Frits

German
"peaceful ruler"

Frits Origin and Meaning

The name Frits is a boy's name of Dutch origin.

Frits is a masculine name primarily used in Dutch and Scandinavian countries, particularly the Netherlands and Denmark. It originated as a diminutive form of Friedrich (German) or Frederik (Dutch), both deriving from Germanic elements meaning 'peaceful ruler' or 'power of peace.' Frits has been used as an independent given name for centuries throughout Northern Europe. The name experienced peak popularity in the Netherlands during the early to mid-20th century but has declined in recent decades as more international naming patterns emerged. Despite this decline, it retains a classic, distinctly Dutch character that continues to appeal to some parents seeking traditional names. Frits has a strong, concise sound while carrying the noble heritage of its longer form. Notable bearers include Dutch artists, athletes, and scholars who have helped maintain the name's cultural presence.

Famous People Named Frits

  • Frits Zernike
    Dutch physicist and Nobel Prize winner
  • Frederik "Frits" Bolkestein
    Dutch politician
  • Frederik Jacques "Frits" Philips
    Dutch businessman and Holocaust hero
  • Frits Thaulow
    Norwegian impressionist painter
  • Frederik "Frits" Korthals Altes
    Dutch politician
  • Friedrich August Ferdinand Christian "Frits" Went
    Dutch botanist