Europe is a broad term that has seen a lot throughout its history. It has many stories to tell, and one of them is about the naming customs.
During the early 15th century, Europeans preferred simple names that belonged to the family and did not come from a fancy location.
There were a lot of Janes, Alices, Marys, Roses, and so forth. The same was true for the male names – Thomas, John, Jake, and William were all common.
Then something happened. With the expansion in trade during the classic period, French and Italian names became more common. People began to use these names instead of their family names.
In recent years, Europeans have begun to choose a plethora of Spanish names, as well as a prevalence of Junior or Jr names.
The Top 15 European Baby Names For Girls
- Alice
Alice is a lovely and strong name of German origin. The word’s original meaning is “noble” or “kind” and was a popular name during the middle ages and even today.
- Katherine
Katherine is a Greek word that means royal, powerful, and adaptable. In the bible, Katherine is associated with the term “pure.”
- Eliana
Eliana is a poetic name of Greek origin that means “mercy.” The name is a feminization of the male given name Aelianus, derived from the Late Latin name Aeliana.
- Stella
Stella is both an earthy and heavenly name. The original meaning of the name Stella is “star.” Estella and Estrella are similar versions of the same name with the same meaning.
- Violet
Violet is a wonderful name that conjures up images of nature’s beauty, grace, and force. It’s a purple-colored English name with Latin roots. Violet comes from the Latin word “viola,” which means “purple.”
- Annabelle
Annabelle is one of the charming female names with a hint of liveliness and melody. The name’s original meaning is gracious and beautiful with a lovely appeal.
- Caroline
It is a very popular girl name that means free man. From the male name Karl, this female name has derived. The name has several variations like Callie, Carol Carly, and Carrie.
- Anna
Anna is the most dominant name of the Ann family and has been used by Europeans for generations. The meaning of this Hebrew term is “God has favored me.”
- Samantha
Samantha is a popular European girl name that means “God heard.” Its origin is Hebrew and English. It was used during the 17-19 centuries and shown in many popular TV shows as well.
- Hannah
Hannah is a variant of the Hebrew name Channah, which means “favor” or “grace.” Hannah is a biblical name, as she is the mother of Samuel in the Old Testament.
- Charlotte
Charlotte and its masculine counterpart, Charles, are derived from the Old English term “ceorl,” which means “free man.” The word ceorl was used to distinguish a free person from a bondsman or slave.
- Emily
Emily is a name derived from the Roman surname Aemilius. In ancient Rome, the Aemilius family was prominent and influential. The name could be derived from the Latin word aemulus, which means “rival.”
- Isabella
Isabella is a Spanish and Italian variant of Elizabeth, which is derived from the Hebrew name Elisheba, which means “God is my oath.” Since the 13th century, the names Isabella and Elizabeth have been used in England.
- Olivia
Olivia is a Latin name that means “olive tree” and is the feminine counterpart to Oliver’s masculine name. Olivia’s name appears in records dating back to the 13th century in England.
- Emma
Emma is an English name derived from an old Germanic word that means “whole” or “universal.” Emma of Normandy is credited with its early popularity in England.
The Top 15 European Baby Names For Boys
- Lotte
Lotte is the perfect masculine name that sounds classy and chic. In Europe, this name is always on the top of the baby list. The meaning of the name itself is “masculine.”
- Giotto
The name Giotto is linked with creative legacy. The name came into the picture through an Italian architect named Giotto di Bondone, a painter from Florence.
- Luis
It is the most decent name that means “famous warrior.” It also has a variation, “Louis,” with the same meaning.
- Oliver
Oliver is the most common name that means “affectionate.” It is the most common boy name that has its origin in Latin and French language.
- Bence
Vincent’s Hungarian version is Bence. The name, which was used for generations, is now seen as a somewhat fashionable name alongside B names. The meaning of the word Bence is ‘conquering.’
- Philippe
Phillipe, pronounced fill-eep, was one of the twelve apostles. The name is popular among parents looking for a classic name for their kids.
- Henrik
Henrik is a spelling variation of Henry. After circling the bottom half of the Top 50 for the past two decades, Henrik is currently at its highest point since World War II.
- Ferdinand
Ferdinand has a long and illustrious history. Several Italian and Spanish kings bore the name. This name has also been given to three Roman emperors. That is one fantastic name to give your child.
- Hector
The Latino family were the primary users of the name Hector, which means “to hold firm.” It was the name of the Trojan War hero.
- Victor
Victor is one of the earliest Christian names in Europe. Various popes and saints carried it as a sign of Jesus Christ’s triumph over death.
- Xavier
Xavier is one of the few X names that most people are familiar with and use. Xavier means ‘brightness,’ which your child brings into your life with his arrival.
- Evan
Evan, John’s Welsh name, gives a nice-guy vibe to it. This European baby name has gained popularity in Wales. Its literal translation is “Lord is gracious.”
- Rocco
Rocco is popular among hipster moms. We enjoy it as well. ‘Rest’ is the meaning of this unusual Italian name.
- Raymond
Though Raymond has remained dormant for a long time, some parents, particularly celebrities, find it appealing. Raymond’s meaning is ‘wise guardian.’
- Gabriel
Gabriel was the name of the archangel who announced the birth of Jesus Christ. He has mentioned it in Jewish, Muslim, and Christmas literature. This biblical name translates as ‘God is my strength.’
