charm and character for a one-syllable name. It may have started as a diminutive of Abraham, but is now an independent Dutch baby boy name.

24. Cas: Like most of the one-syllable Dutch names, Cas is super powerful. Even though Cas is the short form of Casper, you can use this name on its own too. The meaning of Cas is ‘imperial’.

25. Christoffel: Christoffel is the Dutch for Christopher. It is an Old Greek name and means ‘bearing Christ’ or ‘follow the leader’.

26. Coen: Coen is the shorter version of the name Coenrad, the Dutch for Conrad. The meaning of Coen is ‘bold advisor’. Some people spell it Koen. Do not confuse it with Cohen.

27. Cornelius: Roman family name that possibly derives from the Latin element cornu meaning “horn”.

28. Danique: There couldn’t be a perfect alternative to Danielle than Danique. It means ‘morning star’. The name has lost a bit of its luster, probably because of the hard consonants in it.

29. Diederik: Diederik is the Dutch for Theodoric. The name is perfect for a confident boy who would feel comfortable in his own skin. The meaning of Diederik is ‘ruler of people’.

30. Dirk: It’s high time people stop associating this name with Dirk Diggler from the “Boogie Nights”. Many of you may not be aware, but Dirk has several royal connections. The name was given to several Counts of Netherlands. The meaning of Dirk is ‘ruler of the people’.

31. Elmo: Here’s another popular Dutch name for you. It is inspired by the common name of Saint Erasmus, the patron saint of the sailors. It’s believed that Saint Elmo’s fire is the glow that accompanies the discharge of electricity from objects during the thunderstorms.

32. Espen: Espen is one of the coolest Dutch names. The meaning is ‘Bear of God’.

33. Fabian: The Latin name Fabian, meaning ‘bean grower’, is very famous in the Netherlands. It has a strong literary connection. Fabian was the name of Olivia’s servant in the Twelfth Night. it also made an appearance in Harry Potter.

34. Floris: Floris is the Dutch male version of Florence. It would sound great on a little boy with huge plans as Floris means ‘prosperous’.

35. Gerrit: Gerrit, a variation of Gerhard, is borne by several Old Master Painters. A slightly hard name, but definitely usable.

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36. Hiddie: Hiddie is one of our favorite Frisian names. It means ‘battle’.

37. Isaak: Isaak is the Dutch variation of the popular Isaac. The Isaak with the ‘k’ is catching on well with the parents. In the Old Testament, Isaac is the beloved son of Abraham and Sarah, for whom they waited 100 years.

38. Jacobus: Jacobus is the Dutch variation of the evergreen name Jacob. The meaning of Jacobus is ‘protector’.

39. Jelle: Jelle is the shorter, Dutch variation of the name William. We think Jelle would work better as a nickname than a first name. The Dutch meaning of Jelle is ‘sacrifice’.

40. Joost: Joost is a unique and original Dutch baby boy name. It is pronounced ‘Yoost’. We think it’s absolutely adorable for a young boy.

The Netherlands

41. Kees: Kees is the Dutch version of Cornelius and means ‘calm’. This moniker has a certain charm to it as it has a creative connection with the Dutch artist Kees van Dongen.

42. Lars: Lars is the Dutch male version of the female name Lara. The meaning of Lars is ‘crowned with laurel’.

43. Leon: Derived from Greek λέων (leon) meaning “lion”. During the Christian era this Greek name was merged with the Latin cognate Leo, with the result that the two forms are used somewhat interchangeably across European languages.

44. Leonard: Means “brave lion”, derived from the Germanic elements lewo “lion” (of Latin origin) and hard “brave, hardy”. This was the name of a 5th-century Frankish saint from Noblac who is the patron of prisoners and horses. The Normans brought this name to England, where it was used steadily through the Middle Ages, becoming even more common in the 20th century.

45. Leopold: Derived from the Germanic elements leud “people” and bald “bold”. The spelling was altered due to association with Latin leo “lion”. This name was common among German royalty, first with the Babenbergs and then the Habsburgs.

46. Levi: Possibly means “joined, attached” in Hebrew.

47. Markus: Markus is the Dutch variation for Mars, the name of the Roman god of fertility. Marquee would make a fun nickname for Markus.

48. Meese: This diminutive of Bartholomeus reflects the clipped and short style that is in vogue in the Netherlands. Bartholomeus is one of the apostle names that have been out of favor for a long time.

49. Pim: Pim is a mighty baby name and means ‘resolute protection’. It is one of the top 100 baby names in the Netherlands, but not so well known outside the country. Pim would sound great with any surname. You do not even need to shorten it for a nickname.

50. Ruben: This spelling variation of Rueben is more popular than the original. It means ‘behold, a son’.

51. Sander: Sander is the Dutch diminutive of the name Alexander. It’s also a spelling variation of ‘Zander’ and ‘Xander’. The meaning of Sander is ‘defender of mankind’.

52. Sem: A variation of Shem, Sem is much more attractive and usable than its original form. Shem was the name of one of the sons of Noah. It means ‘name’.

53. Stijn: As you can surmise from its origin, Stijn is the Dutch short form for Constantin and Augustin. This name is quite popular in the Netherlands, but is obscure elsewhere, probably because of spelling and pronunciation issues.

54. Sven: Sven is an attractive Dutch name with a mix of swag and strength. The name comes from the ancient Swedish tribe, the Saviars, who gave the name to Svealand, which later turned into Sweden.

55. Thijs: Thijs is the Dutch short form of Matthew, even though it sounds nothing like it. Matt Lauer’s son is named Thijs.

56. Timo: This name is popular in its own right in Amsterdam. This name will make an intriguing short form of the classic name Timothy. The meaning of Timo is ‘honoring God’.

57. Van: Van is one of the most famous Dutch baby names for boys. Van is equivalent of ‘de’ in the French names. It was also used as a surname prefix by the early American immigrants.

Dutch Names for Girls

Dutch Names for Girls

Ladies (girls) love to be identified with elegance. As such, here are some pleasant Dutch names for girls.

1. Adrie: Adrie is a beautiful and short name meaning ‘from the Adriatic’.

2. Aleid: Aleid is the Dutch short form of Adelaide. It originates from a Germanic language and means ‘graceful and noble’. This name was used for saints and royalty throughout the history. If you have a daughter named Adelaide, use Aleid as a nickname.

3. Aleta: This one’s truly unique and exotic. Aleta is the Dutch form of Adelheid.

4. Alma:  The name was in rare use before the battle; it was probably inspired by Latin almus “nourishing”. It also coincides with the Spanish word meaning “the soul”.

5. Amalia: Amalia is a cross-cultural name heard throughout Europe. The current heir to the throne of the Netherlands is Princess Catharina Amalia. This name means ‘work’.

6. Amalia: Latinized form of the Germanic name Amala, a short form of names beginning with the element amal meaning “work”.

7. Amanda: In part this is a feminine form of AMANDUS. However, it was not used during the Middle Ages. In the 17th century it was recreated by authors and poets who based it directly on Latin amanda meaning “lovable, worthy of love”.

8. Amber: From the English word amber that denotes either the gemstone, which is formed from fossil resin, or the orange-yellow colour. The word ultimately derives from Arabic عنبر (‘anbar.

9. Anneke: Anneke is the Dutch version of the classic name Anna. This ultra-feminine name would suit your elegant and graceful little girl as its meaning is ‘grace’.

10. Anneliese: Anneliese is the Dutch combination of Anna and Liese. It is an old-fashioned name, but has a modern appeal to it. It is at 510th spot right now on the baby name list.

11. Anouk: Here’s another Dutch variant of Anna. It would suit an adventurous and sweet girl.

12. Arabella: If you love the name Isabella, but do not want your daughter to share it with six other kids in her school, then you can try Arabella. The name may sound new, but it is fairly common in the Netherlands and the UK. It appeared in several literary works such as Jude, the Obscure by Thomas Hardy and Tom Jones by Henry Fielding.

13. Beatrix: Beatrix is not a Dutch name, but is used widely in the Netherlands. It means ‘she who brings happiness’. This name is associated with Beatrix Potter, creator of Peter Rabbit.

14. Bente: Can you guess this one? We’re sure most of you would falter. Bente is the feminine form of Benedict in the Dutch language. It conjures up the image of a fearless little girl who would dare to make the world a better place. The meaning of Bente is ‘brave’.

15. Brandy: This Dutch originated name once belonged to the sorority circle of 1970s and 1980s. It’s now on the wagon, with thousands of parents opting for it every year.

16. Brechtje: Brechtje is the feminine version of Brecht. Any baby with this name would bring joy to people around her.

17. Cecilia:  Latinate feminine form of the Roman family name Caecilius, which was derived from Latin caecus meaning “blind”.

18. Chantal: From a French surname that was derived from a place name meaning “stony”.

19. Charlotte: French feminine diminutive of CHARLES. It was introduced to Britain in the 17th century. It was the name of a German-born 18th-century queen consort of Great Britain and Ireland.

20. Cornelia: Cornelia is the feminine version of the name Cornelius. The name is Latin, but is widely popular in the Netherlands. Do you know how this name became popular? In ancient Rome, Cornelia was the paragon of a woman’s nature, making it a great name with excellent pedigree.

21. Dael: Don’t you think Dael, the variation of the name Dale, sounds cooler than the latter? We believe that it’s the vowel switching that is giving this name a hippy look.

22. Daffodil: Apart from Tulip, Daffodil is also one of the most used floral names in the Netherlands. It would make a strong, springtime statement. For the nickname, you can use Daffy.

23. Doortje: Doortje is the Dutch name for Dorothea. This romantic name has been off the charts for a while now. So, it will make a unique pick for your daughter. Doortje means ‘gift of God’.

24. Doutzen: The famous Dutch supermodel, Doutzen Kroes introduced this name to the Netherlands. The name is as glamorous and chic as its bearer. (Xanax online) Doutzen gets our thumbs-up.

25. Eline: Eline is the Dutch variation of Eliane. This rhythmic and lilting name is one of the fastest rising El – starting names.

26. Elsje: Elsje is the Dutch variation of Elsa and means ‘pledged to God’. This name was lost in the limbo for decades, now revived after the release of the movie ‘Frozen’.

27. Evi: This is the sweetest Dutch baby girl name. Evi is a short and would make easy for the kids to learn the spelling. If you want a unique name for your daughter, Evi would be perfect.

28. Famke: The name Famke entered the mainstream via the Dutch-born actress Famke Janssen. It means a little girl. The name is familiar in the neighboring parts of the Netherlands as well.

29. Fay: Also spelled as Fay, Faye sounds like the cousin of May and Ray. In the year 2014, Faye jumped to the top 1000 baby name list. But people now use it more as a middle name than the first name. Morgan le Fay, the original bearer of this name was a mighty sorcerer in the Arthurian legends.

30. Fleur: Fleur is a generic flower name that entered into the English-speaking world when John Galsworthy bestowed it on one of his characters. The name also featured in Harry Potter. Currently, Fleur is the 12th most popular name in the Netherlands.

31. Grietje: Grietje is the Dutch form of Greta, which is a diminutive of Margaret. It means ‘pearl’. Grietje sounds incredibly exotic

32. Gwen: Gwen may have originated as a short form for Gwendolyn, but now stands all on its own. Gwen Stefani gave this name a boost in not just in the US, but also in Europe. The meaning of Gwen is ‘white circle’.

33. Hannie: Hannie, the diminutive Dutch version of Johanna, refers to the Dutch taste for the nicknames taken from the middle and the end of the name. They have tweaked the end slightly here, but it’s still quintessentially Dutch. The meaning of Hannie is ‘compassionate’.

34. Haven: Haven is a Dutch name, meaning ‘port.’ This contemporary did not show up on the baby name list until super mother Jessica Alba gave it to her daughter. Haven is an excellent virtue name, without having a strong connotation of a moniker like Heaven.

Dutch Names

35. Jade: Jade is a Spanish term for the precious green stone, but it’s on the rise as a baby name in the Netherlands. The gem is said to transmit clarity, wisdom, justice and modesty, virtues that parents want in their children.

36. Jennifer: From a Cornish form of the Welsh name Gwenhwyfar. It barely ranked in the United until the late 1930s, when it began steadily growing in popularity, accelerating into the early 1970s. It was the most popular name for girls in America between 1970 and 1984, though it was not as common in the United Kingdom.

37. Jessica: This name was first used in this form by Shakespeare in his play The Merchant of Venice (1596), where it belongs to the daughter of Shylock. Shakespeare probably based it on the biblical name ISCAH, which would have been spelled Jescha in his time. It was not commonly used as a given name until the middle of the 20th century.

38. Judith: From the Hebrew name יְהוּדִית (Yehudit) meaning “Jewish woman”, feminine of יְהוּדִי (yehudi), ultimately referring to a person from the tribe of Judah. In the Old Testament Judith is one of the Hittite wives of Esau.

39. Lara: Even though Lara is the Russian diminutive of Larissa, it is very popular with the Dutch parents. The name was popularized by the sultry video game character, Lara Croft. The meaning of Lara is ‘citadel’. Ilse: Ilse is the Dutch variation of the English name Ilsa. The name is on the rise in the Netherlands, along with its cousin, Elsa, all thanks to the animated film Frozen. The meaning of Ilse is ‘pledged to God’.

40. Laura: Feminine form of the Late Latin name Laurus, which meant “laurel”. This meaning was favourable, since in ancient Rome the leaves of laurel trees were used to create victors’ garlands

41. Lieke: Lieke is the Dutch short form of Angelica. The meaning of Lieke is ‘angelic’.

42. Linda: Originally a medieval short form of Germanic names containing the element lind meaning “flexible, soft, mild”. It also coincides with the Spanish and Portuguese word linda meaning “beautiful”. In the English-speaking world this name experienced a spike in popularity beginning in the 1930s, peaking in the late 1940s, and declining shortly after that. It was the most popular name for girls in the United States from 1947 to 1952.

43. Liv: Liv Tyler, the famous Hollywood actress infused life into this short, yet old Dutch baby girl name. Julian Moore selected this name for her daughter. Liv is constantly on a rise as it gained 340 spots since the year 2012. The meaning of Liv is ‘life’.

44. Luna: This robust and shimmery name has been growing in popularity after being influenced by the Harry Potter character, Luna Lovegood. This name jumped 119 places in just two years. Luna, the name of the Roman goddess, is increasing in popularity in Europe. It’s already on the top 100 list in the Netherlands.

45. Malou: Mary Lou is a combination of Mary and Lou and means ‘bitter’. This charming and popular Dutch name has not yet traveled to the US. So American parents should definitely use this name before it becomes common. Lou is the best nickname for Malou.

46. Marit: Marit is a straightforward and unusual baby name, with an attractive Scandinavian accent. The regal name Marit was vital in the Norwegian culture. The name means ‘pearl’, but sounds even prettier.

47. Maud: Maud is the Dutch variation of Matilda. This lacy and mauve-tinted name was widely popular with the Dutch people over a hundred years ago, but it is not much heard now. Some parents still use it as a middle name. Maude is another spelling variation of Maud.

48. Noa: Noa is one of the most familiar Biblical Dutch baby names. This name is used not just in the Netherlands, but all over Europe. It’s also one of the top 100 baby names in Spain, and has now entered the US top 1000 as well. The meaning of Noa is ‘motion’.

49. Sanne: Sanne, the Dutch diminutive of Susanne is a hugely popular baby girl name in the Netherlands. But it’s almost unknown in the Asian and American countries, making it an excellent prospect for parents who are looking for an unusual name.

50. Skylar: Skylar is traditionally a baby boy name, but it is used more as a female name in the Netherlands. It’s an alternative spelling for the classic name ‘Schuler’.

51. Tess: Tess is a Dutch short form of Theresa. With a strong, Thomas Hardy backing, Tess has a lot of strength, substance and style than most of the one-syllable Dutch baby names. Another namesake is Tess Gerritsen, who was born Terry, but changed her name when she began writing novels.

52. Tulip: You must have heard of the beautiful Tulip Garden in Amsterdam. It is also one of the most unusual floral names.

53. Yara: Yara is an exotic baby name, meaning ‘small butterfly’. It’s the name of a beautiful green-hued Brazilian goddess. We think it sounds much cooler and more unique than Sara or Mara.

By now, you must have only been acquainted with the popular “Van” this “Van” that. This is simply a preposition and description meaning “from” or “of”. However, there are some really cute Dutch names out there just like the ones we have put down for you. What’s your opinion about them?

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