<a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/160/German-Names">German names</a> for girls include such classics as Alice and Emma along with many girls’ names that rank among the most fashionable today, both in Germany and the English-speaking world. Along with Alice and Emma, the top German girl names in the US Top 1000 today include Adele, Amelia, Annalise, Ella, Elsa, Emmeline, Millie, and Zelda. In Germany, unique girl names with modern style include Anja, Frieda, Ida, Maude, Romy, and Tilly.
 
The top girl names in Germany include both those popular throughout Europe and North America, such as Emma, Mia, and Sophia, along with girl names particular to Germany, such as Milan, Leni, and Neele, a German short form of Cornelia.
 
In Germanophone Switzerland, Emma and Emilia are the most popular German names or girls.
 
The roster of top German girl names includes German variations of many familiar names, often with a spelling twist. Emilia ranks among Germany’s top names rather than Amelia, Klara takes the place of Clara, Emilie stands in for Emily, Sofie and Lilli are used instead of the usual English versions Sophie and Lily.
 
You can browse the complete roster of German girl names on Nameberry on this page, continued below. The top names below rank among the current US Top 1000 Baby Names and are ordered by popularity. Unique names rank below the Top 1000 and are listed alphabetically.
 
You may also want to explore our list of <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/805/german-names-for-boys">German boy names</a>.

German Names for Girls

Friederika is a feminine name of Germanic origin, serving as a variant of Frederica, the feminine form of Frederick. The name means 'peaceful ruler' or 'power of peace,' combining the elements 'fridu' (peace) and 'ric' (ruler, power). This spelling with the 'ie' combination reflects German linguistic traditions. The name has historical significance in European royal families, particularly in Prussia and other German states. While less common in English-speaking countries, Friederika remains in use in Germany, Austria, and other parts of Europe. The name carries an elegant, classical feel with its four melodious syllables. Friederika offers numerous nickname possibilities including Frieda, Frida, Rika, or Rika, providing versatility for different stages of life.

Friederika

Frerika is an unusual feminine name that may have originated as a variant of Frederica or Frederika, the feminine forms of Frederick. These names derive from Germanic elements meaning 'peaceful ruler' (from 'frid' meaning peace and 'ric' meaning ruler or power). The unique spelling of Frerika gives it a distinctive quality while maintaining connections to its more traditional counterparts. This name remains quite rare internationally, making it an option for parents seeking something truly uncommon. Its European heritage combined with its melodic sound creates an impression of elegance and uniqueness. The name carries a sense of strength while retaining feminine qualities.

Frerika

Bernise is a feminine name that likely developed as a variant of Bernice, which comes from the Greek name Berenice meaning 'bringing victory.' This alternate spelling gives the traditional name a softer, more modern feel. Bernise may also connect to the masculine name Bernard, with the feminine suffix added to create a female variant. The name peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1920s-1930s but remains relatively uncommon today, giving it a vintage charm. Bernise carries connotations of triumph and success through its Greek etymology. For parents attracted to names with historical roots and positive meanings, Bernise offers a distinctive alternative to more common vintage revivals while maintaining familiar sounds.

Bernise

Too close in sound to the so-far-out-it-will-always-be-out Bernard. 

Bernarda

Gerhardine is the feminine form of Gerhard, a name of Germanic origin combining elements meaning "spear" and "brave" or "hardy." This elegant and uncommon female name carries a sense of strength and resilience inherited from its masculine counterpart. While not widely used in English-speaking countries, Gerhardine has historical presence in German-speaking regions of Europe. The name offers distinctive nickname options including Gerda, Dina, or Geri. Though rare today, Gerhardine represents a sophisticated choice for parents seeking a name with both historical depth and a feminine quality while still conveying fortitude and determination.

Gerhardine

Gerde is a feminine name with Germanic origins, derived from the elements 'ger' meaning 'spear' and possibly related to names like Gertrude and Gerta. In Norse mythology, Gerðr was a giantess of fertility and beauty, who became the wife of the god Freyr, adding mythological significance to the name. Traditionally found in German, Scandinavian, and Dutch-speaking regions, Gerde has remained relatively uncommon even in these areas. The name carries connotations of strength and earthiness, with historical roots dating back to medieval Europe. While never achieving widespread popularity, Gerde has persisted through generations as a traditional choice. Its simple pronunciation and spelling combined with its rich heritage make it a distinctive yet accessible option for parents drawn to names with Germanic or Norse connections.

Gerde

Gertraud is a German feminine name, a variation of Gertrude, which combines the Germanic elements 'ger' meaning 'spear' and 'thrud' meaning 'strength.' This powerful name was popular throughout medieval Europe, particularly in Germanic countries. Gertraud maintains stronger usage in German-speaking regions than the Anglicized Gertrude, which has declined in popularity since the mid-20th century. The name carries associations with strength and resilience, and notable bearers include German resistance fighter Gertraud Lichtenstein. Though considered traditional and somewhat old-fashioned today, it represents a heritage choice with significant historical depth.

Gertraud

The form of Gertrude found in German and much of Scandinavia.

Gertrud

Gertruda

Giselda is a feminine name with Germanic origins, derived from 'gisil' meaning 'pledge' or 'hostage' and 'hild' meaning 'battle.' This powerful historical name was carried by several noble women during the Middle Ages, including Lombardic queens and princesses. With its flowing three-syllable rhythm and elegant ending, Giselda carries an aristocratic European flair that evokes images of medieval castles and courtly romance. While uncommon in modern usage, it maintains appeal for parents seeking names with historical depth and distinctive character. The name has variations across European languages, including Giselle in French and Griselda in Spanish literature. Giselda combines strength and femininity, with its battle-related etymology contrasting with its soft, melodic sound, creating a name with interesting dualities and rich cultural connections.

Giselda

Benedikta is the feminine form of Benedict, derived from the Latin name Benedictus, meaning "blessed." With roots in early Christianity, it gained prominence through St. Benedict of Nursia, the founder of Western monasticism. Throughout European history, Benedikta has been particularly used in Germanic and Slavic countries. 

While less common than its male counterpart, the name carries a dignified, traditional quality that appeals to parents seeking a name with religious significance and historical depth. Benedikta offers the friendly nicknames Bennie or Dikta, combining classical elegance with versatility. Though relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, it maintains steady usage in parts of Eastern and Central Europe.

Benedikta

Although the saintly Gratia was male -- Blessed Gratia of Kotor -- this name feels quite female today.

Gratia

Beatrisa is a feminine name that represents a variation of Beatrice, which derives from Latin 'Beatrix' meaning 'she who brings happiness' or 'blessed.' This particular form shows Spanish or Eastern European influence with the addition of the 'a' ending, creating a more ornate version of the classic name. While less common than Beatrice or the Spanish Beatriz, Beatrisa maintains the same elegant, classic quality with a slightly more elaborate flair. The name carries associations with literature through Dante's beloved Beatrice and Shakespeare's character in 'Much Ado About Nothing.' Beatrisa offers parents a distinctive yet recognizable option with positive connotations of joy and blessing, combined with a lyrical, feminine sound that works well across multiple cultures.

Beatrisa

Grette is a feminine name with Scandinavian origins, likely a variation of Greta or Margareta. These names ultimately derive from Margaret, meaning 'pearl.' In Norse contexts, Grette may also connect to the legendary figure Grettir from Icelandic sagas, though this association is more common with masculine variants. The name has a distinctively Nordic sound while remaining accessible to English speakers. Though uncommon internationally, Grette maintains some usage in Scandinavian countries and communities with Nordic heritage. The name's brevity and strong consonant sounds give it a crisp, clean quality that contrasts with more elaborate feminine names. Its uniqueness makes it appealing to parents seeking distinctive names with cultural roots, particularly those celebrating Scandinavian heritage or drawn to the straightforward elegance of Nordic naming traditions.

Grette

Writer James Baldwin could make this an inspirational choice for a child of either sex. 

Baldwin

With the growing popularity for girls of such names as Aubrey and Audrey, Auberon feels like a fresh and viable option.

Auberon

A German name with little chance of American adoption. 

Haldis

Hannele

Heinricka is the feminine form of Heinrich, a Germanic name meaning "ruler of the home" or "home ruler." Composed of the elements "heim" (home) and "ric" (ruler, power), this distinctive name carries an air of strength and authority. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Heinricka has historical usage in Germanic regions and countries with Germanic influence. The name offers a unique alternative to more common feminine derivatives of Henry (the English form of Heinrich) such as Henrietta. Bearers of this name might appreciate its combination of traditional roots and uncommon status, making it both distinctive and meaningful with its connotations of leadership and domestic authority.

Heinricka

Rike is a feminine name with Germanic origins, functioning as both a standalone name and a shortened form of names like Frederike or Ulrike. In German-speaking countries, particularly Northern Germany and parts of Scandinavia, Rike has been used for centuries. The name derives from elements meaning 'power,' 'ruler,' or 'peaceful ruler.' Compact and strong, Rike has a modern feel despite its historical roots. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, its brevity aligns with contemporary naming trends favoring short, distinctive names. Rike offers a combination of traditional European heritage with a crisp, modern sound.

Rike

German girl names include such classics as Alice and Emma along with many girl names that rank among the most fashionable today, both in Germany and the English-speaking world.

 in the US Top 1000 today include Adele, Amelia, Annalise, Ella, Elsa, Emmeline, Millie, and Zelda. In Germany, 

 with modern style include Anja, Frieda, Ida, Maude, Romy, and Tilly.

 include both those popular throughout Europe and North America, such as Emma, Mia, and Sophia, along with girl names particular to Germany, such as Lotta, Leni, and Nele, a German short form of Cornelia.

In Germanophone Switzerland, Emma and Emilia are the most popular German names for girls.

The roster of top German girl names includes German variations of many familiar names, often with a spelling twist. Emilia ranks among Germany’s top names rather than Amelia, Klara takes the place of Clara, Emilie stands in for Emily, Sofie and Lilly are used instead of the usual English versions Sophie and Lily.

You can browse the complete roster of German girl names on Nameberry here, ordered by their popularity on Nameberry. 

German names for girls with meanings and popularity (Page 14)

German Girl Names