German Names
Across 35 pages
of 35
Caecilia
Feminine form of Caecilius, Latin
"blind"
The ancient Roman name that gave us Cecilia, Cecily, and related names. This spelling looks authentic, but might raise more pronunciation problems than it solves.
Amorie
Spelling variation of Amory
"industrious"
While Amorie might be strictly a feminizing way to spell the unisex Amory, it also relates to the word Amore and the name Amoris, which mean love,
Freda
German
"peace"
Freda, along with near-identical twin sisters Frida and Frieda, has not been popular in the US for decades. After the two world wars, German names fell out of favor in the US and UK. The…
Rike
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…
Heinricka
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…
Linchen
Linchen is a feminine name with Germanic roots, functioning primarily as an affectionate diminutive form of names like Caroline, Karoline, Lina, or Angelina in German-speaking regions. The suffix…
Hannele
Finnish
"grace"
Finnish diminutive of Hannah or Johanna
Hanne
Danish, Norwegian, German, Dutch
"grace"
This spin on the popular Hannah is widely-used in Europe and pronounced similarly to Hannah. It may also be a short form of Johanne, from John/Joan.
Karoline
German and Scandinavian variation of Caroline, French
"free man"
Karoline is the form of the classic Caroline commonly used in Germany and throughout Scandinavia, where it is popular. It's an acceptable if not traditional spelling variation, given to nearly 100…
Amori
Spelling variation of Amory
"industrious"
Amori puts a feminine, nickname-y spin on the unisex Amory -- though the amiable name does not really need lightening up.
Haldis
German
"purposeful"
A German name with little chance of American adoption.
Griselda
German
"grey battle"
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. In the most…
Gretchen
German, diminutive of Margarethe
"pearl"
Like Greta, Gretchen is a German Margaret diminutive that has become an American quasi-classic, though not much used today, having dropped off the list in 2009. She was at her high point in the…
Line
Line is a feminine name with multiple origins and pronunciations. In Scandinavian countries, particularly Norway and Denmark, it's pronounced 'LEE-neh' and often serves as a diminutive of names like…
Amory
German
"industrious"
Amory is best known for the hero of Fitzgerald's 1920 This Side of Paradise , Princeton student Amory Blaine. Amory is in some danger of being borrowed by the girls, a la Avery. Alternate spellings…
Frieda
German
"peace"
This traditional Germanic name hasn't been on the U.S. list since 1958, but perhaps due to the mythic power of painter Frida Kahlo, parents are beginning to show some interest in it.
Grette
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…
Gretta
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…
Gratia
Latin
"grace"
Although the saintly Gratia was male -- Blessed Gratia of Kotor -- this name feels quite female today.
Hilda
German
"battle woman"
Short for Brunhilda, the operatic Valkyrie of Teutonic legend, Hilda still has not quite shaken off that image that image. Though with the resurgence of Matilda, she might just have a bit of a…