German Dog Names
- Decker
Origin:
German occupational nameMeaning:
"roofer"Description:
Brawny name chosen for his son by rocker Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue.
- Konstantin
Origin:
Slavic; Estonian; Finnish; Hungarian; German, from LatinMeaning:
"steadfast"Description:
This sleek form of Constantine is traditional in many European countries, and most popular in German-speaking nations and Russia.
- Wilda
Origin:
Variation of the word wild or GermanMeaning:
"to strive"Description:
Wilda (or Wylda) has two widely divergent images. Pronounced vill-da, it feels like a cousin of Hilda: a sturdy and none-too-attractive prairie settler. But you can also think of her as wild-ah, as in the feminine of wild and wilder.
- Jakob
Origin:
German, Norwegian, and Slovenian variation of Jacob, Hebrew variation of JamesMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
After cracking the US Top 200 in the early 2000s, fueled by Jacob's rise, this name has been losing steam in recent years. But Jakob is the top form of the name in many other countries, cultures, and languages, ranking highly in Germany, Norway, Austria, Iceland, and Slovenia. Jakub is the Polish variation.
- Mathilda
Origin:
Variation of MatildaMeaning:
"battle-mighty"Description:
The addition of the h makes it more Old World, which is not the direction you want to push Matilda in.
- Adelheid
Origin:
German and Dutch form of Adelheidis, GermanMeaning:
"noble, nobility"Description:
The ancient German name Adelheidis gave rise to both Adelaide and Adelheid. While Adelaide is more popular and better known internationally, Adelheid is still used occasionally in Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia. The German pronunciation is not that different from Adelaide, with a soft h and a long I sound instead of a long A in the last syllable.
- Griselda
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"grey battle"Description:
Griselda is a famous folklore figure, noted for her patience and obedience. Her story has been told by Petrarch, Chaucer, Boccaccio and set to music by Scarlatti, Vivaldi and Massenet.
- Siegfried
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"victorious peace"Description:
Also spelled Sigfrid, this hefty German name has an appropriately majestic meaning: "victorious peace". Fittingly, a famous bearer was the English World War I poet and pacifist Siegfried Sassoon. Sassoon was named after the hero of a Wagner opera, which in turn was based on a tragic hero from German legend.
- Ole
Description:
Ole is a masculine name with strong Scandinavian roots, functioning as the Danish and Norwegian form of Olaf. Derived from the Old Norse name Óláfr, comprised of 'anu' meaning 'ancestor' and 'leifr' meaning 'heir' or 'descendant.' Traditionally pronounced 'OH-leh' in Scandinavian countries, the name has gained different pronunciations in other regions. Ole has maintained steady popularity in Norway, Denmark, and parts of northern Germany, while in the United States it has historically been associated with Scandinavian-American communities, particularly in the Upper Midwest. The name carries connotations of heritage and tradition while remaining simple and accessible. Ole's compact form gives it a friendly, approachable quality while still honoring Nordic naming traditions and cultural connections.
- Aloisia
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"famous fighter"Description:
Inventive female form of Aloysius.
- Hannes
Origin:
German, Dutch, Scandinavian variation of JohannesMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Johannes never caught on in the US, but popular European short form Hannes may be more accessible.
- Hildegarde
Origin:
French from GermanMeaning:
"comrade in arms"Description:
French form of Hildegard
- Wilmer
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"determined fame"Description:
The visibility of actor Wilmer (That 70s Show) Valderrama has highlighted this name, but it's not likely to spread because of its similarity to the feminine (and dated) Wilma.
- Odetta
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"wealthy"Description:
The memorable folk singer, an early single-name celeb, brought this into the spotlight. The French variation is Odette.
- Carsten
Origin:
Low German and Nordic variation of ChristianDescription:
This Nordic-sounding name is ripe for wider usage, especially as a fresh alternative to Christian or similar-sounding Carl.
- Ulrich
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"rich and noble heritage"Description:
Ulrich has ancient roots — it was derived from the Old High German name Uodalrich (also spelled Odalric). Ulrich was a common given name in medieval Germany, when it was associated with St. Ulrich of Augsburg. St. Ulrich is the patron saint of pregnant women and easy births.
- Egon
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"strong with a sword"Description:
Muscular German name that never fully assimilated into American culture.
- Brahms
Origin:
German surname from Abraham, HebrewMeaning:
"father of multitudes"Description:
A melodic choice for lullaby-lovers. Brahms might also make a trendy s-ending nickname for Abraham.
- Godfrey
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"God's peace"Description:
Godfrey was very popular in the Middle Ages, but today you're more likely to hear it as a surname than a first name. It has a solid, old-man charm, but a couple of possible deal-breakers: the first syllable being God, and no obvious nickname. Goff, maybe? For a different feel, we also like the Italian artist's version Giotto.
- Fritzi
Origin:
German, diminutive of FredericaMeaning:
"peaceful ruler"Description:
Like Mitzi, the bubbly Fritzi shows signs of rising again. Has a bit of a comic-strip feel.