European Boy Names

  1. Elton
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "from the old town"
    • Description:

      Elton is an unassuming, lesser-used place name belonging to several towns in the British Isles, the US and Canada, and even a lake in Russia. The singer Elton John gives it a bit of extra pizzazz.
  2. Maciej
    • Origin:

      Polish variation of Matthew, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "gift of God"
    • Description:

      The pronunciation barrier looms large, but Maciej has such a pleasant sound, we think it deserves a second look.
  3. Moritz
    • Origin:

      German form of Maurice
    • Meaning:

      "dark-skinned"
    • Description:

      The unusual-to-the-English-ear Moritz is a Top 25 name in Austria and a form of Maurice or Morris, which are modern variations of the ancient Roman Maurus. There were several early saints named Maurus and a famous 3rd century Saint Maurice, who was a Roman infantryman who was martyred when he refused to worship Roman gods. The Moritz form also references the posh Swiss ski resort St. Moritz and Justine Moritz is a character from Mary Shelley's novel, Frankenstein.
  4. Maxence
    • Origin:

      French form of Latin Maximus
    • Meaning:

      "greatest"
    • Description:

      A cute and fresh way to get to Max, this was the name of a sixth century saint. Maxence is a Top 100 boys' name in France, but largely unknown in the US where it is given to only a handful of baby boys each year.
  5. Levin
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "dear friend"
    • Description:

      Levin, known in the U.S. mostly as a surname, is a Top 100 boys' name in Germany. There have been saints with variations of this name, whose meaning relates to love.
  6. Federico
    • Origin:

      Italian and Spanish variation of Frederick
    • Description:

      If Frederick feels too heavy, the Spanish and Italian has more energy. It's a long-term Top 20 name in Italy, and has neat nicknames like Fredo in Italian and Fede in Spanish. Famous bearers include the Spanish poet Federico García Lorca and the Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini. Further back in history, it was the name of a fifth-century Visigoth leader, the brother of Theodoric II.
  7. Nicolo
    • Origin:

      Italian form of Nicholas
    • Meaning:

      "people of victory"
    • Description:

      Nicolo is a more lively variation of Nicholas and one of the most attractive Italian names for boys. A name with a long, distinguished Italian history of its own, it also boasts the charming nickname Nico.
  8. Tygo
    • Origin:

      Dutch form of Tycho
    • Description:

      This Dutch form of the ancient Greek saints' name Tycho is in the Top 100 in The Netherlands. While largely unknown in the English-speaking world, it's got a cool sound and ancient roots, which equals a winning choice.
  9. Zan
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Alexander, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "defending men"
    • Description:

      There's Zan and there's Xan--take your pick. Both of these are the latest generation of Alexander nicknames, Xan having been noticed first as a character on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (a rich source of names), and soon phoneticized into Zan.
  10. Jens
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian variation of Johannes or John
    • Description:

      Short but substantial Nordic name that travels well -- although it runs the risk of being confused with all the feminine Jen names.
  11. Val
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Valentine
    • Description:

      Val Kilmer is so macho, you almost forget he bears this slight girls' nickname.
  12. Pim
    • Origin:

      Dutch diminutive of Willem or William
    • Meaning:

      "resolute protection"
    • Description:

      The short, cute Pim is a Top 100 boys' name in The Netherlands though little-known outside that country. But in a family overrun with Williams, Pim could make an original nickname setting a modern child apart from father Will and grandpa Bill.
  13. Pietro
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Peter
    • Description:

      Yet another winning international form of Peter.
  14. Nikodem
    • Origin:

      Polish variation of Nicodemus, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "victory of the people"
    • Description:

      A slightly more approachable take on Nicodemus that boasts the very-cool nickname Niko.
  15. Mattia
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Matthew
    • Meaning:

      "gift of God"
    • Description:

      As parents go searching for alternatives to the unstoppable Mateo/Matteo duo, Mattia stands out as a worthy option. Same handsome, alluring feel, for a fraction of the popularity. Buy now!
  16. Giacomo
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of James
    • Meaning:

      "supplanter"
    • Description:

      Giacomo is a primo member of the Giovanni-Gino-Giancarlo-Giacomo gruppo of Italian names that are beginning to be adopted by American parents. Singer/creative baby namer Sting chose it for his son.
  17. Natan
    • Origin:

      Variation of Nathan, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "given"
    • Description:

      For jet-setting parents or those with many cultural backgrounds, a name that is workable across various languages is often a priority. Natan is a great option, as it is a familiar name in many European countries. It is currently most popular in Poland but seeing significant use in Israel as well.
  18. Gustav
    • Origin:

      Teutonic
    • Meaning:

      "staff of the Goths"
    • Description:

      Gray-bearded name heard primarily in Sweden and Germany.
  19. Achille
    • Origin:

      French variation of Achilles
    • Meaning:

      "thin-lipped"
    • Description:

      The French spin on the name of the great Homeric hero with the vulnerable heel seems somewhat more portable into the modern world.
  20. Baptiste
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "baptist"
    • Description:

      Traditionally used by the ultrareligious, the French boys' name Baptiste comes from the Greek word meaning "to dip". Baptiste is one of the Top 100 Boy Names in France.