Known for its technological achievements, Germany is the most industrialized country in Europe as well as the country in Europe with the largest population, with some of the most famous European composers, philosophers, and poets being from Germany.
Germanic names are usually composed of a family name preceded by more than one first name given by the parents. Many feminine, masculine, and unisex names of Germanic origin are used in Germany as well as German-speaking Switzerland and Austria.
Similar to English, the German alphabet consists of 26 letters, although the German language also includes three umlauted vowels (ä, ö and ü) and combined letters.
If you want a German name for your son or daughter, the list of common German names below will help you find the right name. The list does not just contain names with Old High German roots, but Greek or Hebrew roots as well, helping you to find the right name for your needs.
If you are currently looking for the best German name for your darling, you might find inspiration with us!
Traditional German Names For Boys
If you give your child a traditional German first name, you are definitely not doing anything wrong. The most popular German first names often have a religious background and come from Old German, Scandinavian, Celtic etc.
In addition to being popular in German-speaking countries, this spelling is also popular in French-, Polish- and English-speaking areas and is utilized as a family name.
Famous Persons:
Known for being one of the best physicists of all time, Albert Einstein was a theoretical physicist from Germany.
2. Alfred
How to pronounce:
AL’-fred
Origin:
Old German Alfrad
Meaning:
Nature spirit and counselor
Female version of the name:
Alfreda
Alternative spelling:
Alf, Fred, Freddy, Fredi
Variations in other languages:
Alfredo (Italian)
Interesting Facts:
The English version of this name originated from the British Isles largely because of the legacy of Alfred the Great among other things. The English version later found its way into Germany.
Famous Persons:
Alfred Biolek was an entertainer and television producer from Germany.
3. Alois
How to pronounce:
AH-lois
Origin:
Old German Alawis
Meaning:
Very wise
Female version of the name:
Aloisa
Alternative spelling:
Aloys, Aloisius
Variations in other languages:
Lojzo (Slovak), Alajos (Hungarian)
Interesting Facts:
This name is widespread in Bavarian.
Famous Persons:
Alois Senefelder, from Germany, invented lithography in the 1790s.
4. Anselm
How to pronounce:
AN-sel’m
Origin:
Old German Ansehelm
Meaning:
Standing under the protection of the gods
Female version of the name:
Anselma
Alternative spelling:
Anshelm, Anselmus, Ancel, Ansel
Famous Persons:
Anselm Kiefer is a German mixed-media.
5. Arnold
How to pronounce:
AH-nold
Origin:
Old German
Meaning:
Eagle and power
Alternative spelling:
Arne, Arno, Arni, Arnie, Noldi
Interesting Facts:
The -nold component of this name may have a different origin.
Famous Persons:
Arnold Schönhage is a German computer scientist and mathematician.
6. Arthur
How to pronounce:
AR-toor
Origin:
Celtic Arto
Meaning:
Bear
Alternative spelling:
Artur, Art, Arti, Turl
Variations in other languages:
Arturo (Italian)
Interesting Facts:
King Arthur was a legendary figure who led Britain in the 5th and 6th centuries [1].
Famous Persons:
Arthur Schopenhauer was a significant philosopher from Germany.
7. Arwed
How to pronounce:
AR-weed
Origin:
Old Norse Arnviðr
Meaning:
Eagle and forest
Alternative spelling:
Arwid
Famous Persons:
Arwed Messmer is a German artist and photographer.
8. Berthold
How to pronounce:
ber-TOL’D
Origin:
Old German Berhtwald
Meaning:
Bright and power
Alternative spelling:
Bertold, Bertolt, Barthold, Bert, Berti
Variations in other languages:
Bertil (Swedish)
Interesting Facts:
This name had a surge in popularity in the 19th century due to romantic poetry and literature, but it is less common nowadays.
Famous Persons:
Berthold Auerbach was a German-Jewish influential novelist and poet.
9. Bruno
How to pronounce:
BROO-noh
Origin:
Old German Brun
Meaning:
Brown
Female version of the name:
Bruna
Interesting Facts:
This name may be a short form of other names containing the element brun-, such as Brunold.
Famous Persons:
Bruno Cassirer was a German publisher and gallery owner who also bred horses.
10. Burkhard
How to pronounce:
BOOK-hard
Origin:
Old German
Meaning:
Castle and strong
Alternative spelling:
Burkhart, Butz, Busso
Interesting Facts:
This name’s name day is the 14th of October, commemorating the eponymous bishop of Würzburg.
Famous Persons:
Burkhard König is a German professor and organic chemist.
11. Detlef
How to pronounce:
DET-lef
Origin:
Old German Theotleip
Meaning:
Son of the people
Alternative spelling:
Detlev, Detlefchen, Detlevchen, Delf, Det, Detti, Detty, Dimo
Variations in other languages:
Detlof (Swedish)
Interesting Facts:
This name is less common nowadays, but had great popularity in the early to mid 20th century.
Famous Persons:
Detlef Laugwitz was a German historian and mathematician.
This name is analogous to the similar name Dietrich.
Famous Persons:
Dietmar Dath is a German poet, novelist, journalist, and translator.
15. Edgar
How to pronounce:
ED-gar
Origin:
Old English Eadgar
Meaning:
Prosperity and spear
Alternative spelling:
Edo, Eddo, Ede, Edy, Edi, Eddi, Eddie, Edd
Variations in other languages:
Edgardo (Italian)
Famous Persons:
Edgar Julius Jung was a lawyer from Germany.
16. Edmund
How to pronounce:
ED-moond
Origin:
Old English Eadmund
Meaning:
Happy and protect
Alternative spelling:
Edo, Eddo, Ede, Edy, Edi, Eddi, Eddie, Eddy
Variations in other languages:
Edmondo (Italian), Eamon (Irish)
Famous Persons:
Edmund Gustav Albrecht Husserl was a highly influential mathematician who established the philosophical school of phenomenology.
17. Egbert
How to pronounce:
EG-bert
Origin:
Old German Agabert
Meaning:
Blade of a sword and bright
Alternative spelling:
Eckbert, Egino, Egon
Interesting Facts:
This can also be a surname as well as a first name.
Famous Persons:
Egbert Kossak was a German city planner and architect.
18. Elmar
How to pronounce:
EL’-mar
Origin:
Old German Adalmar
Meaning:
Noble and famous
Alternative spelling:
Elimar, Elmi
Interesting Facts:
This is a short form of older Germanic names such as Agilmar and Eilmar.
Famous Persons:
Elmar Jansen was an essayist, author, editor of art history, and art historian from Germany.
19. Emmerich
How to pronounce:
EH-meh-reeh
Origin:
Old German
Meaning:
Rich, powerful ruler
Alternative spelling:
Emmo, Immo
Variations in other languages:
Emery (English), Imre (Hungarian)
Interesting Facts:
This name may be made up from many similar-sounding names.
Famous Persons:
Emmerich Smola was an award-winning conductor from Germany.
20. Erich
How to pronounce:
EH-reeh
Origin:
Old Norse Eiríkr
Meaning:
Eternal ruler
Female version of the name:
Erika
Alternative spelling:
Eric, Erik, Rik
Variations in other languages:
Eiric (Irish)
Interesting Facts:
This name appeared in the German-speaking world in the 19th century.
Famous Persons:
Emil Erich Kästner was an author of satire, poetry, and screenplays.
21. Ewald
How to pronounce:
EH-wald
Origin:
Old German
Meaning:
Infinity and power
Alternative spelling:
Ewaldchen, Ewi, Waldi, Walli, Ewalt
Variations in other languages:
Evaldas (Lithuanian)
Interesting Facts:
This was the name of two 7th-century missionaries who were martyred.
Famous Persons:
Ewald Kluge was a motorcyclist from Germany.
22. Fritz
How to pronounce:
FREETS
Origin:
Old German Frideric
Meaning:
Peace and famous ruler
Female version of the name:
Fritzi
Alternative spelling:
Fritzi
Interesting Facts:
Previously, this name had significant popularity, to the extent that in some places it became synonymous with German people generally. However, nowadays it is less popular.
Stefan is the name of a Saint who is first mentioned in Acts, the fifth book of the New Testament.
Famous Persons:
Stefan Anton George was a German poet and translator.
64. Victor
How to pronounce:
VEEK-tor
Origin:
Latin
Meaning:
Winner
Female version of the name:
Viktoria
Alternative spelling:
Victor, Vik, Vicki, Vicky, Viki, Vico, Wikko
Variations in other languages:
Vittorio (Italian)
Famous Persons:
Victor Klemperer was a German diarist and scholar.
65. Vincent
How to pronounce:
VEEN-sent
Origin:
Latin Vincens
Meaning:
Winning
Female version of the name:
Vincentia
Alternative spelling:
Vinzens, Vinzent, Vinz, Zenz
Interesting Facts:
The name days for this name are December 20th and January 22nd.
Famous Persons:
Vincent Keymer is a chess grandmaster from Germany.
German Names For Boys With Hebrew Origins
A lot of German names have roots in Biblical tradition. Here’s our list of gorgeous German names with origins in Hebrew.
66. Aaron
How to pronounce:
AH-ron
Origin:
Ancient Hebrew אַהֲרוֹן
Meaning:
The name of God is Great
Alternative spelling:
Aron
Interesting Facts:
Aaron was the older brother of Moses in the Old Testament.
Famous Persons:
Arón Piper is a German–Spanish singer and actor.
67. Benjamin
How to pronounce:
BEN-yah-meen
Origin:
Ancient Hebrew בִּנְיָמִן
Meaning:
Son of the second hand
Alternative spelling:
Ben, Benni, Benny, Benne, Beni
Variations in other languages:
Veniamin (Russian)
Interesting Facts:
Benjamin was one of the 12 sons of Jacob in the Old Testament. He was the youngest.
Famous Persons:
Benjamin Bara is an actor from Germany.
68. Daniel
How to pronounce:
DAH-nee-el’
Origin:
Ancient Hebrew דָנִיֵּאל
Meaning:
God is my judge
Female version of the name:
Daniela
Alternative spelling:
Danielchen, Dani, Dan, Danni, Dannie, Dann
Variations in other languages:
Daniil (Russian), Danylo (Ukrainian)
Interesting Facts:
Daniel was an important Old Testament figure who was a seer and interpreter of dreams. He prophesied the apocalypse and that an eternal Kingdom of God would follow.
Famous Persons:
Daniel Brühl is a German-Spanish producer, film director, and actor.
69. David
How to pronounce:
DAH-veed
Origin:
Ancient Hebrew דָּוִיד
Meaning:
Beloved
Variations in other languages:
Davut (Turkish), Daavid (Finnish)
Interesting Facts:
David is one of the most frequently mentioned names throughout the Bible.
Famous Persons:
David Alexander Beckmann is a racing driver from Germany.
70. Elias
How to pronounce:
eh-LEE-as
Origin:
Ancient Hebrew אֱלִיָּהוּ
Meaning:
My God is Yahweh
Alternative spelling:
Elija, Elia Ellis, Eli
Variations in other languages:
Ilya (Russian), Elijah (English)
Interesting Facts:
Elias has only become a popular name in Germany since the start of the 21st century.
Famous Persons:
Elias John Michael Harris is a basketball player from Germany.
71. Gabriel
How to pronounce:
GAH-bree-el’
Origin:
Ancient Hebrew גַּבְרִיאֵל
Meaning:
God’s warrior
Female version of the name:
Gabriela
Alternative spelling:
Gabrielchen, Gabi, Gaby, Gabr
Variations in other languages:
Gavrylo (Ukrainian), Gavriil (Russian)
Interesting Facts:
Association with archangel Gabriel has caused this name to be popular and widespread.
Famous Persons:
Franz Gabriel Welter was an archaeologist from Germany.
72. Gideon
How to pronounce:
GEE-deh-on
Origin:
Ancient Hebrew גִּדְעוֹן
Meaning:
The one who chops away
Alternative spelling:
Gedeon
Interesting Facts:
Judge Gideon is a figure from the Old Testament.
Famous Persons:
Gedeon Burkhard is a German actor.
73. Jakob
How to pronounce:
YAH-kob
Origin:
Ancient Hebrew יַעֲקֹב
Meaning:
Heel-gripping
Female version of the name:
Jakoba
Alternative spelling:
Jacob, Jakobus, Jacobus, Jakobchen, Jaki
Variations in other languages:
Yakov (Russian), Jacobo (Spanish)
Interesting Facts:
Jacob was born holding the heel of his twin brother Esau in the Old Testament.
Famous Persons:
Jakob Busch founded an important European traveling circus of the ‘30s.
74. Johann
How to pronounce:
YOH-an
Origin:
Ancient Hebrew יוֹחָנָן
Meaning:
God is gracious
Female version of the name:
Johanna
Alternative spelling:
Johannes
Variations in other languages:
John (English)
Interesting Facts:
John is considered the favorite disciple of Jesus according to Christian tradition and is considered to be the author of the Gospel of John.
Famous Persons:
Johann Sebastian Bach was a German musician and Baroque composer.
75. Kaspar
How to pronounce:
kas-PAR
Origin:
Persian or Hebrew
Meaning:
Treasurer
Alternative spelling:
Caspar, Kasparchen, Casparchen, Kaspi, Caspi
Interesting Facts:
This is the name of one of the three wise men of the Bible as written in the Gospel of Matthew. Their names were Caspar, Balthazar, and Melchior.
Famous Persons:
Kaspar Brüninghaus was a German radio play announcer and actor.
76. Michael
How to pronounce:
mee-HAH-el’
Origin:
Ancient Hebrew מִיכָאֵל
Meaning:
Who is like God?
Female version of the name:
Michaela
Alternative spelling:
Michel, Michi, Mich
Variations in other languages:
Michail (Russian), Michele (Italian), Miguel (Spanish), Mikko (Finnish)
Interesting Facts:
Michael is a biblical archangel who fights Hell’s dragon and the Devil.
Famous Persons:
Michael Andreas Helmuth Ende was a German fantasy writer and children’s writer.
77. Manuel
How to pronounce:
MAH-noo-el’
Origin:
Ancient Hebrew עִמָּנוּאֵל
Meaning:
God with us
Female version of the name:
Manuela
Alternative spelling:
Immanuel
Interesting Facts:
According to the prophet Isaiah in the Old Testament, Immanuel will be the name of the Messiah.
Famous Persons:
Manuel Peter Neuer is a professional footballer from Germany.
78. Matthias
How to pronounce:
mah-TEE-as
Origin:
Ancient Hebrew מַתִּתְיָהוּ
Meaning:
Gift of God
Alternative spelling:
Matti, Mati, Mathias, Mattis
Variations in other languages:
Mateo (Spanish), Mateusz (Polish)
Interesting Facts:
Matthias is chosen by the apostles to replace Judas Iscariot following his death in the New Testament.
Famous Persons:
Matthias Schweighöfer is a German film director and producer, actor, and voice actor.
79. Simon
How to pronounce:
SEE-mon
Origin:
Ancient Hebrew שִׁמְעוֹן
Meaning:
God has heard
Female version of the name:
Simone
Alternative spelling:
Simeon, Simi, Simmi, Sim, Simönchen, Simchen
Variations in other languages:
Semyon (Russian), Semen (Ukrainian)
Interesting Facts:
The names Simeon and Simon are common throughout the Bible.
Famous Persons:
Simon Raphael Stickl is a freestyle skier from Germany.
80. Samuel
How to pronounce:
SAH-moo-el’
Origin:
Ancient Hebrew שְׁמוּאֵל
Meaning:
God has heard
Alternative spelling:
Samuelchen, Samu, Sam, Samy, Sami
Variations in other languages:
Samuli (Finnish)
Famous Persons:
Samuel Scheidt was a German Baroque composer, teacher, and organist.
81. Thomas
How to pronounce:
TO-mas
Origin:
Ancient Hebrew תאום
Meaning:
Twin
Alternative spelling:
Tom, Tomi, Tomm
Variations in other languages:
Foma (Russian)
Interesting Facts:
The popularity of this name from the Middle Ages derives from the apostle Thomas from the New Testament. He doubted the resurrection of Jesus Christ, leading to the phrase ‘doubting Thomas’ still used today.
Famous Persons:
Thomas Mann was a German writer of essays and novels.
82. Tobias
How to pronounce:
TOH-bee-as
Origin:
Ancient Hebrew טוֹבִיָּהוּ
Meaning:
God is kind
Alternative spelling:
Thobias, Tobiaschen, Tobi, Tobbi, Tobsi, Tobbsi
Interesting Facts:
Tobit is a figure from an apocryphal biblical book. His son Tobias is aided by Gabriel the archangel in healing him from blindness.
Famous Persons:
Tobias Artmeier is an athlete in ice hockey.
Short German Male Names
The following German names are short, have different origins and beautiful meanings.
83. Axel
How to pronounce:
AK-sel’
Origin:
Ancient Hebrew אַבְשָׁלום
Meaning:
My father is peace
Alternative spelling:
Axi
Variations in other languages:
Akseli (Finnish)
Interesting Facts:
In the Tanakh, Absalom (the Hebrew version of this name, which is Scandinavian) is one of the sons of David.
Famous Persons:
Axel Cäsar Springer founded the largest European media publishing firm.
84. Bernd
How to pronounce:
BERNT
Origin:
Old German
Meaning:
Strong Bear
Alternative spelling:
Berndt
Interesting Facts:
This name is an independent short form of the name Bernhard.
Famous Persons:
Bernd Clüver was a singer from Germany.
85. Bodo
How to pronounce:
BOH-doh
Origin:
Old German Boto
Meaning:
Messenger
Alternative spelling:
Botho
Interesting Facts:
Some believe that this name’s origins are in Old Saxon from the word ‘bodo’, meaning master.
Famous Persons:
Bodo Wartke is a highly famous German musician and comedian.
86. Dirk
How to pronounce:
DEERK
Origin:
Old German Theoderic
Meaning:
Famous ruler, famous people
Interesting Facts:
This name is an independent short form of Dietrich.
Famous Persons:
Dirk Nowitzki is the most famous German basketball player [5].
87. Egon
How to pronounce:
EE-gon
Origin:
Old German Egga
Meaning:
Edge of a sword
Alternative spelling:
Egino, Egi, Egonche
Interesting Facts:
This name’s Name Day is on the 15th of July.
Famous Persons:
Egon Eiermann was a prominent post-war architect from Germany.
88. Emil
How to pronounce:
EE-meel’
Origin:
Latin Aemilius
Meaning:
Rival
Female version of the name:
Emilia
Alternative spelling:
Emilchen, Milchen
Variations in other languages:
Eemil (Finnish), Emilio (Spanish)
Interesting Facts:
This name gained popularity following the success of the educational novel Emile ou de L’éducation by Jean Jacques Rousseau, which was spread all over Europe.
Famous Persons:
Emil Ludwig was a German-Swiss journalist and biographer.
89. Finn
How to pronounce:
FEEN
Origin:
Old Norse Finnr
Meaning:
Person from Finland
Alternative spelling:
Fion, Fin
Interesting Facts:
Finn MacCool was an extremely important hero in Irish mythology.
Famous Persons:
Finn Lemke is a handball player from Germany.
90. Franz
How to pronounce:
FRANS
Origin:
Latin Franciscus
Meaning:
French
Female version of the name:
Franziska
Alternative spelling:
Franziskus, Franzi
Variations in other languages:
Francis (English)
Interesting Facts:
This name was popular in the late 18th century in Bavaria and Austria due to confrontations with Napoleon. It remained highly popular in Austria for centuries after this.
Famous Persons:
Franz Kurowski was a German fiction and non-fiction author.
91. Hugo
How to pronounce:
HOO-goh
Origin:
Old German Hugu
Meaning:
Spirit
Variations in other languages:
Hugh (English), Ugo (Italian)
Interesting Facts:
This name’s popularity can be traced back to its use by Frank nobility from the Middle Ages.
Famous Persons:
Hugo Wilhelm Ludwig Kaun was a German conductor, music teacher, and composer.
92. Isak
How to pronounce:
EE-sak
Origin:
Ancient Hebrew יִצְחָק
Meaning:
He will laugh
Alternative spelling:
Isaak, Isaac
Variations in other languages:
Ishak (Turkish)
Interesting Facts:
Isaac was the father of Jacob and son of Abraham in the Bible.
Famous Persons:
Isak Schlockow was a forensic pathologist and physician from Germany.
93. Karl
How to pronounce:
KARL
Origin:
Old German Karal
Meaning:
Free man
Female version of the name:
Karla
Alternative spelling:
Carl, Kalli, Calli, Karlchen, Carlchen
Variations in other languages:
Charles (English), Carlo (Spanish)
Interesting Facts:
Versions of this name may have Old West Norse origins.
Famous Persons:
Karl May was an author from Germany who gained worldwide popularity.
94. Knut
How to pronounce:
KNOOT
Origin:
Old Norse Knútr
Meaning:
Knot
Alternative spelling:
Knud
Variations in other languages:
Nuutti (Finnish)
Interesting Facts:
Some believe the name can be found in the Flateyjarbók version of the Jómsvíkinga saga. It depicts a king who adopts an abandoned child, for whom a knotted valuable cloth is tied to his head.
Famous Persons:
Knut Terjung is a journalist from Germany.
95. Kurt
How to pronounce:
KOORT
Origin:
Old German Kuonrât
Meaning:
The good adviser
Alternative spelling:
Curt, Kurti, Curti
Interesting Facts:
This name is an independent short form of the name Konrad.
Famous Persons:
Kurt Edler was a Green Party politician.
96. Levi
How to pronounce:
LEH-vee
Origin:
Ancient Hebrew לוי
Meaning:
To be connected
Interesting Facts:
This name can be a short form of a Hungarian name, Levente.
Famous Persons:
Levi Strauss was the founder of the Levi-Strauss jean company.
97. Lars
How to pronounce:
LARS
Origin:
Latin Laurentius
Meaning:
From the city of Laurentum
Alternative spelling:
Larsi
Variations in other languages:
Lawrence (English)
Interesting Facts:
The place-name from which this first name is derived may come from the Latin word laurus, meaning laurel.
Famous Persons:
Lars Windhorst is an entrepreneur from Germany.
98. Max
How to pronounce:
MAKS
Origin:
LatinMaximus
Meaning:
The greatest
Alternative spelling:
Maximilian, Maxi
Variations in other languages:
Maksim (Russian), Maksym (Ukrainian)
Interesting Facts:
This name had significant popularity in the early modern period in the region of Danube. It is an independent form of the name Maximillian.
Famous Persons:
Max Ernst was a German graphic artist, poet, painter, and sculptor.
99. Otto
How to pronounce:
OT-toh
Origin:
Old German Odo
Meaning:
Rich
Alternative spelling:
Odo, Oddo, Ottchen, Otti
Interesting Facts:
This name is a short form of names from Old High German which contain ‘Ot’, meaning heritage or possession. It became an independent name in the Middle Ages, along with other short forms such as Hugo and Bodo.
Famous Persons:
Otto Gerhard Waalkes is a musician, actor, and comedian from Germany.
100. Paul
How to pronounce:
POL’
Origin:
Latin Paulus
Meaning:
Modest, small
Female version of the name:
Paula
Alternative spelling:
Paulus, Paulchen, Pauli
Variations in other languages:
Pavel (Russian), Pablo (Spanish), Pavlo (Ukrainian)
Interesting Facts:
From the start of the 21st century, this name has been immensely popular across Germany.
Famous Persons:
Paul Ehrlich was a German physician, scientist, and Nobel Prize winner.
Top 100 German Names For Girls
It can be difficult to decide on the perfect name for your little girl. Fortunately, we have a list of 100 suggestions for you. We hope our list helps and inspires you.
Traditional German Names For Girls
German is a beautiful language with many special options for girls’ names. Have a look at the following traditional German names, which have a variety of interesting origins such as Norse, Old German, and Celtic.
1. Alina
How to pronounce:
ah-LEE-nah
Origin:
Old German Adelheid
Meaning:
Noble
Alternative spelling:
Aline, Alinchen, Lina , Line , Linchen , Ina , Ini, Inchen
Interesting Facts:
This is a short form of the name Adelina, which then became an independent name.
Famous Persons:
Alina Sokar is a film and television actress from Germany.
2. Alberta
How to pronounce:
al’-BER-tah
Origin:
Old German Adalberht
Meaning:
Noble and bright
Male version of the name:
Albert
Alternative spelling:
Ali, Berta, Berti, Bertachen, Bertchen, Albertine
Famous Persons:
Alberta von Puttkamer was a German poet, playwrite, and journalist.
3. Alice
How to pronounce:
ah-LEE-sah
Origin:
Old German Adalheid
Meaning:
Noble
Alternative spelling:
Alix, Alise
Variations in other languages:
Alisa (Russian)
Interesting Facts:
This name became widespread largely due to the publication of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland in 1865 [6].
Famous Persons:
Alice Sophie Schwarzer is a feminist, journalist, publisher of feminist journal EMMA, and columnist from Germany.
This name is inaccurately considered an abbreviation of the name Gertrude from the fairytale The Snow Queen. In Germany, it appeared in the 19th century.
Gertrud Käthe Chodziesner was a Jewish and German writer and lyric poet.
9. Gesine
How to pronounce:
geh-SEEN
Origin:
Old German
Meaning:
Spear of strength
Alternative spelling:
Gesina, Gesinchen, Gesi, Gesa, Sine, Sina, Sinchen
Interesting Facts:
This name is an abbreviated form of the name Gertrud, now used as an independent name.
Famous Persons:
Gesine Schwan is a professor of political science from Germany.
10. Helga
How to pronounce:
HEL;-gah
Origin:
Old Norse
Meaning:
Sacred, holy
Alternative spelling:
Hella, Hela
Variations in other languages:
Olga (Russian)
Interesting Facts:
Helga was one of the most popular names for girls in Germany in the early 20th century.
Famous Persons:
Helga Grebing was a German university professor and historian, who worked on the history of labor movements.
11. Heike
How to pronounce:
HAY-keh
Origin:
Old German Heimerich
Meaning:
Home ruler
Male version of the name:
Heiko
Alternative spelling:
Haike, Hejke, Heyke
Interesting Facts:
From the beginning of the 20th century, this name grew rapidly in popularity. By the mid-20th century, Heike was one of the most common first names for girls. It is a short form of the name Henrike.
Famous Persons:
Heike Makatsch is a German singer, actress, and voice actress.
12. Helma
How to pronounce:
HEL’-mah
Origin:
Old German Helm
Meaning:
Helmet, protection
Alternative spelling:
Hemma
Interesting Facts:
This name is also a last name in Czech.
Famous Persons:
Helma Seitz was a film and television actress from Germany.
13. Hilde
How to pronounce:
HEEL’-de
Origin:
Old German Hild
Meaning:
Battle
Male version of the name:
Hildebert
Alternative spelling:
Hilde, Hildchen, Hildachen, Hildi
Interesting Facts:
Hilde was a legendary figure of the Kudrun, the wife of the King of Hegelingen [7].
Famous Persons:
Hilde Spier was a German journalist and scholar.
14. Ingrid
How to pronounce:
EEN-dreed
Origin:
Old Norse Ingriðr
Meaning:
Consecrated to the the god Ingwio, beloved
Alternative spelling:
Inge, Inga, Ina, Ingi
Variations in other languages:
Inker (Finnish), Ingrida (Slovak)
Interesting Facts:
This name became more popular after the very beginning of the 20th century in Germany.
Famous Persons:
Ingrid van Bergen is a film actress from Germany.
15. Jennifer
How to pronounce:
JEH-nee-fer
Origin:
Celtic or Welsh Gwenhwyfar
Meaning:
One who is fair, white, blessed, or soft
Alternative spelling:
Jenifer
Interesting Facts:
This name is a version of the Welsh name Gwenhwfar. A different version of this name, Guinevere, is borne by King Arthur’s wife.
In Germany, this name was only moderately popular in the 19th century, but it has increased in popularity throughout the first half of the 20th century.
Famous Persons:
Barbara Meier is a German actress, model, and winner of Germany’s Next Top Model.
27. Beate
How to pronounce:
be-AH-teh
Origin:
Latin Beatus
Meaning:
Blessed
Male version of the name:
Beat
Alternative spelling:
Beata, Beatchen, Bea
Interesting Facts:
Beate’s name day is the 8th of April. This date relates to the death of the daughter of Duke Heinrich II, a beloved abbess.
Famous Persons:
Beate Auguste Klarsfeld is a Franco-German journalist who gained notoriety for her investigation into Nazi war criminals.
28. Beatrix
How to pronounce:
be-ah-TREEKS
Origin:
Latin Viatrix
Meaning:
Traveller
Alternative spelling:
Bea, Trix, Trixi, Trixie
Famous Persons:
Beatrix Amelie Ehrengard Eilika von Storch is a German member of parliament.
In Bavaria, there is a short form of this name, Zenzi.
Famous Persons:
Kreszentia Flauger is a left-wing politician from Germany.
43. Laura
How to pronounce:
LAH-oo-rah
Origin:
Latin Laurus
Meaning:
Laurel
Male version of the name:
Laurence
Alternative spelling:
Lauri, Lala, Lalli
Variations in other languages:
Lauren (English), Lauretta (Italian)
Interesting Facts:
This name has enjoyed immense popularity in part due to the post Francesco Petrarca, who, in the Middle Ages, wrote love poetry about an unattainable lover named Laura which enjoyed lasting popularity throughout Europe.
Famous Persons:
Laura Berlin (born 1990) is an actress and model from Germany.
44. Leona
How to pronounce:
LEH-oh-nah
Origin:
Ancient Greek Λέων
Meaning:
Lion
Male version of the name:
Leon
Alternative spelling:
Leo, Loni
Famous Persons:
Leona Stahlmann is a German novelist, screenwriter, and award-winning journalist.
45. Leonie
How to pronounce:
LEH-oh-nee
Origin:
Ancient Greek Λέων
Meaning:
Lion
Male version of the name:
Leon
Alternative spelling:
Leoni, Leo, Loni, Lone
Interesting Facts:
This is an independent variation of the name Leona.
Famous Persons:
Leonie Hanne is a German social media fashion influencer, blogger, and model.
46. Lilia
How to pronounce:
LEE-lee-yah
Origin:
Latin Lilium
Meaning:
Lily
Male version of the name:
Lili, Lily, Lilli, Lilly
Alternative spelling:
Liliya (Russian)
Famous Persons:
Lilia Lehner is a film and television actress from Germany.
This name has become increasingly popular since the mid-20th century.
Famous Persons:
Nicole Seibert is a singer-songwriter and producer from Germany, known simply as Nicole.
54. Olivia
How to pronounce:
oh-LEE-vee-yah
Origin:
Latin Oliva
Meaning:
Olive tree
Male version of the name:
Oliver
Alternative spelling:
Oli, Olli, Olly, Olla, Livi, Livy, Liv
Interesting Facts:
This name originates from the Shakespearean comedy As You Like It.
Famous Persons:
Olivia Powell is a German-American voice actress, producer, and presenter.
55. Pamela
How to pronounce:
pa-ME-lah
Origin:
Greek παν and μελι
Meaning:
All, honey
Alternative spelling:
Pamelchen, Pam, Pami, Pamy, Päm, Pämi, Ela
Interesting Facts:
Sir Philip Sidney invented this name in the 16th century.
Famous Persons:
Pamela Großer is a German actress and television presenter.
56. Patricia
How to pronounce:
pat-REE-cee-yah
Origin:
Latin Patricius
Meaning:
Noble, patrician
Male version of the name:
Patric
Alternative spelling:
Patrizia Pat, Pati, Patzi, Patze, Triz
Variations in other languages:
Patrisha (Swiss)
Interesting Facts:
This name came to Germany in the 20th century due to popularity in the Anglosphere.
Famous Persons:
Patricia Riekel is a German tabloid journalist and former editor-in-chief at multiple significant publications.
57. Paula
How to pronounce:
PAH-oo-lah
Origin:
Latin Paulus
Meaning:
Modest
Male version of the name:
Paul
Alternative spelling:
Paulchen, Paulachen, Pauli
Famous Persons:
Paula Modersohn-Becker was a significant German expressionist painter.
58. Petra
How to pronounce:
PET-rah
Origin:
Ancient Greek Πέτρος
Meaning:
Stone
Male version of the name:
Peter
Alternative spelling:
Peti, Pezi, Petzi, Pedi, Petti, Peddi, Pitti
Variations in other languages:
Pietra (Italian)
Interesting Facts:
This name has been widespread throughout Germany since the mid-20th century.
Famous Persons:
Petra Karin Kelly was an ecofeminist and founder of the German Green Party.
59. Regina
How to pronounce:
re-GEE-na
Origin:
Latin
Meaning:
Queen
Alternative spelling:
Regine, Reginachen, Reginchen, Regi, Regel, Rega, Gina, Ina , Ini, Inchen
Interesting Facts:
This name may be used to express a parent’s desire for their child (to be like a queen, happy, rich etc.) or it may refer to Mary or the Queen of Heaven.
Famous Persons:
Regina Halmich is a highly influential German boxer.
60. Sylvia
How to pronounce:
SYL-vee-yah
Origin:
Latin Silva
Meaning:
Forest
Male version of the name:
Silvius
Alternative spelling:
Sylvia, Silvi, Sili, Sily, Silli, Silly, Sil
Variations in other languages:
Sylwia (Polish)
Interesting Facts:
This name may also have connections to sylphs, air spirits in Greek mythology.
Famous Persons:
Sylvia von Harden, also called Sylvia von Halle, was a German poet and journalist, famously depicted by painter Otto Dix.
The male variant of this name relates to St Stephen, highly significant in Christian culture (considered the first martyr). As such, the female variant is significant to Christians too.
Famous Persons:
Stefanie Anhalt is a popular radio presenter and journalist from Germany.
This name can be traced back as far as the 4th century to the wife of Paulinus von Nola, named Therasia or Tarasia.
Famous Persons:
Theresa Underberg is a German radio play actress and film actress.
64. Ursula
How to pronounce:
OOR-soo-lah
Origin:
Latin Ursa
Meaning:
Little bear
Alternative spelling:
Ulla, Ulli, Ursi, Ursel, Urselchen
Interesting Facts:
Ursula was a saint who was martyred in the 4th century by the Huns.
Famous Persons:
Ursula Gertrud von der Leyen is the president of the European Commission, as well as being a politician and physician.
65. Verena
How to pronounce:
veh-REH-nah
Origin:
Latin Vera
Meaning:
True
Alternative spelling:
Veri, Vera, Verenchen, Vreni , Reni, Rena, Neni, Nena, Ena
Interesting Facts:
Some believe that the origin of this name is actually Celtic (Belena, meaning ‘the shining’ or ‘the bright’)
Famous Persons:
Verena Sailer is a 100m sprinter from Germany.
66. Viktoria
How to pronounce:
veek-TOH-ree-yah
Origin:
Latin
Meaning:
Victory
Male version of the name:
Viktor
Alternative spelling:
Victoria, Vicki, Vicky, Viki
Interesting Facts:
Victoria is the name of the Roman goddess of victory, who is herself a personification of victory.
Famous Persons:
Viktoria Como is a German athlete and trainer in handball.
German Names For Girls With Hebrew Origins
These women’s names with Hebrew origins are also extremely inspiring and popular in Germany.
67. Annika
How to pronounce:
AH-nee-kah
Origin:
Ancient Hebrew חַנָּה
Meaning:
Mercy, grace
Alternative spelling:
Annica , Anika
Interesting Facts:
The popularity of this name, a diminutive of Anna, could be due to the Pippi Longstocking films released in the 1970s which include a character who bears this name.
Famous Persons:
Annika Zeyen is an athlete in wheelchair racing and basketball.
68. Ariela
How to pronounce:
ah-ree-EH-lah
Origin:
Ancient Hebrew אֲרִיאֵל
Meaning:
God’s lion
Male version of the name:
Ariel
Alternative spelling:
Ariella, Ari
Famous Persons:
Ariela Bogenberger is a producer, director of cabaret, screenwriter, and journalist.
69. Daniela
How to pronounce:
dah-nee-EH-lah
Origin:
Ancient Hebrew דָנִיֵּאל
Meaning:
God is my judge
Male version of the name:
Daniel
Alternative spelling:
Danielchen, Dana, Dani, Danni, Dannie, Danny, Ela, Nela, Nella
Interesting Facts:
This name has the same name day as the name Daniel (21st of July) which is also the commemoration day of the prophet Daniel from the Bible.
Famous Persons:
Daniela Ziegler is a singer and actress from Germany.
70. Deborah
How to pronounce:
DEH-boh-rah
Origin:
Ancient Hebrew דְּבוֹרָה
Meaning:
Bee
Alternative spelling:
Debora, Debo, Deby, Debby
Interesting Facts:
Deborah was an Old Testament judge and prophetess who helped lead the Israelites in a significant victory.
Famous Persons:
Deborah Feldman is an American-born German writer.
This name has the same meaning as an ancient city called Susa.
Famous Persons:
Susanne Riesch is a skier from Germany.
Short German Female Names
The following short German names for girls have interesting meanings and various origins.
82. Ada
How to pronounce:
AAH-dah
Origin:
Old German Adalheid
Meaning:
Noble genus
Alternative spelling:
Adi, Adchen
Interesting Facts:
Ada is the name of a biblical figure who was one of the wives of Esau and the wife of Lamech. It is a short form of the name Adelheid.
Famous Persons:
Ada Mee is a German artist across many mediums such as lithography and painting.
83. Alma
How to pronounce:
AL’-mah
Origin:
Latin
Meaning:
Beneficent, life-giving
Interesting Facts:
In Portuguese and Spanish, this name has the meaning of ‘spirit’, ‘mind’, and ‘soul’.
Famous Persons:
Alma Luise Florentine Elisabeth von Stockhausen was a German philosopher who founded the Gustav Siewerth Academy.
84. Asta
How to pronounce:
AS-tah
Origin:
Old Norse Ásfriðr
Meaning:
The divinely beautiful
Alternative spelling:
Assi, Atti
Variations in other languages:
Astri (Norwegian)
Interesting Facts:
Asta is a shortened form of the name Astrid which became an independent name.
Famous Persons:
Asta Gröting is a contemporary mixed-media artist.
85. Berta
How to pronounce:
BER-tah
Origin:
Old German Bert
Meaning:
Bright
Male version of the name:
Bert
Alternative spelling:
Bertha, Berthi, Berti , Bertachen, Bertchen
Variations in other languages:
Bertille (French)
Interesting Facts:
This was an extremely common name in Germany at the end of the 19th century.
Famous Persons:
Berta Geissmar was the business manager and secretary of some orchestral conductors.
86. Dina
How to pronounce:
DEE-nah
Origin:
Ancient Hebrew דִּינָה
Meaning:
Constricted
Alternative spelling:
Dinchen, Din
Interesting Facts:
Dina is the only named daughter of Lea and Jacob in the Old Testament of the Bible.
Famous Persons:
Dina Gralla was a film actress from Germany.
87. Emma
How to pronounce:
EM-mah
Origin:
Old German
Meaning:
Big, huge
Alternative spelling:
Hemma
Variations in other languages:
Emmy (English)
Interesting Facts:
In the 2000s and 2010s this has been an immensely popular name choice. In 2014, it was the most popular of all.
Famous Persons:
Emma Lauter, or Emma Lauter-Richter, was a 19th century German writer.
88. Ella
How to pronounce:
EL-lah
Origin:
Ancient Greek Ἑλένη
Meaning:
Torch
Alternative spelling:
Elli, Elly, Ellachen, Ellchen
Interesting Facts:
This name can be a short form for various names, such as the Greek Helena from which it is derived. But it can also be a short form of names like Eleonora and Gabriella.
Famous Persons:
Ella Mensch was a German editor, writer, and educator.
89. Eva
How to pronounce:
EH-vah
Origin:
Ancient Hebrew חַוָּה
Meaning:
The giver of life
Alternative spelling:
Eve, Ev, Evi, Evy, Evchen
Interesting Facts:
This name is a variation on the name Eve, the name of the first woman in the biblical story of genesis. She is mentioned by name only a couple of times.
Famous Persons:
Eva Demski is an award-winning writer from Germany.
90. Elke
How to pronounce:
EL’-keh
Origin:
Old German Adelheid
Meaning:
Noble genus
Alternative spelling:
Elka, Alke
Interesting Facts:
This is an unusual-seeming short form of the name Adelheid which became an independent name.
Famous Persons:
Elke Sommer is a German entertainer, actress, model, and singer.
91. Ida
How to pronounce:
EE-dah
Origin:
Old German It
Meaning:
Hardworking
Alternative spelling:
Idchen, Idachen, Iddi
Interesting Facts:
This name achieved a surge in popularity due to romantic poetry after becoming more rare after the Middle Ages.
Famous Persons:
Ida Dehmel was a noted lyric poet, feminist, and muse.
92. Kora
How to pronounce:
KOH-rah
Origin:
Ancient Greek Κόρη
Meaning:
Girl, virgin
Alternative spelling:
Cora
Interesting Facts:
This name, in Greek mythology, is a common epithet for the underworld goddess Persephone.
Famous Persons:
Kora Knühmann is a former karate athlete and WKF world champion.
93. Lea
How to pronounce:
LEE-ah
Origin:
Ancient Hebrew לֵאָה
Meaning:
Mistress
Alternative spelling:
Leah
Interesting Facts:
Leah is a biblical figure who is the sister of Rachel and the wife of Jacob.
Famous Persons:
Lea-Marie Becker, is a German keyboardist and singer-songwriter, known as Lea.
94. Lina
How to pronounce:
LEE-nah
Origin:
Ancient Greek Λῖνος
Meaning:
Linen
Male version of the name:
Linus
Alternative spelling:
Line, Linchen, Ina, Ini, Inchen
Interesting Facts:
Lina is an abbreviated form of various names ending in -lina, such as Karolina or Evelina.
Famous Persons:
Lina Hausicke is a footballer from Germany.
95. Lena
How to pronounce:
LE-nah
Origin:
Ancient Greek Ἑλένη
Meaning:
Torch
Interesting Facts:
This name can be a short form of various other names, such as Helena, Elena, and Magdalena.
Famous Persons:
Lena Johanna Therese Meyer-Landrut is a singer-songwriter from Germany who goes by the mononym Lena.
96. Mia
How to pronounce:
MEE-ah
Origin:
Ancient Hebrew מִרְיָם
Meaning:
Bitter
Interesting Facts:
This name is a shortened independent variation of the name Maria.
Famous Persons:
Mia Florentine Weiss is an artist who does conceptual and performance art.
97. Nora
How to pronounce:
NO-rah
Origin:
Ancient Greek ἔλεος
Meaning:
Mercy, compassion, sympathy
Alternative spelling:
Nori, Nono, Noni, Norchen, Nörchen
Variations in other languages:
This is a short form of the name Eleonora which has become an independent name.
Famous Persons:
Nora Marie Tschirner is a former radio and television presenter, and current actress and musician.
98. Pia
How to pronounce:
PEE-yah
Origin:
Latin Pius
Meaning:
Pious, virtuous
Male version of the name:
Pius
Famous Persons:
Pia Malo is a pop singer and daughter of Olaf Malolepski.
99. Ruth
How to pronounce:
ROOT
Origin:
Ancient Hebrew רוּת
Meaning:
Friend
Alternative spelling:
Rut, Ruthi
Interesting Facts:
ֹRuth is a significant Old Testament figure whose story is told in the Book of Ruth.
Famous Persons:
Ruth Leuwerik was a popular German film actress, highly famous in the ‘50s.
100. Zoe
How to pronounce:
ZOH-ee
Origin:
Ancient Greek Ζωή
Meaning:
Life
Alternative spelling:
Zozo, Zouzou
Variations in other languages:
Zoya (Russian)
Interesting Facts:
The term ‘zoe’ can refer to life which goes beyond just preserving the species.
Famous Persons:
Zoe Wees is a German songwriter and singer.
Bottom Line
There are so many possibilities for naming your little boy or girl. If you like the name you choose for your darling then it is perfect. We hope our list of German baby names has helped you!
