525+ European Names for Girls and Boys

This name was on the U.S. Top 1000 in the early 20th century, when recent immigrants frequently chose native names that have since died out for American babies. But if you're of Finnish ancestry, you may want to consider reviving this one with a positive meaning.

Iria is a diminutive version of Eirene / Irene and is therefore associated with the Greek goddess of peace.

It's unusual, but that may be its best feature.

Galician form of Joel, in the Top 25 in Galicia and Top 250 in Spain. As with Joel and Noel, pronunciation can sound like one syllable or two.

A cool Slavic short form of Sigmund, properly spelt Žiga in Slovene.

Famous as the long-suffering wife of the philosopher Socrates.

An attractive Nordic name most common in Iceland. It was derived from the Old Norse elements bryn, meaning "armor," and her, "warrior" or "army."

The saintly Italian form of the saintly Latin Benedicta.

Meabh, the native Irish spelling of Maeve, is in the Top 100 in Ireland and becoming more popular here in its Anglicized form. Outside of Ireland, life will be easier with the Maeve spelling of this lovely queen's name.

The Finnish word for "mint" is a popular name in Finland, comparable to the Danish Mynte.

Popular name in Spain's Basque country, thanks to cowboyish meaning, virtually unknown elsewhere.

Intriguing twist on several familiar names, though many people will mistake this for Elsa, Eliza, and so on.

This Dutch name stems from the Greek root word "philos" meaning "love". It is relatively common in the Netherlands.

Part of a group of lovely A-starting names popular in Spain, along with Ainhoa and Aitana. Spanish actress Aroa Gimeno introduced this one.

Timon has strong associations with The Lion King, making it a tough sell for American parents. Attractive Polish variation Tymon, with the emphasis on the first syllable, preserves the strength of the original while eliminating the meerkat connection.

It originated as a nickname for Lodewijk, but now Lowie is more popular as-is, even ranking in the Top 100 in Belgium.

A common animal name in Finland, it could work as an alternative to Otto or Otis.

An interesting and appealingly international spin on Barbara, with a lot of charm and energy.

Bence has been the most popular boy name in Hungary for over a decade — it’s held the top spot since 2003, the year Hungary began releasing its baby name data. Bence is the Hungarian translation of Vincent and is also occasionally used as a nickname for Benedek.