German Names

Succinct, stylish, and catchy, Ivo has the energetic impact of other names ending in -o. It is a multicultural choice with two distinct origins, and, as such, is familiar across a variety of countries, ranging from the Netherlands to Brazil, from Portugal to Czechia. 
 
On one hand, Ivo is a Germanic name, originally used as a short from of names including the element iwa, meaning "yew tree, yew wood", or more figuratively, "archer". As such, it's a cognate to French Yves, Cornish Ives, and the Scottish Ivor and Evander. 
 
Alternatively, Ivo may be used as a diminutive to Ivan, a variation of John used across Russia, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, England, Bosnia, and beyond. In this case, it would mean "God is gracious".
 
Another source for the name is the Bulgarian Ivaylo (or Ivailo) meaning "wolf", while variations include the Latin American Evo, Polish Iwo, and Finnish Iivo.
 
Pronunciation of the name varies depending on country and region. EE-vo is typically used in German, Dutch, Italian, Serbian, and Croatian, IH-vo is heard in Czech and EE-voo is used in Portuguese. EYE-vo is also used among English speakers. 
 
Borne by a number of French, Breton, and Cornish saints, more a more recent bearer is comedian Ivo Graham.
 
Despite its stylish sounds and multicultural appeal, Ivo has never appeared in the US Top 1000, and a recent year saw it given to 18 boys.

This lovely, quintessentially British appellation, also spelled Rosamond, is the name of a legendary twelfth-century beauty. Rare on these shores, it is more than worthy of importation.
 There was a time when Rosamund wasn't quite so unusual in the US--she ranked on the Top 1000 from 1881 to 1930, reaching 574 in 1912. Today, fewer than 20 baby girls were given the name in the US, and fewer than five got the alternate version Rosamond.
 Early on, the name was associated with 'fair Rosamond' Clifford, mistress of Henry II, whose story was the basis of the Joseph Addison opera Rosamund and the Swinburne play of the same name. 
 Another, literal, translation of the <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-name-lists/category/meanings-of-names">name"s meaning</a> is 'rose of the world.'
 A current bearer is actress and one-time Bond girl Rosamund Pike--who has a son named Solo.

Rosamund

Angelika is a feminine name representing the Eastern European, German and Scandinavian spelling of Angelica. Derived from Latin 'angelicus' meaning 'angelic' or 'of angels,' it carries celestial and spiritual connotations. This spelling variant with a 'k' instead of 'c' is particularly common in Poland, Germany, Russia, and several Scandinavian countries. While the Angelica spelling is more prevalent in English-speaking regions, Angelika has gained modest usage among families with European connections or those seeking a slightly distinctive twist on the classic name. The name evokes qualities of purity, beauty and heavenly grace. Its international recognition makes it accessible while the spelling gives it a subtle European sophistication.

Angelika

Best known as a feminine diminutive, Romy is used now for boys too, as a short form of Roman or Romeo or a name in its own right.  Remy and Romi are other related choices, or you might want to go all the way to Romulus.

Romy

Hildegard is an ancient name that sounds it, but it does have sweet short forms Hildie and Hilda to recommend it, as well as several illustrious historical bearers. Strong and striking, it would make a big and memorable name for a baby today, last having appeared in the US charts in the 1910s.

 The second wife of Charlemagne was named Hildegard, as was the 12th century saint Hildegard of Bingen: a writer, composer, philosopher and polymath considered the founder of scientific natural history in Germany, and also known as the "Sibyl of the Rhine" for her visionary works.

 In pop culture, Hildegard "Hildy" is a character in the 1940 film His Girl Friday, and the Hildegarde spelling belongs to a Valkyrie in the Marvel series of comics, as well as one of the magical aunts from the TV show Sabrina the Teenage Witch (nicknamed Hilda).

Hildegard

The name of a monk who is the patron saint of blacksmiths -- not a twentieth-century occupation or baby name. 

Baldemar

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.

Godfrey

Eleonore is a feminine name with Germanic origins, a variant of Eleanor, which derives from the Provençal name Aliénor, meaning 'other' or 'foreign.' This regal name has been carried by numerous European nobility throughout history, including queens and duchesses. The spelling 'Eleonore' is particularly common in French, German, and Scandinavian countries, giving it a continental sophistication. With its elegant four syllables and flowing sound, Eleonore offers a more elaborate alternative to the more common Eleanor or Ellie. The name exudes classic dignity and timeless grace while still allowing for cute nicknames like Nora, Lena, or Elle. Though not among the most popular names in English-speaking countries, Eleonore maintains steady appeal for parents seeking a name with historical depth and European charm.

Eleonore

Silvan is a masculine name derived from Latin 'silva' meaning 'forest' or 'woodland.' It relates to the Roman deity Silvanus, who was the god of woods and wild fields. The name carries nature-based connotations of forests, trees, and woodland settings, making it appealing to parents drawn to names with environmental themes. Silvan has variations across European languages, including Silvanus (Latin), Silvano (Italian/Spanish), and Sylvan (French-influenced spelling). While never extremely common, the name has maintained steady usage particularly in German-speaking regions, parts of Eastern Europe, and among families with Romanian heritage. Silvan has a gentle yet masculine quality, offering a subtle nature connection without being overtly trendy.

Silvan

Whether pronounced like the wag of a tail or as the correct German VAHG-ner, this might be something a devoted opera buff could consider as a middle name.


Wagner

Formal name lacking any sparkle or sheen. 

Werner

Aldous has long been associated with British writer Huxley, author of Brave New World. So many of these rare British names are starting to be reconsidered by the literary or hipster crowds and this one, considering its pedigree, deserves the renewed interest.

Aldus is a spelling variation. Huxley is much more popular than Aldous these days, used for nearly 350 baby boys last year (and 50 girls) vs. only seven named Aldous.

Aldous

A somewhat solemn appellation, Anselm is a saint's name, connected to the twelfth century archbishop of Canterbury, and in modern times tied to the German neo-expressionist painter Anselm Kiefer.


Anselm

Last in fashion in the 1930s, Bertram might once have been firmly in the best left in the past category, but with sweet nickname Bertie and the cool option of Bram, Bertram might just be one to reconsider. Fitting in with other clunky vintage options like Chester, Sidney, Abram, Ebenenzer, and Wilfred, Bertram is a literary option, appearing as the full first name of P.G. Wodehouse's inimitable Bertie Wooster and on a character in Shakespeare's All's Well That Ends Well.
 
Not to be confused with Bertrand (though the two often do get conflated), Bertram is derived from Old German and has the stylish and mystical meaning of "bright raven". A nature and bird inspired choice, it has a hint of Halloween about it too, thanks to the raven link.
 
Bertram briefly entered the UK charts in the 1990s, and ranked in Denmark up until 2016, which in the US, a recent year saw it given to just 10 boys. In England and Wales, it was chosen for 9 boys, placing it alongside Blaise, Boston, Gordon, Gunnar, and Oakes.

Bertram

Has some highly unfortunate World War II associations. 

Braun

This old short form might be seen as a little dubious by some, though it could make for a fun pet name, honor name, on update on the still-stodgy Roger. 
In a recent film, Seeking a Friend for the End of the World, Steve Carell's character is named Dodge, seen by one critic as symbolizing his risk-averse personality. In the UK, Roger the Dodger is a character from the long-running comic The Beano, who likes to use 'dodges' to get out doing most things. 
 
In 2023, Dodge was given to 16 babies in the US, while 2022 saw it given to 28. It peaked in 2010 though, when a surprising 37 babies received the name.

Dodge

Harman is a masculine name with Germanic origins, functioning both as a surname and given name. It derives from the Old German elements 'hari' meaning 'army' and 'man' meaning 'man,' essentially translating to 'army man' or 'warrior.' As a first name, Harman has historical usage particularly in Germanic countries and among Dutch communities. In India, it also appears as a Sikh and Punjabi name with different etymological roots. While not widely popular in mainstream Western culture, the name has maintained steady if modest usage. Harman conveys strength and reliability, with a traditional sound that isn't overly common, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive yet accessible name with historical depth.

Harman

Popular form of John in Germany.  Just remember to pronounce it YAHN-nik, which most English-speakers won't.  Jannick is another spelling.

Jannik

Lilie is a feminine name derived from the flower lily, which has long symbolized purity, innocence, and beauty. This elegant spelling variation adds a continental European flair to the more common Lily, resembling the German and French word for the flower. Lilie has a delicate, refined quality while maintaining the natural charm of floral names. Though less frequently used than Lily, Lilie has attracted parents seeking a subtle twist on the popular flower name. The name evokes images of the graceful white bloom that has been featured in art and literature for centuries as a symbol of purity. With its soft sounds and gentle associations, Lilie presents as both feminine and sophisticated, appealing to those who appreciate classic botanical names with a subtle unique spelling.

Lilie

Truly multicultural choice that feels ripe for revival in this era of Traveling Lite names.
 
In English, Lona is a variation of Leona or Lena. The Scandinavian Lona is a diminutive for names like Abelone (the Danish Apollonia) and Magdalone (a form of Magdalena). German speakers use Lona as nickname for Apollonia, Ilona, and the like. And in Hawaiian mythology, Lona is another name for the lunar goddess Hina.

Lona

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 16)