German Names
Across 35 pages
of 35
Freddy
Diminutive of Frederick
"peaceful ruler"
Another old-school nickname getting new attention thanks to TV's Mad Men . Names like Fred, Pete, and George have been out so long it's time for them to come back in. It reentered the US Top 1000 in…
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…
Alfreck
Alfreck is a masculine name that appears to be a rare variant or elaboration of the traditional Germanic name Alfred, which means 'elf counsel' or 'wise elf.' This uncommon variation may have emerged…
Alfons
Alfons is a masculine name with Germanic origins, representing a variant spelling of Alfonso or Alphonse common in Northern European countries, particularly Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia.…
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…
Alphonse
French from German
"noble, ready for battle"
Rarely used, and for good reason. Alonzo is a preferable choice. Alphonse does have a mixed bag of notable namesakes—French novelist Alphonse Daudet, painter Alphonse Mucha, and it was the birth name…
Albrecht
German variation of Albert
"noble; bright"
These days Albrecht is mostly seen as a surname, although it was historically a well-used first name in Germany. The surname was derived from the given name. Notables Albrechts include Renaissance…
Alvar
German
"elf warrior"
This name woould be hard to picture in a contemporary kindergarten, though it does have some cultural cred via Finnish architect and furniture designer Alvar Aalto. Aalto would actually make a more…
Alwin
German
"noble friend, friend of the elves"
Softer, milder, and sans chipmunk references, Alwin is a likable alternative to Alvin. Win makes a nice nickname.
Amory
German
"industrious"
Amory is the kind of executive-sounding surname name that became popular in the 1990s. Amory Blaine is the protagonist of the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, This Side of Paradise .
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…
Emeline
French form of German Amelina
"work"
An old name, with a history separate from Emily and Emma and a different kind of vintage feel, that's a possible alternative to top-of-the-pops names. More common spelling is Emmeline.
Anshelm
Anshelm is a masculine Germanic name derived from the elements 'ans' meaning 'god' and 'helm' meaning 'helmet' or 'protection,' thus translating to 'divine protection' or 'protected by God.' It…
Anton
German, Russian, and Scandinavian variation of Anthony, Latin
"from Antium"
Cultured and cultivated in an old-style, Old World way, Anton is popular across Europe. It may be associated with the classic Russian playwright Anton Chekhov and also with ballroom dancer Anton Du…
Aurik
Aurik is a rare masculine name that may have several possible origins. It could be a variation of Auric, relating to gold (from Latin 'aurum'), giving it connotations of wealth and value.…
Armin
Form of Herman or Armen
"soldier or wish, hope"
Possibly related to the Ermin- names (which gave us Emma and her variants) or to Herman OR to the Persian/Kazakh/Armenian names Arman or Armen, this is an unusual choice which fits current trends.
Herman
German
"soldier, warrior"
It's hard to believe now that Herman was once, at the turn of the last century, a Top 50 name, remaining in the Top 100 until 1935, and even harder to imagine it making a comeback. But then again,…
Arno
German
"eagle"
Subtract the last two letters of Arnold, and you're left with a much more modern-sounding name. Arno is also the name of the main river in Florence, upon which sits the famed Ponte Vecchio. The…
Aurick
Aurick is a masculine name with Germanic roots, likely a variation of names like Ulrich, Auric, or Eric. The name carries connotations of strength and nobility, with some interpretations linking it…