525+ European Names for Girls and Boys

An attractive and popular choice in the Netherlands, but not one we see making it to the Top 50 in the US anytime soon.

Lærke is the Danish equivalent of English name Lark. For those that find the monosyllabic English name too short for such a harmonious bird, Lærke might be a a good option - if you can get passed the confusion of that "æ" spelling.

A top choice in Italy.

Sweet and charming French nickname for Anne, à la Manon for Marie.

This version of the more familiar Paulina is occasionally used in the US, though some may see it as relating more to the word pole than to the classic Paul.

Timeo is a Top 100 name in France but is virtually unknown in the English-speaking world. Appearing briefly in the New Testament and related to Timon, a Shakespearean name, Timeo is a valid possibility for parents looking for an unusual name with cross-cultural cred.

Many old school girl names are feminine forms of male names. This one gets an exotic twist from being the female version not of Basil but the form used in Eastern Europe and Russia Vasily. This uncommon name would make an interesting and rare V-starting choice.

Serafin and Seraphim are much less known and used in the US than the feminine forms Serafina and Seraphina, but just as appealing. An out-of-the-box Spanish option with a deep history and an animated meaning.

Majken, which is related to Maiken and Maike, is a popular name in Sweden whose variations are used throughout Scandinavia as cooler forms of Mary. Majken is virtually unknown in the U.S. and probably not bound for emigration.

Attractive Italian form of Xavier, originally a Basque place name most notably borne by St Francis Xavier, a Jesuit priest and missionary.

A name sometimes used by Latino parents, perhaps relating to the popular Spanish TV mini-series of that name.

A Top 10 name in Iceland, where it is also the name of an active volcano.

Isabel and Isabella are everywhere - but here is a variation that is both unusual and familiar.

A common Basque name first used in French Basque writer Agosti Xaho's 1845 work "The Legend of Aitor."

A Top 100 choice in Northern Ireland, Caolán shares many fashionable sounds with names like Cayden and Callan, but remains virtually unknown in the US.