In modern parlance, Dutch refers to the people and language of the Netherlands, not Germany. According to the Oxford dictionary, the use of Dutch to reference Germany/German people is archaic. These days, the word is more often applied to people from the Netherlands (sometimes mistakenly called Holland), as well as to the language spoken there. In the USA, people of Nederlands/Hollander ancestry may use it to apply to themselves.Some confusion about the meaning of the word Dutch could come from the term "Pennsylvania Dutch", which is used to describe the Frankish offshoot language spoken by the Amish. The Amish are an Anabaptist group, loosely organised into communities, and are known for seeking traditional lifestyles and avoiding modern conveniences like technology, electricity, and cars. They are settled primarily around Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan and a few other states in the USA (and are also found in some other countries).As a name, it would be extremely weird, similar to naming your child "French" or "Japanese". The word references an ethnicity and a language, so isn't name material. Imagine meeting someone who was named "Thai" or "Afrikaans"! I would definitely recommend NEVER using this as a given name. However, it could be an okay nickname for someone of Dutch ancestry.Unfortunately, the term also has some negative connotations with cheapness or dishonesty that would affect the bearer. For example, "going Dutch" or "Dutch treat" refers to paying for your own meal but not paying for your companion's - presumably because the Dutch are so cheap or stingy. The term "in Dutch" means you're in trouble. The term "Dutch Uncle" refers to someone who gives frank, stern advice. This could be a compliment if the person you're referring to actually has the authority or gives good advice, but can be an insult for a busybody who gives unsolicited advice. Of course, on the flip side, some Americans of Nederlands ancestry will say "If you ain't Dutch, you ain't much".
Some confusion about the meaning of the word Dutch could come from the term "Pennsylvania Dutch", which is used to describe the Frankish offshoot language spoken by the Amish. The Amish are an Anabaptist group, loosely organised into communities, and are known for seeking traditional lifestyles and avoiding modern conveniences like technology, electricity, and cars. They are settled primarily around Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan and a few other states in the USA (and are also found in some other countries).
As a name, it would be extremely weird, similar to naming your child "French" or "Japanese". The word references an ethnicity and a language, so isn't name material. Imagine meeting someone who was named "Thai" or "Afrikaans"! I would definitely recommend NEVER using this as a given name. However, it could be an okay nickname for someone of Dutch ancestry.
Unfortunately, the term also has some negative connotations with cheapness or dishonesty that would affect the bearer. For example, "going Dutch" or "Dutch treat" refers to paying for your own meal but not paying for your companion's - presumably because the Dutch are so cheap or stingy. The term "in Dutch" means you're in trouble. The term "Dutch Uncle" refers to someone who gives frank, stern advice. This could be a compliment if the person you're referring to actually has the authority or gives good advice, but can be an insult for a busybody who gives unsolicited advice. Of course, on the flip side, some Americans of Nederlands ancestry will say "If you ain't Dutch, you ain't much".