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Baby names

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Original poster

Names that work well in Dutch and English

35 replies

n0ne · 21/01/2017 07:34

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!

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SnowWhite33 · 22/01/2017 20:14

my husband is Dutch
How about
Max
Floris
Lucas
James
Hugo
Finn
Frederick
Sophie
Julia
Charlotte
Juliette
Casper
Alexander
Sarah
Lilian
Viola

QueSera · 21/01/2017 22:19

Kim?

rainbow99 · 21/01/2017 22:16

I know a Dutch/English girl called Liv

BettyRooster · 21/01/2017 22:15

Honestly, you can name your child whatever you want here without worrying if it'll fi - it doesn't necessarily have to be a Dutch name. My Dutch 9 year old is friends with Valentino, Dante, Titus, Quentin, Ryan, Charlie, Abel, Samuel, Ramses. Anything goes really.

Bundao · 21/01/2017 22:15

My Dutch friend and her American husband called their children Ethan and Alanna.

QueSera · 21/01/2017 22:12

Robert?

QueSera · 21/01/2017 22:11

Erik/Eric?

QueSera · 21/01/2017 22:07

Vivienne?

smilingsarahb · 21/01/2017 13:52

Lois, elise, Nicole, Melissa. Are they too normal maybe. Boys maybe sander? Stefan? No idea if these are Dutch, they are just names I have come across half dutch children with (might have all been named after English people for all I know)

paddypants13 · 21/01/2017 13:48

Anna
Theadora
Maria
Elizabeth
Anika
Emma
Vera

Bart
Gerard
Peter

These are some of the names of my Dutch/ English mix family, I'm sure there are loads more.

Orangetoffee · 21/01/2017 13:42

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

theothercatpurred · 21/01/2017 13:37

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.

Redpramlady · 21/01/2017 13:32

Saskia?

Ryker?

Sophronia · 21/01/2017 11:20

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

DavidPuddy · 21/01/2017 11:07

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

MargeryFenworthy · 21/01/2017 11:04

Louis? Antoine?

FoolsandWorthlessLiars · 21/01/2017 11:03

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!

Original poster
n0ne · 21/01/2017 10:57

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...

OP posts:
plimsolls · 21/01/2017 10:50

Anya
Amber
Sebastian
Linus

DavidPuddy · 21/01/2017 10:49

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

DavidPuddy · 21/01/2017 10:48

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.

AWaspOnAWindowInAHeatwave · 21/01/2017 10:39

Edwin
Paul
Sally

Sugarpiehoneyeye · 21/01/2017 10:37

Tess
Saskia
Xavier

Original poster
n0ne · 21/01/2017 10:29

Thanks, everybody! Particularly liking Esther and Ruben so far Smile

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! Confused

OP posts:
TDmoocher · 21/01/2017 09:31

Kristina
Kristen

I really like Astrid and Saskia

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