Names that work well in Dutch and English

[n0ne]

Naming DD was really hard as we wanted a name that worked in Dutch and English, and was pronounced as closely as possible in both languages. The name we chose is slightly unusual in UK and NL, but recognised in both (and a legit name!) - perfect.

Now we're expecting again, same problem. I like Astrid which I think fits the bill in the UK, but is it a bit naff/dated in Dutch? What about Frida, Frans, Bertrand? Orson?

I love Edith, Margot, Iris but those names are all pronounced completely differently in the two languages :/ Can anyone think of any more? Looking for both sexes. Thank you!

[IronDuchess]

A family friend is English and her husband is Dutch. They named their children Roseanne (Rosie) and Max, apparently they work well in both languages.

[Oysterbabe]

Anneke?

[glorious]

Marlise?

[JohnLapsleyParlabane]

Dorothy

[Headunderthecovers]

Laura? - although it is pronounced differently again.

[InTheDessert]

I don't know about pronunciation, but I know 2 Dutch Esther's, and an Annick. Esther is married to Dutch Paul. Any use?

[GemmaB78]

We needed a boys name that worked in both german and English, so opted for Henrik. Would that work in Dutch?

[boldlygoingsomewhere]

I have Dutch and English parents - mine name is pronounced differently in the two languages and I got used to it. I just accepted that to my Dutch family I was 'X' and to my English family 'y'.

You could try Saskia, Anna, Emma, Tess for a girl.

Noah, Lucas, Thomas, Rubén would work for boys.

[Thatsnotmybabyname]

Tessa, Lara, Sophie, Julia

Lucas, Hugo

[glasshalfemp]

Thelma

[TDmoocher]

Kristina
Kristen

I really like Astrid and Saskia

[n0ne]

Thanks, everybody! Particularly liking Esther and Ruben so far

Just to be really picky, I don't exactly want an obviously English (Noah) or Dutch (Anneke) name. And nothing very common. DD's name I love because UK people think it's English and Dutch people think it's Dutch but it's actually of Russian origin! Plus in the UK it's definitely vintage which is totally our style.

I realise that's a big ask!

[Sugarpiehoneyeye]

Tess
Saskia
Xavier

[AWaspOnAWindowInAHeatwave]

Edwin
Paul
Sally

[DavidPuddy]

I know a dutch Fenna, is that really common in the NL? Because I think the UK would find it pretty, too.

Otherwise, maybe another Russian name:

Natasha
Natalia
Alexandra
Anastasia
Valeria
Daria

For a boy:

Jacob
Nico

Though you do get the pronunciation issues, I guess.

[DavidPuddy]

I also know a dutch Doreen (perhaps spelled differently). That certainly fits the bill if you're after vintage.

[plimsolls]

Anya
Amber
Sebastian
Linus

[n0ne]

Oo, I like Fenna! And Edwin, good shout.

Is Fenna too close to fanny or am I overthinking it? We don't live in the UK so schoolyard teasing wouldn't be an issue...

[FoolsandWorthlessLiars]

When I was in Wassenaar I was looking at some names on colouring competition entries up in the supermarket ( I was pregnant with DD and looking for inspiration !) Arielle, Edith, Isabeau, Bibi and Saskia all stood out to me, they are on my name list but were vetoed by OH.
Not sure if they are Dutch names but they were being used in Wassenaar anyhow!

[MargeryFenworthy]

Louis? Antoine?

[DavidPuddy]

I would never in a hundred years have made a link between Fenna and fanny!

[Sophronia]

These are all in the Dutch top 150 or so...

Lucas
Noah
Finn
Max
Bram
Hugo
James
Tom
Sam
Jack
Dylan
Robin
Oscar
Oliver

Emma
Anna
Sophie
Sarah
Fleur
Nora
Esmee
Nina
Hannah
Lara
Isabel
Luna
Rosa
Elisa
Romy
Stella
Mara
Maya

[Redpramlady]

Saskia?

Ryker?

[theothercatpurred]

Fenna's lovely. UK people won't think it's English though but it is easy to pronounce.

Ester is great. Edith also fits the vintage criteria, as does Edwin.

[Orangetoffee]

You can use my aunties names; Joke, Floor, Hottie Kick or Ferry for a boy could work too....