Cultural integration

A Guide to Names in Luxembourg: First Names, Surnames, and Traditions

Luxembourg’s naming traditions reflect its rich cultural blend of Germanic, French, and Latin influences. Whether you are researching family history, choosing a baby name, or simply curious about Luxembourgish identity, this article explores popular first names, historical last names, and even some traditional clothing terms tied to the country’s heritage.

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Before the rise of globalized naming trends, Luxembourg had a rich list of distinct first names deeply tied to its Germanic and Romance heritage. Due to its location at the crossroads of Europe, Luxembourg’s naming traditions were influenced by Frankish, Latin, French, and German language, reflecting its complex history as part of the Holy Roman Empire, Burgundian Netherlands, and later, the Grand Duchy.

Traditional and old Luxembourgish names

Due to the central location of Luxembourg in Europe, many cultures and languages have had influence on the names of the people living in this area.

Germanic influence on Luxembourgish names

Many traditional names stem from Old High German and Frankish origins, often with strong, melodic sounds. Some examples of these names:

Old Male names in Luxembourg	Old Female Luxembourg names
Heinrich (ruler of the home)	Adelheid (noble natured)
Wenzel (Slavic-Germanic, linked to St. Wenceslaus)	Gisela (pledge)
Dietrich (people’s ruler)	Berthe (bright)

These names were common in medieval Luxembourg and persisted in rural areas well into the 19th century.

Romance (Latin & French) influence

Male names	Female names
Claude (from Latin Claudius)	Marguerite (daisy, from Latin Margarita)
René (reborn)	Catherine (pure, from Greek via Latin)
François (French form of Francis)	Jeanne (feminine form of Jean)

Due to Luxembourg’s periods under Burgundian, Spanish, and French rule, many Luxembourg names were Latinized or adapted from French:

Christian and saint names

As a historically Catholic region, Luxembourg also adopted Biblical and saint names like Marie (Mary), Elisabeth (from St. Elizabeth), or Nicolas (St. Nicholas, patron of Lorraine, a neighbouring region).

Regional variations

Some names were uniquely Luxembourgish, blending Germanic and Romance elements like: Léif (meaning "dear," used in affectionate diminutives or like Léifchen) or T(h)éid (local variant of Dorothée or Theodora).

These names gradually declined in the 20th century as international trends took over, but they remain a fascinating part of Luxembourg’s cultural identity.

Nowadays, the modern names are much more international, but let’s have a look at old Luxembourgish names too:

Old female names in Luxembourg	Old male names in Luxembourg
Annelise (Germanic, meaning "grace + God’s promise")	Jean (French form of John, or German Johan)
Elisabeth (Biblical, common in Luxembourgish history)	Pierre (French for Peter)
Marie (French/Latin, widely used for centuries)	Henri (French form of Henry)
Marguerite (French form of Margaret)	Michel (French for Michael)
Catherine (from Greek, popular in Catholic regions)	Nicolas (common in both French and German-speaking areas)
Thérèse (French saint name)	-

Luxembourg last names and family names

Luxembourg family names often reveal occupations, geographic origins, or family lineages. This practice was common in most European countries when people were given surnames.

Common categories include:

Occupational surnames

Schmit / Schmitt (blacksmith)
Meyer (farm administrator)
Krier / Kremer (shopkeeper)
Wagner (wagon-maker)

Patronymic surnames

Thill (from Mathias)
Hansen (son of Hans)
Peters (son of Peter)

Geographic and descriptive surnames

Bach (stream)
Klein (small)
Schwartz (black-haired)

Luxembourg's traditional clothing name

While Luxembourg doesn’t have a strict "national costume" for both men and women, there are some specific clothes that can be named and looked at because they are interesting and show some of Luxembourg’s history.

Source: luxembourg.public.lu

Historical and regional workwear for men included distinct garments with Luxembourgish or German/French-derived names. Here are some traditional male clothing terms from Luxembourg’s rural past:

Traditional Luxembourgish male clothing terms

D'Léinenkittel	A linen work smock worn by farmers and laborers, typically in beige or blue. Similar to the German "Kittel," it was durable and practical for fieldwork.
D'Wolljackett	A woolen jacket, often dark green or brown, worn for warmth in the Ardennes (Éislek) region. Sometimes called "Jäckel" in local dialects.
D'Buedemshosen	Knee-length breeches (like lederhosen but less ornate), usually made of wool or leather, paired with long socks. Common in 19th-century rural wear.
D'West" (or "D'Wescht")	A vest/waistcoat, often embroidered for festive occasions (e.g., weddings). Wealthier men might wear a French-style "gilet."
D'Kapp	A flat cap or "Schéierhutt" (work hat), usually made of felt or wool, to protect against sun/rain.

These names reflect Luxembourg’s agrarian history and blend of German practicality (e.g., "Kittel," "lederhosen") and French influences (e.g., "gilet"). While not as decorated as Bavarian or Dutch traditional wear, Luxembourg’s male clothing was modest, durable, and regionally adapted.

Traditional Luxembourgish female clothing terms

Luxembourg’s traditional female attire was practical yet modest, reflecting rural life and regional influences from Germany, France, and the Benelux. Below are key garments with their Luxembourgish names and descriptions:

D'Léiffrawenrock	A long, ankle-length wool or linen skirt, usually dark blue, green, or black, often worn with an apron for chores.
D'Schossel	A sturdy linen or cotton apron, sometimes embroidered for festive occasions. Working-class women wore darker colours, while wealthier women had floral patterns.
D'Kappesmutz	A triangular or square headscarf tied under the chin, similar tothe German "Kopftuch". protected hair during farm work and marked marital status (married women wore darker colours).
D'Wolljilett	A fitted sleeveless bodice over a blouse, often in dark red or green. Provided warmth in the Ardennes (Éislek) region.
D'Blous	A long-sleeved linen or cotton blouse, typically white or cream, with delicate embroidery at the collar. High-necked for modesty, with small buttons.
D'Jäckel	A short woollen jacket, often navy or brown, worn over the bodice in colder months.

In the different regions, there were some differences in the clothes.

Éislek (Ardennes): In this region, people used thicker woollens and darker colours.
Moselle Valley: As this region is closer to France, lighter fabrics and French-inspired lace details are used.
Gutland: Mixed German-French styles, and more elaborate embroidery is used in this region.

Legacy and modern revival

While those clothes are no longer used daily, these garments appear in folk festivals (e.g., Schueberfouer) and cultural museums. Some elements, like lace collars, are an inspiration for modern Luxembourgish designers.

Popular Luxembourg first names today

Recent naming trends in Luxembourg show a mix of international favourites and regional classics.

Male names in Luxembourg

Leo	Leo is of Latin origin and means Lion. Leo is often used as a nickname for Leonardo, Leon, and Leopold.
Gabriel	Gabriel is of Hebrew origin, which means God Is My Strength.
Noah	Noah is a name of Hebrew origin that means Rest, Peace.
Jayden	Jayden is a name of American origin that means Form of Jaden.
Matteo	Matteo or Matheo is of Italian origin, which means Gift Of God.
Elias	Elias or Elijah is of English origin, which means The Lord Is My God.
Enzo	Enzo is a name of Italian origin and is a short form of Lorenzo.

List of female names in Luxembourg

Emma	Emma is of German origin and is from the Germanic word "ermen" which means "whole" or "universal".
Olivia	Olivia is a name of English origin and is connected to Olive.
Sofia/Sophia	Sofia is a name of Spanish origin that means Wisdom. There are many variations of the spelling of Sofia or Sophia throughout the world.
Eva	Eva is of Hebrew origin, which means Giver Of Life.
Mia	Mia is many times considered a short form of Maria, and in Hebrew it means "bitter".
Zoe	Zoe is of Greek origin, which means Life.
Inaya	Inaya is of Arabic origin, which means Solicitude; Concern; Care.

These names align with broader European trends, though Luxembourg also retains some unique traditional names.

A Blend of old and new

Luxembourg’s names—whether first names, surnames, or even clothing terms—tell a story of cultural exchange and historical evolution. While modern names like Leo and Emma dominate today, traditional names still hold nostalgic value. Meanwhile, Luxembourgish last names offer clues to family trades, origins, and even noble connections.