Germany is a nation of deep culture and natural beauty and the homeland of some of the greatest minds in history. A German name holds power and influence like few others. On this page, you will find lists of common German names and meanings and German baby names for boys and girls ordered by theme.
German Names and Meanings
A German name can sound quite familiar to English speakers yet still hold itself as being uniquely German. These names can be charming, intense, and fascinating. Common themes found in German names include Biblical figures due to the historic influence Christianity had in Germany, references to pre-Christian cultural references, and ancient names of geographic locations that once announced a German’s origins. These names are often associated with German stereotypes such as efficiency and love of structure, along with an association with the brilliant minds Germany has produced throughout history.
German names are unique in their diverse tones and impressions, which can range from gentle to harder sounds. German words have ancient roots that originate in Central Europe and reflect the region’s linguistic diversity. While we speak of German as one language, it includes several dialects that have survived the test of time and are sometimes unintelligible to one another. Germanic names have spread throughout the English-speaking world, creating a mutual cultural exchange that has brought non-Germanic originating names to Germany. This page presents curated lists of common German names in use and German names sorted by theme.
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Top 100 German Names
This list of common German names and their meanings combines traditional and modern influences. Many of these have long-standing traditions and are popular baby names for German parents.
Female Names | Male Names |
|---|---|
| Ursula – Little bear | Wolfgang – Wolf path |
| Claudia – Lame, enclosure | Klaus – People’s victory |
| Martina – Warlike, dedicated to Mars | Jürgen – Earth worker |
| Sabine – Woman of the Sabine people | Hans – God is gracious |
| Renate – Reborn | Frank – Free or truthful |
| Helga – Holy, blessed | Johannes – God is gracious |
| Brigitte – Exalted, lofty | Uwe – Inheritance, possession |
| Angelika – Messenger of God | Karl – Free man |
| Gabriele – God is my strength | Heinz – Home of the king |
| Christine – Follower of Christ | Reinhard – Brave counsel |
| Petra – Rock, stone | Tobias – God is good |
| Monika – Advisor or Hermit | Daniel – God is my judge |
| Elke – Noble | Bernd – Brave as a bear |
| Frieda – Peace | Jochen – Established by God |
| Heidi – Noble kind | Christoph – Christ-bearer |
| Birgit – The exalted one | Dieter – People’s ruler |
| Karin – Pure | Manfred – Man of peace |
| Elisabeth – God is my oath | Reinhold – Counselor, advisor |
| Ingrid – Ing is beautiful | Helmut – Courageous protector |
| Erika – Eternal ruler | Georg – Earthworker or farmer |
| Christa – Christian, follower of Christ | Heinrich – Home of the king |
| Barbara – Foreign woman | Sebastian – Venerable or revered |
| Gisela – Pledge, hostage | Christian – Follower of Christ |
| Heike – Ruler of the home | Oliver – Old German for elf warrior |
| Marianne – Wished-for child and grace | Rolf – Famous wolf |
| Hannelore – Grace and God is my light | Andreas – Manly or masculine |
| Waltraud – Ruler, strength | Martin – Warlike |
| Ute – Wealth, prosperity | Markus – Dedicated to Mars |
| Gertrud – Spear of strength | Stefan – Crown |
| Sabrina – From the River Severn | Matthias – Gift of God |
| Stefanie – Crowned in victory | Friedrich – Peaceful ruler |
| Silke – Blind | Erwin – Friend of the sea |
| Margot – Pearl | Norbert – Northern brightness |
| Susanne – Lily | Michael – Who is like God? |
| Annegret – Grace and pearl | Rüdiger – Famous spear |
| Anja – Grace | Maximilian – Greatest |
| Jutta – Jewess | Ernst – Serious |
| Kirsten – Christian, follower of Christ | Willi – Will-helmet |
| Beate – Blessed, happy | Joachim – Established by God |
| Doris – Gift | Philipp – Lover of horses |
| Ulrike – Mistress of all | Ulrich – Prosperity and power |
| Roswitha – Horse strength | Harald – Leader of the army |
| Hilda – Battle | Benjamin – Son of the right hand |
| Astrid – Divinely beautiful | Peter – Stone or rock |
| Katarina – Pure | Jens – God is gracious |
| Eva – Life | Felix – Lucky or successful |
| Juliane – Youthful, downy | Anton – Priceless one |
| Edith – Prosperous in war | Werner – Army guard |
| Bettina – God is my oath | Gerhard – Strong spear |
| Gudrun – God’s secret lore | Florian – Flourishing |
| Ilse – God is my oath | Konrad – Brave counsel |
| Annette – Grace | Alexander – Defender of men |
| Johanna – God is gracious | Siegfried – Victory peace |
| Jacqueline – Supplanter | Horst – Wood, forest |
| Sophie – Wisdom | Thomas – Twin |
| Lena – Torch or moon | Gustav – Staff of the gods |
| Emma – Universal | Hermann – Army man |
| Lisa – God is my oath | Dietmar – Famous people |
| Franziska – Free one | Simon – He has heard |
| Sarah – Princess | Albert – Noble and bright |
| Laura – Laurel | Dirk – Ruler of the people |
| Charlotte – Free man | Otto – Wealth, fortune |
| Hannah – Grace | Arnold – Eagle power |
| Antonia – Priceless one | Egon – Edge of a sword |
| Andrea – Manly, brave | Rudolf – Fame-wolf |
| Isabella – God is my oath | Alois – Famous warrior |
| Theresa – Summer or Harvester | Hugo – Mind, intellect |
| Alexandra – Defender of mankind | Leon – Lion |
| Annika – Grace | Bruno – Brown |
| Katja – Pure | Richard – Powerful, brave ruler |
| Verena – True | Herbert – Bright army |
| Anke – Grace | Jakob – Supplanter |
| Christina – Christian, follower of Christ | Gottfried – God’s peace |
| Dorothea – Gift of God | Leopold – Bold people |
| Regina – Queen | Albrecht – Noble and bright |
| Marlene – From the high tower | Edmund – Wealth protector |
| Sandra – Defender of mankind | Karl-Heinz – Free man and Home of the king |
| Nina – Grace | Wilhelm – Will-helmet |
| Julia – Youthful | Theodor – Gift of God |
| Melanie – Dark, black | Holger – Island spear |
| Sonja – Wisdom | Ludwig – Famous warrior |
| Carina – Beloved | Hanno – Gift from God |
| Tina – Follower of Christ | Emil – Rival |
| Nicole – Victory of the people | Ferdinand – Bold voyager |
| Jessica – God beholds | Moritz – Dark-skinned |
| Diana – Divine | Gunter – Battle warrior |
| Jennifer – Fair one | Eckhard – Edge of a sword |
| Vanessa – Butterfly | Gerd – Strong spear |
| Miriam – Sea of bitterness or rebellion | Lutz – Famous warrior |
| Patricia – Noble, patrician | Winfried – Friend of peace |
| Monique – Advisor | Timo – Honoring God |
| Denise – Follower of Dionysus | Hubert – Bright heart/mind/spirit |
| Stephanie – Crowned in victory | Siegmund – Victorious protector |
| Simone – He who hears | Reiner – Pure or well-advised |
| Marion – Bitter or sea of bitterness | Detlef – People heritage |
| Carmen – Song | Eberhard – Strong asa boar |
| Kathrin – Pure | Volker – People’s guard |
| Beatrice – Bringer of joy | Hartmut – Strong-spirited |
| Judith – Woman of Judea | Hannes – God is gracious |
| Lina – Tender | Johann – God is gracious |
Unique German Names
Check out this list of unique German names for a name guaranteed to catch interest. Here you will find names with a refreshing twist on traditional naming conventions that showcase originality and character.
Female Names | Male Names |
|---|---|
| Alicia – Noble | Alaric – Ruler of all |
| Annalise – Graceful light | Attila – Little father |
| Ariana – Very holy | Barrett – Bear strength |
| Bianca – White, fair | Bauer – Farmer |
| Brunhilde – Armored warrior woman | Bertram – Bright raven |
| Cara – Friend | Boden – Shelter; One who brings news |
| Carlotta – Free man | Bodo – To command |
| Celia – Heavenly | Carl – Free man |
| Clara – Clear, bright, famous | Carsten – Christian |
| Davina – Beloved | Decker – Roofer |
| Dua – Prayer | Derek – People’s ruler |
| Eliza – God is my oath | Emerson – Son of Emery |
| Elodie – Foreign wealth | Emmett – Universal |
| Enya – Kernel | Eric – Eternal ruler |
| Estelle – Star | Everett – Brave as a wild boar |
| Freda – Peaceful ruler | Ewald – Law-powerful |
| Frederica – Peaceful ruler | Frederick – Peaceful ruler |
| Frida – Peace | Fritz – Peaceful ruler |
| Gertrude – Spear of strength | Gerhardt – Strong spear |
| Greta – Pearl | Gregor – Watchful, alert |
| Harriet – Home ruler | Günther – Battle warrior |
| Helena – Bright, shining light | Hansel – God is gracious |
| Henriette – Ruler of the home | Harlan – Rocky land or hare land |
| Hertha – Strong, powerful | Hartwig – Strong in battle |
| Hildegard – Battle fortress | Henning – Ruler of the home |
| Isa – Ice, iron | Henrik – Home ruler |
| Juliana – Youthful | Hilmar – Famous protector |
| Karoline – Free man | Ingolf – Ing’s wolf |
| Katrin – Pure | Jan – God is gracious |
| Kleo – Glory | Jannis – God is gracious |
| Lana – Rock | Jörn – Farmer |
| Layla – Night | Justus – Just, righteous |
| Leia – Weary | Karsten – Christian |
| Leni – Torch, or moon | Kellan – Powerful |
| Lia – Weary | Kellen – Slender |
| Liesel – God is my oath | Keller – Cellar |
| Lilia – Lily | Kian – Ancient |
| Liliana – Lily | Kiefer – Barrel maker |
| Lilith – Of the night | Klaas – Victory of the people |
| Lotta – Free man | Knut – Knot |
| Luise – Famous warrior | Kurt – Courteous, polite |
| Madeleine – High tower or woman from Magdala | Lars – Laurel |
| Magdalena – Woman from Magdala | Leif – Heir, descendant |
| Maja – Nurse, mother, goddess | Levin – Joined, attached |
| Mariam – Bitter or sea of bitterness | Wolf – A man of courage and cunning |
| Marina – From the sea | Luther – People army |
| Mathilda – Battle-mighty | Marc – Warlike |
| Maude – Mighty in battle | Marcus – Dedicated to Mars |
| Mila – Gracious | Mats – Gift of God |
| Mira – Peace, world | Niklaus – Victory of the people |
| Nadia – Hope | Nils – Champion or people of victory |
| Naya – New | Oscar – God spear, Gentle friend |
| Noemi – Pleasantness | Otis – Wealthy |
| Nola – White shoulder | Rainer – Deciding warrior |
| Pia – Pious | Ralf – Wolf counsel |
| Ria – River | Ryker – Rich |
| Rune – Secret | Siegbert – Bright victory |
| Selena – Moon | Till – Power of the tribe |
| Soraya – Gem, jewel | Tilman – To till the soil |
| Stella – Star | Ulf – Wolf |
| Thalia – To flourish, to bloom | Ullrich – Prosperity and power |
| Willa – Will, determination | Veit – Life |
| Xandra – Defender of mankind | Walter – Ruler of the army |
| Zelda – Gray battle | Wendel – Wanderer |
| Zelma – Helmet of protection | Wolfram – Wolf raven |
| Zinnia – Zinn’s flower | Xander – Defender of men |
| Zoey – Life | Xerxes – Ruler over heroes |
Cute German Names
This list of cute German names emulates the charming castles and gardens of the German countryside. These names incorporate diminutive or affectionate forms, adding extra cuteness and warmth.
Female Names | Male Names |
|---|---|
| Adele – Noble, kind | Adler – Eagle |
| Amina – Trustworthy, faithful | Andre – Manly, brave |
| Annabelle – Loving and beauty | Archie – Truly brave |
| Ashley – Ash tree meadow | Ari – Eagle or Lion |
| Aurelia – Golden | Benno – Bear |
| Ava – Life, also voice, sound | Bert – Bright raven |
| Bella – Beautiful | Clemens – Merciful, gentle |
| Caitlin – Pure | Danny – God is my judge |
| Carla – Free man | Dario – Upholder of the good |
| Cindy – Moon | Eddy – Rich guard |
| Eda – Wealthy, happy | Emory – Brave, powerful |
| Elyse – God is my oath | Flynn – Son of the red-haired one |
| Emery – Brave, powerful | Freddy – Peaceful ruler |
| Flora – Flower | Fynn – Fair, white |
| Grace – Gracious | Harry – Home ruler |
| Inge – Ing is beautiful | Ingo – Protected by Yngvi |
| Josie – God will add | Kaspar – Treasurer |
| Kai – Sea | Louie – Famed warrior |
| Kaja – Pure, variant of Katherine | Lukas – From Lucania |
| Kimberly – From the wood of the royal forest | Marcel – Little warrior |
| Kristin – Christian | Marten – Warrior of Mars |
| Leona – Lion | Mattes – Gift of God |
| Leonie – Lion | Maxi – Greatest |
| Lili – Lily | Mio – Beautiful, cherry |
| Linnea – Lime tree | Nicko – Victory of the people |
| Lola – Sorrows | Nikolai – Victory of the people |
| Lönna – Light | Noa – Rest, comfort |
| Lorelei – Murmuring rock | Noel – Christmas |
| Lorena – Crowned with laurel | Osman – Divinely protected or God’s servant |
| Lotte – Free man | Petar – Rock |
| Luisa – Famous warrior | Pippin – He who intercedes |
| Maren – Sea | René – Reborn |
| Marla – From the high tower | Rudi – Famous wolf |
| Matilda – Battle-mighty | Sami – Exalted, sublime |
| Melia – Work | Sandro – Defending men |
| Mia – Mine, beloved | Sascha – Defending men |
| Millie – Gentle strength | Tomas – Twin |
| Nia – Bright | Tommi – Twin |
| Saskia – Saxon woman | Torben – Thor’s bear |
| Xena – Guest, stranger | Udo – Wealthy |
| Ziggy – Victorious peace | Wieland – Skilled craftsman |
Beautiful German Names
Here you will find beautiful German names exuding grace and dignity. These names have a harmonious blend of sounds and a captivating allure that will leave a lasting impression.
Female Names | Male Names |
|---|---|
| Agathe – Good | Aldo – Old one, elder |
| Alara – One who brings brightness and happiness | Alphonse – Noble and ready |
| Alma – Nourishing | André – Man, warrior |
| Alva – Elf | Andrea – Manly, brave |
| Amara – Grace, bitter | Baer – Bear |
| Amaya – Night rain | Benedikt – Blessed |
| Anastasia – Resurrection | Björn – Bear |
| Anastasie – Resurrection | Bobby – Famed; bright; shining |
| Benedikta – Blessed | Carlo – Free man |
| Camilla – Young ceremonial attendant | Caspar – Treasurer |
| Carolina – Free man | Darian – Wealthy |
| Catalina – Pure | Eduard – Wealthy guardian |
| Charlotta – Free man | Elio – Sun |
| Chiara – Bright, clear | Erich – Honorable ruler |
| Clarissa – Bright, clear | Frederik – Peaceful ruler |
| Elise – God is my oath | Hans-Peter – God has been gracious and rock, stone |
| Florentine – Flourishing, prosperous | Hartmann – Strong man |
| Freya – Lady | Jeremias – God will uplift |
| Gisele – Hostage, pledge | Josef – He will add |
| Gisella – Hostage, pledge | Karlheinz – Free man and Ruler of the Home |
| Giselle – Hostage, pledge | Kilian – Small, mighty |
| Helene – Torch | Klemens – Merciful, gentle |
| Jasmin – Jasmine flower | Kleo – Glory |
| Jeanette – God is gracious | Konstantin – Constant, steadfast |
| Josephina – He will add | Lasse – Laurel |
| Juna – June | Lio – Lion |
| Karlotta – Free man | Malte – Helmet, protection |
| Karolina – Free man | Manfried – Peaceful strength |
| Katharina – Pure | Manuel – God is with us |
| Katrina – Pure | Marek – Warlike |
| Kira – Lord | Marlon – Little falcon |
| Klara – Bright, clear | Mathis – Gift of God |
| Leandra – Lion man | Maurice – Dark-skinned, Moorish |
| Loralei – Variant of Lorelei, Murmuring rock | Maxim – Greatest |
| Mara – Bitter | Maxime – Greatest |
| Margareta – Pearl | Mika – Who is like God |
| Martha – Lady | Nikita – Unconquerable |
| Millicent – Work strength | Nikolaus – Victory of the people |
| Natalia – Born on Christmas Day | Reinhardt – Brave counsel |
| Ophelia – Help | Roderick – Famous power |
| Rainah – Variant of Reina, Queen | Rollo – Famous in the land |
| Rosemarie – Sea of bitterness, or wished for child | Rune – Secret |
| Sienna – Orange-red | Severin – Stern |
| Svea – Of the Swedes | Simeon – He who hears |
| Tamara – Palm tree | Steffen – Crown |
| Tiana – Princess | Tian – Sky, heaven |
| Tiara – Crown | Tino – Small |
| Tilda – Strength in battle | Waldo – Ruler |
| Valeria – To be strong | Wernher – Defending army |
| Xanthe – Yellow, blonde | Werther – Worthy army |
| Zarah – Princess; to scatter | Wilfried – Desires peace |
Old German Names
These German names harken back to medieval times and combine tradition and ancestry. Old German names have a rich historical and cultural heritage and connect us to a bygone era and offer a glimpse into the past.
Female Names | Male Names |
|---|---|
| Alfonsine – Noble and ready/prompt | Abelard – Noble strength |
| Alice – Of a noble kind | Adalwolf – Noble wolf |
| Alina – Bright, beautiful | Alfred – Elf counsel |
| Antje – Grace, favor | Amos – Carried by God |
| Belinda – Pretty snake or Beautiful linden tree | Ansel – God’s protection |
| Bernadette – Brave as a bear | Anthony – Priceless one |
| Bernadine – Brave as a bear | Armin – Warrior |
| Bertha – Bright, famous | Baldwin – Bold friend |
| Bertina – Bright, shiny | Barduwulf – Bright wolf |
| Constanze – Steadfastness | Bastian – Man of Sebastia |
| Dagmar – Day’s glory | Bernard – Brave as a bear |
| Elfriede – Elf power | Bernhard – Brave as a bear |
| Emeline – Rival; laborious; eager | Berthold – Bright ruler |
| Emilia – Rival; laborious; eager | Boris – Fight, short |
| Enna – Sword | Cedric – Bounty |
| Erna – Earnest, serious | Claus – Victory of the people |
| Felicia – Happy, fortunate | Diedrich – Ruler of the people |
| Friederike – Peaceful ruler | Edgar – Wealthy spear |
| Galadriel – Maiden crowned with a radiant garland | Egelbert – Bright edge |
| Geraldine – Ruler with the spear | Gerald – Ruler with the spear |
| Gerda – Enclosure | Gilbert – Bright pledge |
| Gretchen – Pearl | Godfrey – God’s peace |
| Gretel – Pearl | Gottlieb – God’s love |
| Griselda – Gray battle | Hagen – Enclosure |
| Hedwig – Battle, fight | Harmon – Army man |
| Henrike – Home ruler | Harro – Home ruler |
| Ida – Industrious one | Haydn – Heathen |
| Inga – He who is foremost | Hedwig – Battle fight |
| Irene – Peace | Herman – Army man |
| Isabell – God is my oath | Hoover – Owner of a plot of farmland |
| Jana – God is gracious | Horatio – Timekeeper |
| Karen – Pure | Humbert – Bright support |
| Leonora – Compassion; light | Humphrey – Peaceful warrior |
| Margarethe – Pearl | Ingmar – Famous son |
| Marie – Wished-for child | Kai – Rejoice |
| Mathilde – Mighty in battle | Kaiser – Emperor |
| Mechthild – Mighty in battle | Lambert – Land bright |
| Melinda – Sweet or Honey | Lennard – Brave as a lion |
| Nelly – Bright, shining one | Leonidas – Lion’s son |
| Olga – Holy, blessed | Lian – The graceful willow |
| Philomena – Lover of strength | Ludolf – Famous wolf |
| Romy – Dew of the sea | Maynard – Hardy, brave |
| Rosalie – Rose | Melvin – Gentle lord |
| Silvia – From the forest | Olaf – Ancestor’s descendant |
| Theda – Gift of God | Patrick – Noble, patrician |
| Trudy – Spear of strength | Ragnar – Judgement warrior |
| Victoria – Victory | Reimund – Protector counselor |
| Wanda – Shepherdess; wanderer | Roland – Famous land |
| Wilhelmina – Resolute protector | Rudolph – Famous wolf |
| Wilma – Resolute protection | Sigmund – Victorious protector |
| Wilmer – Resolute or famous desire | Thorsten – Thor’s stone |
| Ylva – She-wolf | Walt – Army ruler |
| Yvonne – Yew, archer | Walton – Town of the Welsh |
Cool German Names
If you want to fit in at Berlin’s most popular nightclubs, this list is for you. With strong sounds and sleek phonetics, these edgy names will promote a cool and confident image.
Female Names | Male Names |
|---|---|
| Alba – Dawn | Axel – Father of peace |
| Amalia – Work | Baron – Nobleman |
| Anouk – Grace | Berlin – Name of the capital city of Germany |
| Axel – Father of peace | Bronson – Son of the brown-haired one |
| Aya – Bird | Conrad – Brave counsel |
| Azra – Pure; Virgin | Corrado – Brave counsel |
| Berlin – After the city Berlin; means Swamp | Cort – Courteous, courtly |
| Clea – Glory | Dolph – Noble wolf |
| Daniela – God is my judge | Dominik – Lord |
| Dora – Gift | Drexel – To turn |
| Eliana – God has answered | Gatsby – God’s boy or God is sweet |
| Ella – All; completely; fairy maiden | Gunnar – Battle warrior |
| Elsa – God’s promise; God is my oath | Jesper – Treasurer |
| Emerson – Son of Emery | Jeter – Thrower |
| Jette – Jet black | Kalman – Strong and mighty |
| Keller – Cellar | Keno – Bold advisor |
| Lara – Citadel | Marz – March |
| Livia – Envious | Ole – Ancestor’s descendent |
| Luna – Moon | Rainier – Deciding warrior |
| Marika – Bitter | Saxon – Sword man |
| Maxi – Greatest | Thilo – People’s ruler |
| Nele – Horn or Sun ray | Thorin – Norse god Thor, Thunder |
| Nika – Victory of the people | Tiago – Supplanter |
| Rainier – Deciding warrior | Truman – Faithful man |
| Samira – Companion in evening conversation | Wilbur – Wild boar and strong, bright |
| Sascha – Defender of mankind | Wulf – Wolf |
| Steffi – Garland, Crown | Xaver – New house |
| Thea – Goddess; godly | Xaverius – Form of Xaver, New house |
| Tilly – Mighty in battle | Zayn – Beauty, grace |
| Wilda – Untamed; wild | Ziggy – Victorious protection |
Unusual German Names
We hand-picked the quirkiest and most attention-grabbing names for this list of unusual German names. These will allow parents to embrace their creativity and help their children stand out and celebrate their individuality.
Female Names | Male Names |
|---|---|
| Agatha – Good | Adelbert – Noble, bright |
| Agnes – Pure, holy | Alban – White, fair |
| Amira – Princess | Amaury – Work power |
| Amory – Industrious leader | Arno – Eagle, power |
| Anna-Lena – Grace and beautiful, light | Artur – Bear |
| Anni – Grace | Aslan – Lion |
| Annike – Grace | Auberon – Noble bear |
| Ayla – Oak tree, halo | Aurel – Golden |
| Bärbel – Foreign woman | Bendix – Blessed |
| Bluma – Flower | Cord – Bold counsel |
| Cataleya – A type of orchid | Emmerich – Power |
| Celine – Heavenly | Engel – Angel |
| Cynthia – Woman from Kynthos | Fiete – Peaceful ruler |
| Dalia – Destiny, fate | Garold – Spear ruler |
| Dörte – Gift of God | Guido – Wood, wide |
| Elina – Torch; bright light | Ilya – Jehovah is God |
| Ellen – Light | Ivo – Yew |
| Finja – Finn’s woman | Jannik – God is gracious |
| Fritzi – Peaceful ruler | Kasimir – Proclamation of peace |
| Ina – Pure | Kiano – God is gracious |
| Isobella – Devoted to God | Kord – Bold counsel |
| Kirstin – Christian | Lias – God is my help |
| Letizia – Joy, gladness | Linus – Flaxen-haired |
| Liesl – God’s promise | Lorenz – From Laurentum |
| Lora – Bay laurel | Malik – King |
| Mariella – Bitter sea or Star of the sea | Manu – Bird |
| Medina – City of the Prophet | Miran – Peace |
| Mieke – Bitter | Miro – Peace, world |
| Mika – Beautiful fragrance | Mischa – Who is like God? |
| Milena – Love, warmth, grace | Nael – First light of the sun |
| Mitzi – Bitter | Pepe – God will add |
| Nadine – Hope | Piet – Rock |
| Nour – Light | Raffael – God has healed |
| Sila – Universe | Sepp – God will add |
| Una – One | Serge – Servant |
| Vala – Chosen | Urban – From the city |
| Viola – Violet | Waldemar – Famous ruler |
| Xenia – Hospitality | Wenzel – More glory |
| Zehra – Flower, blossom | Younes – Dove |
Strong German Names
German names incorporate bold sounds and syllables, enhancing their strength and authority. If you want to make a strong impact, these names have a commanding presence and inspire confidence and strength.
Female Names | Male Names |
|---|---|
| Adette – Sweet or noble | Arian – Very holy |
| Amelie – Hardworking; industrious | Arne – Eagle |
| Anisa – Friendly | Bader – Bath attendant |
| Anita – Grace | Baldemar – Bold and renowned |
| Anneliese – Graced with God’s bounty | Ben – Son |
| Auguste – Great, magnificent | Bennet – Blessed |
| Britta – Strength or Exalted one | Bosse – Divine |
| Chantal – Stone or singer | Brandt – Firebrand, torch, sword |
| Elenor – Shining light or God is my light | Brant – Firebrand, torch, sword |
| Eleonora – Sun ray, shining light | Braun – Brown |
| Emmeline – Work | Brenner – One who burns or sets fires |
| Frederike – Peaceful ruler | Darrick – People’s ruler |
| Grete – Pearl | Dierk – Variant of Dirk, People’s ruler |
| Gretta – Pearl | Dietrich – Ruler of the people |
| Hailey – Hay’s meadow | Dwight – Blond or white |
| Hanna – Grace or Favor | Elias – Jehovah is God |
| Jonna – God is gracious | Franz – Free man |
| Josephine – Jehovah increases | Frederic – Peaceful ruler |
| Karla – Free man | Hans-Peter – God is gracious and Stone |
| Karsten – Christian | Hauke – Mind, spirit |
| Käthe – Pure | Helmuth – Brave protector |
| Klarissa – Bright, clear, famous | Hendrik – Home ruler |
| Lea – Weary | Hildebrand – Battle sword |
| Leyla – Night | Ingram – Angel raven |
| Magda – Woman from Magdala | Isaak – He will laugh |
| Malia – Bitter or Sea of bitterness | Jarrell – Spear servant |
| Malika – Queen | Joost – Just, fair |
| Mandy – Worthy of love | Jürg – Farmer |
| Marlena – From Magdala | Kaan – Prince, ruler |
| Melina – Honey | Klaus-Peter – Victory of the people and Stone |
| Michaela – Who is like God? | Kolman – Dove |
| Mona – Noble good | Kurtis – Courteous, polite |
| Nala – Successful | Leonard – Brave lion |
| Nora – Honor or light | Lothar – Famous army |
| Odetta – Melody | Luca – Light |
| Paula – Small, humble | Marco – Warlike |
| Paulina – Small | Markell – Warlike |
| Pauline – Small | Martell – Hammer |
| Rebekah – To tie, bind | Marx – Of Mars the god of war, warlike |
| Rita – Pearl | Max – Greatest |
| Runa – Secret lore | Nicolas – Victory of the people |
| Ruth – Companion, friend | Niklas – Victory of the people |
| Selina – Moon | Oskar – God’s spear |
| Sigrid – Victory, wisdom, and beautiful | Rasmus – Beloved |
| Sophia – Wisdom | Richmond – Rich hill |
| Tanja – Fairy princess | Thore – Thunder |
| Veronika – True image | Tillmann – Mighty in battle |
| Viktoria – Victory | Valentin – Health, love |
| Vivien – Alive | Wagner – Wagonmaker |
| Yara – Small butterfly | Walden – Valley of the Welsh |
| Zoe – Life | Wendell – Wanderer |
Rare German Names
If you are looking for a distinctive name, these rare German names sound unique and exclusive. Many are steeped in tradition and history, distinguishing them from popular naming trends.
Female Names | Male Names |
|---|---|
| Adalee – God is my refuge; noble one | Achim – God will establish |
| Adelheid – Noble sort | Adalbert – Noble and bright |
| Adler – Eagle | Alwin – Elf friend |
| Aisha – Living, prosperous | Anselm – God’s helmet |
| Alena – Torch or beautiful | Ansgar – God’s spear |
| Alica – Noble sort | Arndt – Eagle ruler |
| Almira – Princess | Aurik – Golden king |
| Alya – Sky, heaven, loftiness | Baldur – Prince |
| Amelina – Hardworking | Barni – Son of comfort |
| Amilia – Variant of Amelia, Industrious | Berend – Brave like a bear |
| Annalena – Grace and beautiful, light | Berndt – Variant of Berend, Brave like a bear |
| Beatrix – She who brings happiness | Burkhard – Strong as a castle |
| Berta – Bright, famous | Carste – Variant of Karsten, Christian |
| Christiane – Follower of Christ | Dagobert – Bright day |
| Clotilda – Famous battle | Danilo – God is my judge |
| Corinna – Maiden | Dankward – Guardian of thought |
| Cornelia – Horn | Dedrick – Variant of Dietrich, Ruler of the people |
| Daria – Wealthy or Maintains possessions well | Diederich – Variant of Dietrich, Ruler of the people |
| Druella – Unknown origin and meaning | Diethelm – People’s helmet |
| Ebba – Strong or wild boar | Eckbert – Edge bright |
| Ela – Oak tree | Eckhart – Edge hard |
| Elin – Light | Einar – One warrior or Warrior alone |
| Elissa – God is my oath | Engelbert – Bright angel |
| Emmi – Universal, whole | Eugen – Well-born, noble |
| Enrika – Home ruler | Evert – Strong as a boar |
| Evelina – Life | Falk – Falcon |
| Florentia – Flourishing, prosperous | Friedemann – Peace man |
| Freeda – Peaceful ruler | Friedhelm – Peace helmet |
| Giulia – Youthful | Friedhold – Peaceful ruler |
| Heidemarie – Noble-natured; Star of the sea | Gerold – Spear ruler |
| Helma – Protection | Gerolf – Spear wolf |
| Hermine – Army man | Gerrit – Brave with the spear |
| Hildegarde – Battle fortress | Gotthard – God-hard |
| Iva – God is gracious | Guntram – War raven |
| Jolina – Yahweh is gracious, pretty | Hans-Günther – God is gracious and Warrior |
| Jule – Youthful or Downy | Hans-Jürgen – God is gracious and Earth-worker |
| Kalea – Joy | Hanspeter – God is gracious and Stone |
| Lani – Heaven, sky, royal, majesty | Harman – Soldier |
| Larissa – Cheerful, joyful | Heiko – Home ruler |
| Layan – Soft, gentle | Heino – Home leader |
| Lenore – Light | Hennes – Home ruler |
| Leopoldine – Bold people | Hilbert – Bright battle |
| Liana – To bind, twine | Jörg – Variant of George, Earth-worker or farmer |
| Liara – Light | Jost – Just or fair |
| Lieselotte – God’s promise; Little | Karlmann – Man |
| Liya – I am the Lord’s | Klaus-Dieter – Victory of the people |
| Liyana – Softness, tenderness | Leano – Lion |
| Malak – Angel | Ludger – Famous spear |
| Malina – Raspberry | Mailo – Gracious |
| Margarete – Pearl | Marius – Male, virile |
| Marisa – Of the sea | Meinhard – Strength, hardiness |
| Maritza – Of the sea | Merlin – Sea fortress |
| Melek – Angel | Milas – Gracious |
| Merle – Blackbird | Mirko – Peaceful glory |
| Milana – Grace, dear | Odie – Woad hill |
| Nayla – Winner, go-getter | Oswald – God’s power |
| Nevaeh – Heaven spelled backward | Ottmar – Wealthy and famous |
| Nila – Sapphire | Raimund – Protecting hands |
| Noelia – Birth | Rolf-Dieter – Fame wolf and Ruler of the people |
| Olinda – Fragrant | Sieghard – Victory brave |
| Ramona – Protecting hands | Silvester – Wooded, wild |
| Ronja – Bringer of victory | Thorben – Thunder bear |
| Rosamund – Rose of the world | Timon – Honoring God or To fear God |
| Salma – Peaceful, safe | Timur – Iron |
| Salome – Peace | Torsten – Thor’s stone |
| Sena – This world’s beauty or grace | Umut – Hope |
| Tala – Gold | Viktor – Conqueror |
| Winola – Charming friend | Wetzel – The wanderer |
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- → See all Names by Nationality ~ Start Here
Names of Famous German Men and Women
Oskar Schindler was a factory operator who used his business acumen to save the lives of over a thousand people during the Holocaust. He paid bribes and hid workers to prevent their deportation and murder. The movie Schindler’s List recounted the courageous acts. The name Oskar has German, Scandinavian, and Irish roots and means ‘God’s spear.’
Ludwig van Beethoven is considered one of history’s greatest composers and pianists. Many of his symphonies and sonatas are still played and recognized to this day, and he is credited as one of the most significant influences in Western music. The name Ludwig is from the proto-Germanic language and means ‘famous warrior.’
Johannes Gutenberg invented the portable metal press, which used movable parts to copy letters and punctuation marks on paper. This was the first portable press in Europe and revolutionized information accessibility. Johannes is the German form of a Greek name that means ‘God is gracious.’
Carl Friedrich Gauss, a physicist, and mathematician, is considered by many to be one of the greatest mathematical minds in history. He invented the heliotrope, used it for creating geographic surveys, and proved several mathematical theorems. Carl is of North Germanic origin and means ‘free man.’
Hildegard of Bingen was a German Benedictine abbess and polymath active as a writer, composer, philosopher, mystic, visionary, medical writer, and practitioner during the High Middle Ages. Hildegard is derived from the Old German word hild, meaning ‘war’ or ‘battle.’
References
For more information, the popular German baby name site, Beliebte Vornamen publishes information on German baby names and serves as a good local resource. You can also find information regarding illegal German baby names and illegal German name case law on the German Missions website.
