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Updated January 16, 2025

Dutch is the language spoken in Holland, a country in the Netherlands famous for its wooden shoes, windmills, and tulips. Holland has also produced many great artists like Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Vermeer.

Many people confuse Dutch for German as the two languages share similar sounds. For example, when Germans immigrated to the United States, it was common for immigration officials to misunderstand people pronouncing the word Deutsch (German for German) as Dutch and enter them incorrectly on registrars as from Holland. 

The large Amish community in Pennsylvania is referred to as the Pennsylvania Dutch, even though they are descendants of Germany. 

There were, however, many Dutch immigrants who also came to the Americas early on. Many settled in what is now modern-day New York City which was once called New Amsterdam. 

Dutch names tend to be stoic, traditional, and Biblical in nature, and many have stood the test of time. So, if you are looking for a solid first name for your baby, look no further than our list of Dutch names. Read on to discover the meaning of some traditional Dutch names.

Dutch Name Practices

Dutch naming practices typically follow specific traditions and conventions. For first names, it is common to honor grandparents by naming children after them, continuing familial legacies. Additionally, diminutives are very popular in Dutch names, often used as affectionate variations of formal names, such as Hans from Johannes or Sanne from Susanna.

Surnames also often feature prefixes like "van" (meaning "from") or "de" (meaning "the"), which historically indicate a family's origin or occupation, such as Van den Berg ("from the mountain") or De Vries ("the Frisian").

Dutch Boy Names From the Netherlands 

Dutch boy names are often rich in history and meaning, drawing from the Netherlands’ vibrant culture and traditions. Many of these names reflect strength, nature, or familial roots, making them timeless and meaningful choices for any child.

  1. Aart - Celtic roots but commonly used in Dutch. A form of Arthur which means "eagle."  
  2. Abraham - A Hebrew name. "Father of nations."  
  3. Adriaan - Latin. This name means "someone from Hadria." Alternative spellings are Adrian, Adrien, Adrianus, and Andries.  
  4. Alexander - Greek. "Defender of man." Parents can use Sander as a nickname.  
  5. Anthony - Roman/Greek. "Flower."  
  6. Arnold - Old French/Old German. "Eagle ruler."  
  7. Bart - A Biblical name. Short for Bartholomew, one of Christ’s 12 disciples. An alternate spelling is Bartholomeus.  
  8. Bram - This popular Dutch name has Hebrew origins. It is short for Abraham. This name is most famous for Bram Stoker, the author of the classic gothic novel Dracula.  
  9. Cornelius - Latin. This fancy name has a very simple meaning, "horn"—alternative spelling Cornelis.  
  10. Daan - Scandinavian. "God is my judge."  
  11. Diederik - Dutch. "Ruler of the people."  
  12. Frisian - German. "Edge of a blade or sword."  
  13. Gerard - Old German. "Brave, hardy, strong." An alternative spelling is Gerrit.  
  14. Hannes - Hebrew. "God is gracious."  
  15. Hendrik - Dutch. "Home ruler." Henk is a nickname for this popular name.  
  16. Isaac - Hebrew. "He will laugh."  
  17. Jacob - An Old Testament name that means "supplanter." An alternative spelling is Jacobus.  
  18. Jasper - Persian. "Treasurer."  
  19. Joost - Dutch. Not a popular given name in the U.S.; it means "just."  
  20. Lars - Scandinavian/Swedish. "Crowned with Laurel."  
  21. Ruben - Hebrew. "Behold a son."  
  22. Sebastian - Greek. "Venerable."  
  23. Theodoric - German. A version of Diederik. Dirk is a cute nickname for this traditional Dutch name.  
  24. Thijs - Dutch. This Dutch baby name has Hebrew origins and means "gift of God."  
  25. Willem - Old German. The Dutch form of William. "Resolute protector."

Dutch Girl Names From the Netherlands 

Dutch girl names carry a unique charm, often rooted in rich history and meaningful traditions. Many of these names have origins in Dutch, Germanic, or Hebrew languages, reflecting beautiful values like strength, grace, and divine blessings.

  1. Aleid - Dutch. From a royal family.  
  2. Anneke - This Dutch version of Anna means "grace."  
  3. Arabella - Dutch/Latin. This lovely name means "beautiful lion."  
  4. Beatrix - Dutch/German/French. Delivers "joy."  
  5. Betje - Dutch. This Dutch name means "God is abundant."  
  6. Brandy - Dutch/English. "Burnt wine."  
  7. Cornelia - Latin. The feminine version of Cornelius means "horn."  
  8. Dael - Hebrew/English. "Knowledge of God."  
  9. Famke - Dutch. "Little girl."  
  10. Fenne - Dutch. "Peace."  
  11. Floris - Dutch. "Blossoming and flourishing."  
  12. Fleur - French. This lovely name means "flower."  
  13. Grietje - Dutch/Greek. A version of Margaret. "Pearl."  
  14. Isle - A Dutch version of the Scottish/English name Isla which means "island."  
  15. Jade - Spanish. A name meaning "green gemstone."  
  16. Liese - Hebrew/French. "God is my oath."  
  17. Liv - Norse. Short but sweet this name means "life."  
  18. Marit - Dutch/Swedish. "Pearl."  
  19. Maud - Dutch/English/French. "Powerful warrior."  
  20. Nora - Dutch. "Light."  
  21. Sanne - Dutch. A version of Susanne; means "Lily."  
  22. Sofie - Greek/Czech. "Wise."  
  23. Tess - Dutch/Greek. "Harvester or hunter."  
  24. Verena - Dutch/German. "True, integrity."  
  25. Wilma - Dutch/German. "Desire, powerful."

Unisex Dutch Names

Unisex Dutch names are versatile and increasingly popular, offering timeless options that work for everyone.

  1. Auke - Dutch. "Of noble birth" or "ancestor."  
  2. Bas - Dutch. Short form of Sebastian; means "venerable" or "revered."  
  3. Fem - Dutch. "Peace" or "famous."  
  4. Hendrix - Dutch. Derived from Hendrik; means "ruler of the home."  
  5. Jules - Dutch/French. "Youthful."  
  6. Kim - Dutch/English. A name meaning "fortress" or "meadow."  
  7. Loek - Dutch. A diminutive of Lucas; means "light."  
  8. Milan - Dutch/Slavic. "Gracious" or "dear."  
  9. Noor - Dutch/Arabic. "Light" or "luminous."  
  10. Rik - Dutch. "Powerful ruler."  
  11. Sam - Dutch/Hebrew. Short for Samuel or Samantha; means "God has heard."  
  12. Storm - Dutch. A strong and bold name; means "storm."  
  13. Teun - Dutch. A diminutive of Antonius or Anthonius; means "priceless one."  
  14. Wes - Dutch/English. Short for Wesley; means "western meadow."  
  15. Yari - Dutch. "Peaceful" or "strong."

Most Popular Dutch First Names With Meanings

Curious about the most popular first names in the Netherlands? Read on to discover the answers!

Popular Dutch Names

  • Teun (short for Antonius, meaning "priceless") and Noa (Hebrew origin, meaning "motion") are currently topping lists for boys and girls, thanks to their simplicity and universal appeal.  
  • Emma, Sophie, and Mila are beloved choices for girls, showcasing a mix of classic and modern inspiration.  
  • For boys, Lars, Finn, and Sem are rising stars, earning recognition for their trendy yet timeless charm.

Emerging Favorites  

Parents in the Netherlands are also leaning toward unique, nature-inspired names like Jara (meaning "springtime") and vintage, retro names such as Hendrik. Names like Sanne, a diminutive of Susanna, meaning lily or grace, and Thijs, a short form of Matthijs,"meaning gift of God, are also popular. Additionally, international appeal is influencing choices—names that translate seamlessly across languages are winning favor with modern families.

Famous Dutch First Names (With English Translations)

Discover some of the most popular Dutch first names, highlighting the charm of names from the Netherlands with their English translations!

  • Anne (Anne Frank) – A young diarist famous for her representation of life during the Holocaust, through her posthumous publication, The Diary of a Young Girl.  
  • Johan (Johan Cruyff) – Iconic footballer and coach, influential in shaping modern soccer.  
  • Rembrandt (Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn) – Renowned Dutch painter, one of the most celebrated visual artists in history.  
  • Vincent (Vincent van Gogh) – Legendary post-Impressionist painter, known for works like The Starry Night.  
  • Willem-Alexander – The current King of the Netherlands, who represents the Dutch monarchy.

The Timeless Appeal of Dutch First Names

Dutch first names effortlessly blend tradition, meaning, and modern charm, making them an appealing choice for naming your child. Whether you're drawn to their historical roots, captivated by their rhythmic sounds, or inspired by the cultural significance they carry, Dutch names have a timeless appeal that's hard to ignore.

Are you ready to find the perfect Dutch name for your own little one? Explore our curated lists, or use our name-finder tool to get started. Happy naming!

What Is a Typical Dutch Name?

A typical Dutch name often reflects the country's cultural history, with common surnames like De Vries, Van der Meer, or Jansen, many of which refer to geography or family lineage. Dutch first names often have Germanic or Biblical roots, such as Jan or Anna. 

What Is a Dutch Boy’s Name?

For Dutch boys, popular names include Luca, Daan, , Luuk, Sem, Arjen, Alderik, Abe, Aart, and Noa, blending tradition with modern trends. Many names are short, simple, and easy to pronounce.

What Is a Dutch Girl’s Name?

Dutch girls’ names like Sophie, Emma, Lotte, Hanneke, Grietje, Fleur, and Heleen are frequently chosen. They often balance classic elegance with a contemporary vibe, making them popular both in the Netherlands and internationally.

For more baby name inspiration, check out these popular baby name lists:

Tara Gunn

About Tara

Hailing from Canada, Tara is a graduate of Scotland's University of St. Andrews in creative… Read more

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