250 Lively European Names That Have Good Meanings (2023)

Every parent is looking for the right name for their baby. But in doing so, many go for names that aren’t popular for whatever reason. However, this is a costly mistake because you can’t change the name later.

We’ve all heard stories where parents name their child something that the child ends up growing up to hate it. How can you avoid that? Do some research and check out some popular European names to get better idea.

Ava – “life”
Ariana – “most holy”
Aurora – “dawn”
Brisa – “breeze”
Caroline – “free man”
Agda – “good hearted”
Agneta – “pure”
Alexandra – “defender of men”
Alice – “nobility”
Alyssa – “flower”
Anita – “gracious”
Anna – “grace”
Annette – “grace”
Aslaug – “God”
Beatrix – “she who makes you happy”
Belinda – “bright serpent”
Agda – “good hearted”
Vega – “a dweller in the meadows”

In the past, some parents have named their child after celebrities or fictional characters. Sometimes the parents themselves will choose a name that is not typical. Other times they will choose a name that is not common at all.

Some parents are so overwhelmed with the task of naming their child, they opt for a one-word baby name. And although this has been a popular choice, it’s not always the best decision.

In many cultures around the world, a name is considered an important part of a child’s identity. Besides, it’s a good idea to avoid naming your child the same as their father, which might lead to confusion. So, what should the perfect baby’s name be? Let’s dive into the list of awesome European names.

Agneta – “pure”
Emma – “universal”
Esmeralda – “emerald”
Galena -“serenity”
Isla – “brilliant”
Jules – “youthful”
Mia – “mine”
Nora – “honor”
Alexandra – “defender of men”
Alice – “nobility”
Alyssa – “flower”
Anita – “gracious”
Anna – “grace”

European Names

Viviana – “lively”
Abigail – “a father’s pride”
Adahlia – “flower”
Agda – “good hearted”
Annette – “grace”
Aslaug – “God”
Cora – “virtuous maiden”
Diana – “divine”
Oceana – “ocean”
Robin – “bright”
Sophie – “wisdom”
Tamara – “palm tree”
Veronica – “she who brings victory”
Zoe – “life”
Adelaide – “noble”
Audrey – “noble strength”
Aurelie – “a golden person”
Camille – “perfect”
Carol – “a strong woman”
Celeste – “heavenly”
Charlotte – “free man”
Chole – “young green shoot”
Adele – “nobility”

European Baby Names

Agnes – “holy”
Aimee – “a person who is very nurturing”
Amelie – “hardworking person”
Anastasia – “resurrection”
Angela – “angel”
Annalise – “graced with God”s bounty”
Anne – “gracious”
Claire – “clear”
Cliodhna – “shapely”
Dearbhla – “true desire”
Elodie – “riches from a foreign land”
Eloise – “healthy”
Emer – “swift”
Emery – “home strength”
Fleur – “a beautiful and vibrant flower”
Francoise – “free one”
Frida – “peace”
Gabrielle – “God is my strength”
Genevieve – “woman of the race”
Greta – “pearl
Imogen – “maiden”
Jeanne – “God is gracious”
Agda – “good hearted”
Agneta – “pure”
Alice – “nobility”
Annette – “grace”
Aslaug – “God”
Anna – “grace”
Annette – “grace”
Aslaug – “God”
Juliet – “youthful”
Karla – “powerful”
Alyssa – “flower”
Anita – “gracious”
Kayleigh – “fair”
Lorelei – “rock in the Rhine River”
Belinda – “bright serpent”
Astrid – “a beauty that is serene and divine”

What are some of cutest European names?

Anita – “gracious”
Agneta – “pure”
Madeline – “magnificent”
Matilda – “mighty in battle”
Millie – “industrious”
Roisin – “little rose”
Rosalee – “a garden full of roses”
Saoirse – “freedom”
Sylvie – “someone from the forest”
Willa – “protection”
Alexandra – “defender of mankind”
Althaia – “healing”
Amara – “grace”
Andromeda – “ruler of man”
Annika – “grace”
Anoushka – “grace”
Anya – “grace”
Aretha – “virtuous”
Athena – “Goddess of war and wisdom”

More Baby Names:

Tips to Naming Your Babies

There are millions of baby names out there, and while most parents decide on a name and stick with it for the rest of their lives, there are some who wish the best for their future child, but don’t have a clue how to choose a name. These parents may be confused about why they can’t come up with a name for their baby, or they may have tried several times and have given up on the idea.

If you are considering giving your child a name, there are some things you should know:

1. Pick the name you love, even if it is popular.

It is popular and you love it. Anything else you need to think upon? Nope. Go for it. If you want to give it uniqueness, think of a great middle name.

Here are some popular European names out there:

Charmaine

Meaning: “Charm”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Charm.
Spelling and variations: Charmine, Charmane, Charmene, Sharmaine, Charmian.
Famous people with this name: Canadian soccer player, Charmaine Hooper.

Jemma

Meaning: “Jewel”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Jewel.
Spelling and variations: Gemma.
Famous people with this name: English actress, Jemma McKenzie-Brown.

Kellsie

Meaning: “Victorious ship”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Victorious ship.
Spelling and variations: Kelsey, Kelsie, Kellsey, Kelsa, Kelcy, Kelcie.
Famous people with this name: Professional basketball player, Kelsey Plum.

Lily

Meaning: “Lily flower”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Lily flower.
Spelling and variations: Lilybell, Lilli, Lilly, Lillie, Lillian.
Famous people with this name: English Singer, Lily Allen.

Madeline

Meaning: “High tower”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means High tower.
Spelling and variations: Madeleine (French), Madalyn, Madelyn, Madelynn, Magdalene.
Famous people with this name: American actress, Madeline Zima.

Peyton

Meaning: “Fighting man’s estate”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Fighting man’s estate.
Spelling and variations: Payton.
Famous people with this name: American actress, Peyton List.

Poppy

Meaning: “Red flower ‘poppy’”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means.
Spelling and variations: N/A.
Famous people with this name: Poppy Montgomery.

Rose

Meaning: “Fragrant flower ‘rose’”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Fragrant flower ‘rose’.
Spelling and variations: Rosa, Rosabel, Rosabella, Roseanne, Rosalie.
Famous people with this name: Australian actress, Rose Byrne.

Scarlett

Meaning: “Scarlet or bright red”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Scarlet or bright red.
Spelling and variations: Scarlet, Scarlette.
Famous people with this name: American actress, Scarlett Johansson.

Tiffany

Meaning: “Revelation of God”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Revelation of God.
Spelling and variations: Tiffiny, Tiffani, Tiffaney, Tiffanie, Tiffney, Tiffiney, Tiphanie.
Famous people with this name: Tiffany Scott.

Violet

Meaning: “Purple”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Purple.
Spelling and variations: Violetta, Violette, Viola.
Famous people with this name: Irish author, Violet Florence Martin.

Willow

Meaning: “Freedom”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Freedom.
Spelling and variations: Willo.
Famous people with this name: Willow Smith.

Acton

Meaning: “Village with oak trees”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Village with oak trees.
Spelling and variations: N/A.
Famous people with this name: Acton Smee Ayrton.

Yetta

Meaning: “Ruler of the household”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Ruler of the household.
Spelling and variations: Yette, Etta, Henrietta.
Famous people with this name: Yetta Gottesman.

Archie

Meaning: “Bold”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Bold.
Spelling and variations: Archibald.
Famous people with this name: American jazz saxophonist, Archie Shepp.

2. Do not skip lovely European names even if they are unique, unusual, and different.

Sometimes, parents will not go for unusual, unique, and different baby names. They consider it weird. Let me tell you that being attractive and thought provoking is the game these days.

How would you like these European names:

Belinda – “bright serpent”
Agda – “good hearted”
Agneta – “pure”
Alice – “nobility”
Alyssa – “flower”
Benca – “she will conquer”
Bronya – “armour”
Callie – “beautiful”
Carissa – “beloved”
Monique – “a smart advisor”
Marie – “a lady of the sea”
Nicollette – “victorious”
Orla – “golden princess”
Pauline – “a humble woman”

3. Be confident if you want to go toward personalized spellings for your baby’s name.

SURE. You should be confident when giving personalized spellings to your baby’s name. However, it is important that you do not make it weird. Adding or removing an alphabet would be enough here.

Try changing these baby names spellings into personalized ones:

Braxton

Meaning: “Badger”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Badger.
Spelling and variations: Brax.
Famous people with this name: Braxton Miller.

Harlow

Meaning: “Rock hill”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Rock hill.
Spelling and variations: none.
Famous people with this name: Harlow Shapley.

Jaxon

Meaning: “Son of Jack”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Son of Jack.
Spelling and variations: Jackson, Jaxson, Jack, Jax.
Famous people with this name: American artist, Jackson Pollock.

Jameson

Meaning: “Son of James”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means.
Spelling and variations: Jamieson, Jamisen.
Famous people with this name: British Antarctic explorer, Jameson Adams.

Knox

Meaning: “Small hill”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Small hill.
Spelling and variations: N/A.
Famous people with this name: sculptor.

Landon

Meaning: “Long hill”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Long hill.
Spelling and variations: Langdon, Landen, Landyn, Landin, Landan.
Famous people with this name: American professional soccer player, Landon Donovan.

Milo

Meaning: “Soldier”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means.
Spelling and variations: Miles, Myles, Mylo.
Famous people with this name: American actor, Milo Ventimiglia.

Deonne

Meaning: “Valley”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Valley.
Spelling and variations: Deanna, Deonna, Deondra, Deona, Dionne.
Famous people with this name: Australian archer, Deonne Bridger.

Elvina

Meaning: “Elf”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Elf.
Spelling and variations: Alvina, Alveena, Elvena, Elvene, Elvenia, Elvinia, Elvyra, Elveena.
Famous people with this name: Italian opera singer, Elvina Ramella.

Felicity

Meaning: “Happiness”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Happiness.
Spelling and variations: Felicia, Felicidad (Spanish), Felicita (Italian), Félicité (French), Felizitas.
Famous people with this name: English actress, Felicity Jones.

Georgia

Meaning: “Farmer”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Farmer.
Spelling and variations: Georgiana, Georgina, Georgeanna.
Famous people with this name: American artist, Georgia O’Keeffe.

Hazel

Meaning: “The hazelnut tree”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means The hazelnut tree.
Spelling and variations: Hazell, Hazelle, Hazal, Hazle.
Famous people with this name: English actress, Hazel Court.

Ivy

Meaning: “English actress, Hazel Court”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means English actress, Hazel Court.
Spelling and variations: Ivie.
Famous people with this name: American author, Ivy Ruckman.

Nash

Meaning: “By the ash tree”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means By the ash tree.
Spelling and variations: N/A.
Famous people with this name: American Internet personality, Nash Grier.

Oscar

Meaning: “Friend to the deer”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Friend to the deer.
Spelling and variations: : Óscar (Portuguese, Spanish), Oskar (Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, German).
Famous people with this name: Irish poet and playwright, Oscar Wilde.

4. Crossing your favorite European names on the feedback on friends and family members.

Feedback is important. But it does not mean to listen to every other person’s opinion. You will hardly find European names that everybody would like. Therefore, get feedback but still know your choice.

Consider getting feedback on these baby names from your friends and family members:

Irina – “peace”
Jacinta – “beautiful”
Julija – “youth”
Karine – “pure”
Antonina – “flourishing”
Bonita – “pretty little one”
Camila – “huntress”
Morina – “little blueberry”
Olivia – “olive tree”
Paulita – “tiny”
Regina – “queen”
Rosa – “roses”
Samantha – “listener”
Stella – “star”
Valeria – “to be strong”

5. Do a little research and find what is out there.

Research is important step for the first-time parents as well for those who do not know what sort of names people pick. You will be all good once you do a little internet research. You will also be able to find some great European names that you might consider now or in the future.

Here are some common baby names examples to help you:

Parker

Meaning: “Park keeper”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Park keeper.
Spelling and variations: Parke.
Famous people with this name: Parker Stevenson.

Ryder

Meaning: “Mounted warrior”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Mounted warrior.
Spelling and variations: Rider.
Famous people with this name: Canadian professional racing cyclist, Ryder Hesjedal.

Sheldon

Meaning: “Valley with steep sides”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Valley with steep sides.
Spelling and variations: Shelden, Sheldin.
Famous people with this name: Sheldon Lee Glashow.

Tanner

Meaning: “Leather maker”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Leather maker.
Spelling and variations: N/A.
Famous people with this name: American professional racing driver, Tanner Foust.

Tucker

Meaning: “One who softens the fabric”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means One who softens the fabric.
Spelling and variations: Tuck.
Famous people with this name: ; American author and public speaker, Tucker Max.

Vance

Meaning: “Marshland”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Marshland.
Spelling and variations: Van.
Famous people with this name: Australian singer and songwriter, Vance Joy.

Katharina

Meaning: “unknown”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means unknown.
Spelling and variations: Katja, Kätchen, Käthe, Käthlyn, Katarina, Catherine, Katherine.
Famous people with this name: German artist Käthe Kollwitz, Katharina von Bora.

Klara

Meaning: “Clear”
Origin: German.
Description: German origin and its means Clear.
Spelling and variations: Clara, Klaire, Claire, Clare.
Famous people with this name: Clara Barton.

Louisa

Meaning: “: Famous warrior”
Origin: German.
Description: German origin and its means: Famous warrior.
Spelling and variations: Luisa, Luise, Louise, Lou, Loulou, Eloise.
Famous people with this name: American author Louisa May Alcott.

Ashlee

Meaning: “Meadow of ash trees”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Meadow of ash trees.
Spelling and variations: Ashley, Ashleigh, Ashlie, Ashlyn, Ashlynn, Ashlea.
Famous people with this name: American singer, Ashlee Simpson.

Avery

Meaning: “Ruler of the elves”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Ruler of the elves.
Spelling and variations: Averie, Averi.
Famous people with this name: : American actress, Avery Clyde.

Lorelei

Meaning: “The Lorelei is a rock headland on the banks of the Rhine River”
Origin: German.
Description: German origin and its means The Lorelei is a rock headland on the banks of the Rhine River.
Spelling and variations: Lore, Loralei, Laurel, Lori, Loreley, Lorelai.
Famous people with this name: American actress and screenwriter Lorelei King.

Bethany

Meaning: “Place of figs”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Place of figs.
Spelling and variations: Bethanie, Bethney, Beth, Bethenny, Bethonie, Bethania.
Famous people with this name: : American actress, Bethany Joy Lenz.

Lotte

Meaning: “Strong and virile”
Origin: German.
Description: German origin and its means Strong and virile.
Spelling and variations: Charlotte, Lottchen, Lottie.
Famous people with this name: German nature photographer Lotte Herrlich.

6. Consider names of the subsequent children.

Maybe, you are first time parents and figuring out some cool European name. It is a good idea to consider the names of subsequent children too.

7. Avoid names with bad meanings.

Baby names with bad meanings can be a cause of embarrassment for you and your kid. Be sure to know the meaning of the name you are gonna pick and be sure it is encouraging and positive.

Here are some of the cool European names with meanings:

Manya – “sea of bitterness”
Marika – “rebellious woman”
Alexandra – “defender of men”
Alice – “nobility”
Alyssa – “flower”
Cynthia – “moon goddess”
Daphne – “water nymph”
Daria – “she who holds firm the good”
Darya – “wealthy”
Eniko – “young female deer”
Eve – “life”
Gisella – “pledge”
Grusha – “wild horse”
Hanna – “God”s gift to me”

8. Pick up good people names from history.

The name of person has effect on his/her personality, it is said. Maybe, that’s the reason why people choose names from history. You can consider this as well. I am sure you have heard about many legends from the past. I bet you’d find some awesome and useable European names if you look into it.

We have a small list of European names here for you to check out and know if you have heard them before:

Margarethe

Meaning: “Pearl”
Origin: German.
Description: German origin and its means Pearl.
Spelling and variations: Gretl, Gretchen, Greta, Margo, Margaret, Margarete.
Famous people with this name: German film director Margarethe von Trotta.

Preston

Meaning: “Priest’s town”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Priest’s town.
Spelling and variations: N/A.
Famous people with this name: Scottish aviation pioneer.

Magdalena

Meaning: “Magdalene, Magda, Leni, Maggie, Lena”
Origin: German.
Description: German origin and its means.
Spelling and variations: Magdalene, Magda, Leni, Maggie, Lena.
Famous people with this name: American singer Lena Horne, Swedish princess Magdalena of Sweden.

Olivia

Meaning: “Olive tree”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Olive tree.
Spelling and variations: Alivia, Olyvia, Livia, Olive (French), Olivie.
Famous people with this name: Olivia Wilde.

Marlene

Meaning: “Combination of Maria and Magdalene”
Origin: German.
Description: German origin and its means Combination of Maria and Magdalene.
Spelling and variations: German actress Marlene Dietrich.
Famous people with this name: German actress Marlene Dietrich.

Fletcher

Meaning: “Arrow maker”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Arrow maker.
Spelling and variations: none.
Famous people with this name: Fletcher Sibthorp.

Mathilde

Meaning: “Mighty in battle”
Origin: German.
Description: German origin and its means Mighty in battle.
Spelling and variations: Matilda, Tilly, Tillie, Mechtild.
Famous people with this name: Empress Matilda, 12th century German queen, British actress Tilda Swinton.

Renate

Meaning: “To be born again”
Origin: German.
Description: German origin and its means To be born again.
Spelling and variations: Renata, Rena, Renee, Renita.
Famous people with this name: Italian soprano and opera director Renata Scotto.

Colton

Meaning: “Swarthy”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Swarthy.
Spelling and variations: Colten, Kolton.
Famous people with this name: American singer-songwriter, Colton Dixon.

Dean

Meaning: “From the valley”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means From the valley.
Spelling and variations: Dane, Dene.
Famous people with this name: Dean Cain.

Everett

Meaning: “Brave as a wild boar”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Brave as a wild boar.
Spelling and variations: Everette, Everitt, Everet, Everrett, Evert, Evrett, Everard, Rhett.
Famous people with this name: Everett Scott.

Ellis

Meaning: “Benevolent”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Benevolent.
Spelling and variations: Elis.
Famous people with this name: British director and actor, Ellis Jones.

Grayson

Meaning: “Son of a bailiff”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Son of a bailiff.
Spelling and variations: Greyson.
Famous people with this name: British sprint canoer and Olympian, Grayson Bourne.

Rosamund

Meaning: “Protector of horses”
Origin: German.
Description: German origin and its means Protector of horses.
Spelling and variations: Rosamina, Rosamond, Rosamia, Rose, Rosie, Rosa.
Famous people with this name: British actress Rosamund Pike.

Maisie

Meaning: “Pearl”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Pearl.
Spelling and variations: Maisy, Mazie, Maisey, Maisee.
Famous people with this name: English actress, Maisie Williams.

Natalie

Meaning: “Christmas Day”
Origin: English.
Description: English origin and its means Christmas Day.
Spelling and variations: Natalia, Nathalie, Natalee, Nataleah, Nataleigh, Nathaly, Natali, Nat.
Famous people with this name: Natalie Imbruglia.

9. Make sure the first and second name fit with each other.

This happens rarely that the first and seconds names do not fit and meet each other well. It is, however, something you would not want.

Check out European names and try to make full names that fit each other nicely:

Belinda – “bright serpent”
Helena – “light”
Marlena – “rebellious”
Melba – “soft”
Nicola – “victory”
Nusa – “merciful”
Ophelia – “helper”
Rudolfa – “legendary female wolf”
Sonya – “wisdom”
Talia – “blooming”
Tica – “one who harvests”
Adelina – “nobility”
Alma – “nurturing”
Antonella – “first born”
Vera – “truthful”

10. Avoid names with too many syllables.

Baby names with too many syllables are complex. They are hard to remember. They should be avoided.

Check Also:

250 Lively European Names That Have Good Meanings