Gijs

Gijs is a Dutch masculine given name. In contemporary use it is often a standalone name, but it has historically served as a short form of longer Dutch names such as Gijsbert and Gijsbrecht. The name is most common in the Netherlands and, to a lesser extent, in Flanders. It is primarily male in usage, with female occurrences being rare.

Etymology and origin are linked to Germanic roots. Gijs is associated with the element gisil, meaning “pledge” or “hostage,” combined with berht, meaning “bright.” Through its longer forms, the name has deep medieval roots in Dutch naming traditions, and today Gijs is widely used independently rather than only as a nickname.

Variants and related forms include the longer names Gijsbert and Gijsbrecht, from which Gijs originated as a familiar form. The name has a distinctly Dutch character and is commonly perceived as a traditional, yet contemporary, choice in the Dutch-speaking world.

Notable people named Gijs include Gijs Bakker, a Dutch designer and artist known for his work in jewelry and product design; Gijs van Lennep, a Dutch racing driver who achieved prominence in endurance motorsport; and Gijs Naber, a Dutch actor known for film and television roles. The name is well established in the Netherlands, reflected in its continued use among succeeding generations.