Choosing a baby name is more than a trend in the Netherlands—it is a connection to history, culture, and family heritage. Old Dutch boy names have deep roots in the Netherlands, influenced by Germanic traditions, Biblical origins, and naming customs that were common in the 1800s. During this period, Dutch parents often selected strong, meaningful names that reflected faith, occupation, or family lineage.
Today, traditional Dutch names are gaining popularity again among parents, researchers, and genealogy enthusiasts who are searching for unique baby names, authentic historical identities, or ancestral connections. Whether you are exploring old Dutch names for boys for your newborn, tracing your family tree, or simply curious about vintage Netherlands male names, this guide covers meaningful, rare, and timeless options that have shaped Dutch naming culture for generations.
Unique Old Dutch Names for Boys
Many old Dutch boy names that were once popular in the Netherlands have slowly disappeared over time. These rare and vintage Dutch names were commonly used in the 1700s and 1800s, but today they are rarely heard. Influenced by old Germanic roots, medieval Dutch culture, and family-based naming traditions, these names carry strong meanings and historical depth.
If you are looking for unique old Dutch names for boys that stand out from modern choices, this list highlights forgotten yet meaningful names that reflect authentic Dutch heritage and timeless character.
| No. | Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aelbert | Noble and bright | Old Germanic |
| 2 | Berend | Brave as a bear | Dutch |
| 3 | Claes | Victory of the people | Dutch |
| 4 | Diederik | Ruler of the people | Germanic |
| 5 | Egbert | Bright sword | Old Dutch |
| 6 | Folkert | Strong people | Germanic |
| 7 | Geert | Brave spear | Dutch |
| 8 | Harmen | Army man | Old Dutch |
| 9 | IJsbrand | Sword of ice | Old Dutch |
| 10 | Jarig | Youthful, fresh | Dutch |
| 11 | Karel | Free man | Old Dutch |
| 12 | Lammert | Famous land | Germanic |
| 13 | Merten | Dedicated to Mars | Dutch |
| 14 | Nanning | Bold, daring | Frisian |
| 15 | Oebele | Noble heritage | Frisian |
| 16 | Pieternella | Stone strength | Dutch |
| 17 | Quirin | Spear warrior | Latin-Dutch |
| 18 | Reinder | Wise army | Dutch |
| 19 | Sibrand | Victorious sword | Old Dutch |
| 20 | Tjerk | Ruler of the people | Frisian |
| 21 | Ulbe | Heritage wolf | Frisian |
| 22 | Volker | Guardian of people | Germanic |
| 23 | Wicher | Battle strong | Old Dutch |
| 24 | Xanderik | Defender ruler | Dutch |
| 25 | Ype | Yew tree strength | Frisian |
| 26 | Zeger | Victorious spear | Old Dutch |
| 27 | Adriaen | From the sea | Dutch |
| 28 | Bastiaan | Revered man | Dutch |
| 29 | Coenraad | Bold advisor | Germanic |
| 30 | Dirck | People’s ruler | Old Dutch |
| 31 | Eelco | Noble shield | Frisian |
| 32 | Fokko | People’s guardian | Frisian |
| 33 | Gijsbert | Bright pledge | Old Dutch |
| 34 | Hubrecht | Bright mind | Germanic |
| 35 | Izaak | Laughter, joy | Biblical Dutch |
| 36 | Jelmer | Famous spear | Frisian |
| 37 | Klaerd | Clear and bright | Dutch |
| 38 | Lieuwe | Beloved one | Frisian |
| 39 | Meindert | Strong protector | Old Dutch |
| 40 | Niekus | Victory bearer | Dutch |
| 41 | Onno | Ancestor name | Frisian |
| 42 | Popke | People’s child | Frisian |
| 43 | Ruurd | Famous guardian | Old Dutch |
| 44 | Sjoerd | Guardian warrior | Frisian |
| 45 | Tiemen | Honoring God | Dutch |
| 46 | Udo | Prosperous | Germanic |
| 47 | Wiebe | Warrior | Frisian |
| 48 | Xaverius | New house | Latin-Dutch |
| 49 | Yde | Wealthy | Old Dutch |
| 50 | Zwan | Swan, grace | Dutch |
What Are Old Dutch Names for Boys?
Old Dutch names for boys refer to traditional male names that were commonly used in the Netherlands before 1900, especially during the 1700s and 1800s. These names were often passed down through generations and reflected family heritage, religious beliefs, and social traditions rather than modern naming trends.
Most old Dutch male names have their roots in Germanic languages, emphasizing strength, leadership, and protection. Others came from Biblical sources, introduced through Christianity, or from Latin origins, especially among educated and religious families. Because of this, many traditional Dutch boy names carry deep meanings related to faith, courage, wisdom, or ancestry.
Before the 20th century, Dutch parents commonly reused the same names within families—naming sons after fathers, grandfathers, or saints making these names extremely popular across towns and villages in the Netherlands.
Old Dutch Names for Boys:
| No. | Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aart | Eagle strength | Old Dutch |
| 2 | Bastiaan | Honored man | Dutch |
| 3 | Coert | Bold counselor | Germanic |
| 4 | Douwe | Dark warrior | Frisian |
| 5 | Evert | Strong as a boar | Dutch |
| 6 | Floris | Flowering, prosperous | Latin-Dutch |
| 7 | Govert | God’s peace | Old Dutch |
| 8 | Hayo | Enclosure, protector | Frisian |
| 9 | IJsbrand | Sword of fire | Old Dutch |
| 10 | Joost | Fair and just | Latin-Dutch |
| 11 | Klaas | Victory of the people | Dutch |
| 12 | Lodewijk | Famous warrior | Germanic |
| 13 | Maarten | Dedicated to Mars | Dutch |
| 14 | Nout | Brave strength | Dutch |
| 15 | Otto | Wealth and fortune | Germanic |
| 16 | Paulus | Humble, small | Biblical Dutch |
| 17 | Reinout | Wise ruler | Germanic |
| 18 | Sybrand | Victorious sword | Old Dutch |
| 19 | Teunis | Praiseworthy | Dutch |
| 20 | Uilke | Heritage guardian | Frisian |
| 21 | Velerius | Strong and healthy | Latin-Dutch |
| 22 | Wessel | Western dweller | Old Dutch |
| 23 | Xanten | From sacred land | Dutch |
| 24 | Yme | Famous protector | Frisian |
| 25 | Zegerus | Victorious guardian | Old Dutch |
| 26 | Anselm | God’s helmet | Germanic |
| 27 | Boudewijn | Brave friend | Old Dutch |
| 28 | Crispijn | Curly-haired | Latin-Dutch |
| 29 | Daanrik | God is my judge | Dutch |
| 30 | Everard | Brave boar | Old Dutch |
| 31 | Frerik | Peaceful ruler | Frisian |
| 32 | Gerlof | Spear wolf | Old Dutch |
| 33 | Hubrecht | Bright spirit | Germanic |
| 34 | Ivo | Yew tree warrior | Old Dutch |
| 35 | Jelko | Famous shield | Frisian |
| 36 | Koert | Wise advisor | Dutch |
| 37 | Lambert | Bright land | Germanic |
| 38 | Menno | Strong-willed | Frisian |
| 39 | Nardus | Strong defender | Dutch |
| 40 | Onno | Ancestral ruler | Frisian |
| 41 | Pippin | Lover of horses | Old Dutch |
| 42 | Quintus | Fifth-born child | Latin-Dutch |
| 43 | Roeland | Famous land | Old Dutch |
| 44 | Sebastiaan | Revered one | Dutch |
| 45 | Thijsbert | Bright mind | Old Dutch |
| 46 | Udo | Prosperous | Germanic |
| 47 | Wybren | Battle friend | Frisian |
| 48 | Xem | Protector | Old Dutch |
| 49 | Yoran | Farmer, earth worker | Dutch |
| 50 | Zeno | Gift of God | Latin-Dutch |
Cute Old Dutch Names for Baby Boys
Short Dutch boy names have always been popular in the Netherlands, especially because they are easy to pronounce, warm in sound, and timeless in style. Many of these traditional Dutch names were commonly used before the 1900s and remain charming choices today. Their simplicity makes them perfect for parents looking for cute yet meaningful old Dutch names.
| No. | Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bram | Father of nations | Dutch |
| 2 | Tijn | Honoring God | Dutch |
| 3 | Koen | Brave, bold | Dutch |
| 4 | Luuk | Light giver | Dutch |
| 5 | Joep | God will add | Dutch |
| 6 | Guus | Great, respected | Dutch |
| 7 | Teun | Praiseworthy | Dutch |
| 8 | Mees | Gift of God | Dutch |
| 9 | Pepijn | Lover of horses | Old Dutch |
| 10 | Finn | Fair, white | Dutch |
| 11 | Daan | God is my judge | Dutch |
| 12 | Sam | Heard by God | Biblical Dutch |
| 13 | Sjoerd | Guardian warrior | Frisian |
| 14 | Niek | Victory of the people | Dutch |
| 15 | Jens | God is gracious | Dutch |
| 16 | Wout | Brave ruler | Dutch |
| 17 | Boaz | Strength | Biblical Dutch |
| 18 | Henk | Ruler of home | Dutch |
| 19 | Kees | Horn, strength | Dutch |
| 20 | Rens | Counsel, advice | Dutch |
Popular Old Dutch Male Names from the 1800s
During the 1800s, certain male names in the Netherlands were extremely common, reflecting family traditions, Biblical influence, and Germanic roots. Many of these names were passed down from fathers and grandfathers, making them highly popular across towns and villages.
These names often symbolized strength, leadership, and faith, and many are still recognized today as classic Dutch names. Parents in the 1800s favored names that carried deep meanings, often choosing names of saints, heroes, or ancestors.
| No. | Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jan | God is gracious | Biblical |
| 2 | Willem | Strong protector | Germanic |
| 3 | Hendrik | Ruler of the home | Old Dutch |
| 4 | Pieter | Rock, stone | Biblical Dutch |
| 5 | Cornelis | Horn, strength | Latin-Dutch |
| 6 | Dirk | Ruler of the people | Old Dutch |
| 7 | Gerrit | Brave warrior | Old Dutch |
| 8 | Jacob | Supplanter | Biblical Dutch |
| 9 | Nicolaas | Victory of the people | Greek-Dutch |
| 10 | Frans | Free man | Latin-Dutch |
| 11 | Johannes | God is gracious | Biblical Dutch |
| 12 | Adrianus | From Adria | Latin-Dutch |
| 13 | Antonius | Priceless, inestimable | Latin |
| 14 | Cornelius | Horn | Latin-Dutch |
| 15 | Matthijs | Gift of God | Biblical Dutch |
| 16 | Theodorus | Gift of God | Greek-Dutch |
| 17 | Leonard | Brave lion | Germanic |
| 18 | Jacobus | Supplanter | Biblical Dutch |
| 19 | Arend | Eagle | Old Dutch |
| 20 | Willemijn | Protector | Dutch |
| 21 | Abraham | Father of many | Biblical Dutch |
| 22 | Elias | Yahweh is God | Biblical Dutch |
| 23 | Pieterjan | Rock + God is gracious | Dutch |
| 24 | Christiaan | Follower of Christ | Biblical Dutch |
| 25 | Paulus | Small, humble | Biblical Dutch |
| 26 | Marinus | Of the sea | Latin-Dutch |
| 27 | Antoni | Priceless | Latin-Dutch |
| 28 | Corneliszoon | Son of Cornelis | Dutch Patronymic |
| 29 | Joost | Fair and just | Latin-Dutch |
| 30 | Lambert | Bright land | Germanic |
| 31 | Bastiaan | Revered man | Dutch |
| 32 | Roelof | Famous wolf | Old Dutch |
| 33 | Arie | Lion | Dutch |
| 34 | Adriaan | From Adria | Latin-Dutch |
| 35 | Henderik | Ruler of the home | Old Dutch |
| 36 | Klaas | Victory of the people | Dutch |
| 37 | Evert | Strong as a boar | Dutch |
| 38 | Gerrits | Son of Gerrit | Dutch Patronymic |
| 39 | Willemse | Son of Willem | Dutch Patronymic |
| 40 | Teunis | Praiseworthy | Dutch |
| 41 | Lodewijk | Famous warrior | Germanic |
| 42 | Marten | Dedicated to Mars | Dutch |
| 43 | Harmen | Army man | Old Dutch |
| 44 | Tijmen | Honoring God | Dutch |
| 45 | Gijsbert | Bright pledge | Old Dutch |
| 46 | Jacobsen | Son of Jacob | Dutch Patronymic |
| 47 | Reinier | Wise army | Germanic |
| 48 | Thijs | Gift of God | Dutch |
| 49 | Floris | Flowering, prosperous | Latin-Dutch |
| 50 | Meindert | Strong protector | Old Dutch |
| 51 | Wouter | Guardian of the army | Old Dutch |
| 52 | Rijk | Rich, powerful | Dutch |
How to Choose a Traditional Dutch Name for Your Baby Boy
Choosing a traditional Dutch name for your baby boy involves more than picking a name that sounds nice. Many parents in the Netherlands consider heritage, pronunciation, meaning, and modern usability to ensure the name is both meaningful and practical.
1. Heritage
Traditional Dutch names often reflect family lineage, historical significance, or regional origins. You can honor your ancestors by choosing names that have been passed down through generations or names that connect to your Dutch heritage. This adds a sense of identity and cultural connection for your child.
2. Pronunciation
Some old Dutch names may be difficult to pronounce internationally due to unique Dutch letters or sounds. Consider choosing a name that is easy to say both in Dutch and other languages, especially if your family travels or lives abroad.
3. Meaning
Many traditional Dutch names carry strong meanings—from virtues like courage and wisdom to religious or Biblical significance. Understanding the meaning behind a name can make it even more special and personal for your child.
4. Modern Usability
While a name may be traditional or historical, it’s important to think about how it will feel in modern life. Names that are too complicated or old-fashioned may be difficult for teachers, friends, or colleagues. Aim for a name that balances heritage with practicality, making it timeless yet usable today.
Conclusion:
Old Dutch male names offer a unique window into the rich history, culture, and traditions of the Netherlands. From their Germanic, Biblical, and Latin origins to their use in the 1800s and earlier, these names carry deep meanings connected to heritage, faith, courage, and family lineage.
Exploring these names not only helps parents choose a meaningful and timeless name for their baby boy but also allows anyone interested in genealogy or Dutch culture to connect with history in a personal way.
If you are looking for more inspiration, be sure to check our other baby name blogs, where you can discover rare Dutch names, cute traditional names, and unique vintage names that stand out in modern times.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What are old Dutch names for boys?
Answer: Old Dutch names for boys are traditional male names that were commonly used in the Netherlands before 1900, particularly during the 1700s and 1800s. These names often have Germanic, Biblical, or Latin origins and reflect family heritage, faith, and historical traditions. Examples include Jan, Willem, Hendrik, Pieter, and Cornelis.
2. What are old Dutch names for girls?
Answer: Old Dutch female names were also influenced by heritage, religion, and family traditions. They often carry meanings related to virtues, nature, or saints. Examples of traditional Dutch girl names include Anna, Cornelia, Geertruida, Johanna, and Wilhelmina. Many of these names are still used today in the Netherlands, either in full or as shortened forms.
3. What was a popular boy’s name in the 1800s?
Answer: In the 1800s, common Dutch boy names included Jan, Willem, Hendrik, Pieter, and Cornelis. These names were widely reused within families, often honoring fathers, grandfathers, or saints. They reflect the culture and social traditions of the Netherlands during that era.
4. What are stereotypical Dutch names?
Answer: Stereotypical Dutch names are those widely recognized as traditionally Dutch and often reflect the Germanic or Biblical origins of the Netherlands. Examples for boys include Jan, Piet, Klaas, and Henk, while common girl names include Anna, Maria, and Johanna. These names are frequently associated with Dutch culture in history and popular media.
5. What is a very old-fashioned boy name?
Answer: Very old-fashioned Dutch boy names are those that were common in past centuries but are rarely used today. Examples include Cornelis, Gerrit, Theodorus, and Adriaan. These names carry a sense of history and tradition, making them appealing for parents seeking a vintage or classic Dutch name.
6. How can I choose a traditional Dutch name for my baby?
Answer: When choosing a traditional Dutch name, consider heritage, pronunciation, meaning, and modern usability. Pick a name that honors your family’s roots, is easy to pronounce, has a meaningful origin, and works well in today’s context. Popular choices include Jan, Willem, Anna, and Johanna.