German Names

Sweet but sleek, and distinctive, Liesel is an old German nickname-name for Elisabeth. It might have once seemed inextricably tied to to its country of origin, but now, like Elsa, Enzo, Saoirse, Freya, Soren, and Heidi, it leans more towards being international and European chic.
 The name can also be spelled Liesl, however Liesel may feel more familiar and user friendly outside of German speaking countries.
 Many people associate the name with Liesl von Trapp, the eldest daughter in The Sound of Music, who is "Sixteen Going on Seventeen", as her song famously says. The Liesel spelling however might be more closely associated with Liesel Meminger from the popular novel (and film), The Book Thief.

Liesel

Alida had a brief flurry of popularity a hundred years ago but is rarely used today. But given the rise of so many names related to Adelaide and Adeline, Alida might be rediscovered.

Alida

Ebba, the feminine version of Ebbe (a diminutive of Eberhard or Asbjorn) and also a form of an old English name, is in the Swedish Top 10 but virtually unknown in the US. However, with the rise of Emma, Ella, Ada, and similar simple-yet-traditional names, Ebba may enjoy more widespread popularity. 

Ebba

An Old French variation of the popular Adeline and Adelina, Edeline may appeal to those who want something rare-but-familiar, to anyone looking to honor and Edward or Edith, or to those who want nicknames Edie or Eddie over Addy. Derived from the Germanic adal, it means "noble"
 
The name has been notably borne by Lady Edeline Strickland (nee Sackville-West), who was the founder of the New South Wales division of the Australian Red Cross back in 1914. She was the inspiration for the names of both the Edeline Islands off the western coast of Australia and for the Lady Edeline ferry. A more recent bearer is fashion designer Edeline Lee.
 
Pronounced as EHD-UH-LEEN or EHD-uh-lihn, the name has been used sparingly in the US, though it may gain a little more attention after singer Ellie Goulding used it as a middle name in 2026 for her daughter, Iris Edeline.

Edeline

Edgy German capital with definite possibilities as a baby name. 

Berlin

Emelie is a feminine name of Germanic origin, serving as a variant spelling of Emilie or Emily. These names ultimately derive from the Roman family name Aemilius, meaning 'rival' or 'emulating.' This charming variation is particularly popular in Scandinavian countries, especially Sweden, as well as in French-speaking regions. Emelie carries a delicate, vintage quality that balances traditional roots with a fresh feel. While Emily has dominated English-speaking countries, Emelie offers a subtle European flair that distinguishes it from the more common spelling. The name has experienced steady popularity since the late 20th century, appreciated for its classic femininity and international appeal. Its four syllables flow melodiously, contributing to its enduring charm across generations.

Emelie

Innocent, sincere, and bright-eyed, and as outdated as its mother name, Gertrude. 

Trudy

Johannah is a feminine name that serves as an elaborated form of Hannah, which comes from the Hebrew name Channah, meaning 'grace' or 'favor.' This elegant variation combines elements of Hannah with the feminine form of John (meaning 'God is gracious'). The name has historical roots dating back centuries and appears in various European naming traditions. While less common than Hannah or Joanna, Johannah has maintained consistent, if modest, usage throughout the years. The name saw periodic increases in popularity during the 19th century and has experienced small revivals as parents seek traditional names with distinctive spellings. Johannah offers the appeal of familiar sounds with a touch of uncommon elegance.

Johannah

Lisbeth is one of the many short forms of Elizabeth that are used on their own. Not only is it the name of the mother of the main character in George Eliot's novel Adam Bede, but it takes on a whole new, powerful image as the heroine of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo trilogy. Lizbeth is another spelling.

Lisbeth

Mitzi is a sparky German nickname name that might appeal to parents drawn to the genre of lively vintage girl names that proliferated in 1930's musicals. Actress and entertainer Mitzi Gaynor (born Francesca Marlene de Czani von Gerber) made this a notable name in mid-century America, where it ranked alongside Jerri, Sherri, Christi, Jodi, and Mimi.
 
 Ultimately derived from Maria, Mary, and Miriam, Mitzi was on the US Top 1000 list consistently from 1947 until 1979, peaking at #430 in 1955. Today, Mitzi is only used quietly, but with Maisie, Millie, Winnie, and Joni is style, it may yet be rediscovered.

Mitzi

Franz is the German equivalent to Francis, and you'll be hard-pressed to find a Franz outside of countries with Germanic origins. In America the name is often associated with celebrated author Franz Kafka, who was born in Prague.

Franz

When it's spelled with two dots over the 'u' in German, Gunther is pronounced GUWN-ter, but it has a much softer sound when the 'h' is voiced by English-speakers, as it was, for example, for the name of a character in Friends.
 Gunther has never been as well used in this country as the Scandinavian version, Gunnar, which now ranks at Number 502, making Gunther all the more distinctive.
 Well-known Gunthers include German novelist Gunt(h)er Grass and the character in the German epic poem Die Nibelungenlied, which formed the basis for Richard Wagner's Ring cycle of operas.

Gunther

Gretta is a feminine name representing a variant spelling of Greta, which itself originated as a short form of Margaret or Margareta. With Germanic and Greek roots, the name ultimately derives from 'margarites' meaning 'pearl.' Gretta has a classic, slightly vintage feel with its double consonants giving it a more substantial presence than Greta. While never reaching tremendous popularity, the name enjoyed modest usage throughout the 20th century. It carries associations with iconic figures like Greta Garbo, lending it a touch of timeless glamour. Gretta balances familiarity with distinctiveness, offering a recognizable yet not overly common option that works well across various ages.

Gretta

Designer and brand name can make stylish choices for babies, though most American parents have opted for Calvin over Klein. Nevertheless, Klein has been making the US stats since the 80s, notably after it was used by the character Marty McFly in the classic movie, Back to the Future. 
 
Derived from the German and Yiddish words for "small, little", Klein is predominantly used as a surname; however recent counts have seen it given to around 15 boys each year. It peaked in 2013 when 25 boys received the name, and may appeal to parents who like Clyde, Clive, Kane Kyle, or Kai.

Klein

If you love Dixie, Trixie and Pixie, this name of a mermaid-like sprite in German folklore may be for you.  It might also make an update for Nicki.

Nixie

Richmond is a place-name — it's the capital of Virginia, US, and a town in London, UK — that makes a fresh way to honor an ancestral Richard. 

Richmond

Amori puts a feminine, nickname-y spin on the unisex Amory -- though the amiable name does not really need lightening up.

Amori

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.
 
Ulrich was a popular baby name in midcentury Switzerland and its international variants are currently fashionable elsewhere in Europe. The Scandinavian form, Ulrik, ranks among the Top 50 boy names in Norway, and Urh, the Slovene variation, is in the Slovenian Top 100.

Ulrich

An medieval English diminutive of Edith, which could make an unusual addition to simple vintage revivals like Eva, Ada and Ida. In Turkish, it means "well mannered".

Ilsa is remembered as the radiant but tragic heroine of "Casablanca," and it's having something of a European resurgence. 

Ilsa

German baby names on this list are those that have their roots in German and Germanic languages, which is not necessarily the same as names popular in modern Germany.

 include many choices that may not necessarily be German, such as the Latinate Mia and Sofia or the Irish Finn.

One of the top girl names in the US today is Emma, a German name. Along with Emma, German names in the US Top 500 for girls include Angela, Amelia, Alice, Adele, Amelia, Ella, Edith, Millie, and Matilda.

 is William. Along with William, the German boy names in the US Top 500 include Henry, Charles, Conrad, Henry, Leo, and Max.

 include Lina, Neele, Leni, and Ida. Popular boy names in Germany include Louis, Oskar, Moritz, and Anton.

 is near the head of the list in Germany as well as many other countries, and names of German origin such as Alice and Axel rank highly in many places in the Western World.

If you're looking for German names for your baby girl or baby boy, browse this full list of possibilities, ordered by their current popularity on Nameberry.

German names for girls and boys, with meanings and popularity, including top German names and unique German baby names in Germany, the US, and around the world. (Page 13)