Miriam and her husband are expecting their second child soon; a brother for their daughter Abigail.
Miriam writes: "My husband is Danish, and I am of Scottish/ Dutch/ Jewish ancestry, so we have quite the melting pot of names from which to choose.
Our biggest caveat is that the name should work in both Danish and English (rather more of a challenge than one would think!), and we would like to give him Henrik as a middle name, after my husband’s grandfather.
You have a fantastic list, Miriam. If Casper, Magnus and Frederik weren't already on your list. I would most certainly suggest them. That said, here are some alternatives that might hit the right chord.
Pan-European:
Hector – An ancient and heroic Greek name who, having been counted among the "Nine Worthies," became common across Europe in the Middle Ages. It has had prominent ties to Scotland, but also works well in Danish.
Alfred / Albert – Classic Victorian favourites Alfred and Albert are familiar yet striking. Alfie, Freddie, Albie or Bertie work as short forms, and both rank in Denmark's top 50.
Augustus – A refined Roman choice with flair with Augie or Gus as easy nicknames. The short form August is currently #21 in Denmark.
Victor – Another Roman inheritor is gentlemanly Victor. It is quirky and under-the-radar in Britain, yet ranks highly at #5 in Denmark.
Theodor – With stylish Theo and Teddy as nicknames, Theodore is a handsome favourite, but I prefer Danish spelling Theodor.
Sander – Ranked #3 in Denmark and also popular in the Netherlands, Sander is a sleek and refined form of Alexander.
Bertram – A dignified Germanic staple which ranks within Denmark's top 50. Bertie and Bram would make good nicknames.
Maximilian – Diginified Roman Maximilian is a staple around Europe. Uncommon but undeniably classic.
Rupert – Rupert is the German and Dutch form of Robert which also has a dignified and gentlemanly feel in English.
Biblical:
Asher – Such an easy, breasy Biblical name which means "happy" in Hebrew.
Jonas – The Latinised form of the Biblical Hebrew name Jonah (meaning 'dove') which is common in Denmark.
Ruben – Both the Dutch and Danish spelling of Reuben which is easily used in English.
Noam – A twist on popular Noah is equally Biblical Noam meaning "pleasantness."
Danish Inspiration:
Carsten – A variant of Christian used quite popularly in Denmark which works well in English, too.
Arvid – A Scandinavian name descended from the Old Norse Arnviðr meaning "eagle forest."
Jesper – The 17th most common name in Denmark is Jesper, the Danish form of Jasper. It is intuitive in English and, unlike Jasper, can have the cool nickname Jep (itself a diminutive for Jacob in Denmark).
Thorsten / Torsten – Danish forms of the Old Norse name Þórstæinn meaning "stone of Thor" that work well in English.
Thorben / Torben – Similarly, are these Danish descendants of the Nordic Þórbiǫrn meaning "bear/hero/warrior of Thor."
Dutch Inspiration:
Matthias – Biblical Matthias is pronounced differently in Danish and English, but I don't find it too problematic myself. What could tie them together is the Dutch nickname Thijs, pronounced "TYES."
Willem – If William has been nixed from your list, perhaps you would consider this stylish Dutch form?
Arend – The Dutch word for "eagle" and also a cognate name of Arnold, a Germanic name meaning "eagle power."
Quinten – While the English have Quentin, the Dutch have Quinten as their form of the Roman name Quintinus. A subtle change, but one that honours your Dutch heritage.
I hope this has been useful. Best wishes with the name choosing. Please keep us updated.
