German Names
Across 35 pages
of 35
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…
Arvin
German
"friend of the people"
This name's popularity peaked in the 1930s in the mid 600s - but we think it is time for a reconsideration. Arvin feels more modern than similar names like Marvin and Alvin. It also boasts a…
Augusten
German variation of Augustus, Augustine, Augustin
"great, magnificent"
Confessional memoirist Augusten Burroughs is the first literary notable to bear one of this family of names since the confessional saint.
Bach
German
"dweller near the brook"
Although there are plenty of Bachs in the world besides Johann Sebastian, everyone will assume you're honoring the great composer -- and why not.
Baden
German
"son of Bade"
If Braden and Caden, why not Baden?
Bader
German, Arabic
"bath-house attendant; full moon"
A German occupational surname deriving from the German word Bad , meaning "bath". Its most famous bearer in recent years has been (the notorious) RBG – former Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader…
Baer
German
"bearlike, dweller at the sign of the bear"
Reversed vowels make it seem less fierce.
Baldemar
German
"bold and renowned"
The name of a monk who is the patron saint of blacksmiths -- not a twentieth-century occupation or baby name.
Baldwin
German
"brave friend"
One "bald" name we can get behind, thanks to pioneering African-American author James Baldwin – though the name is now also associated with the Baldwin brothers, particularly Alec.
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.
Bertel
Bertel is a masculine name of Scandinavian and Germanic origin, functioning as a diminutive form of Berthold or Bartholomew. In Scandinavian countries, particularly Denmark and Norway, Bertel has…
Barthel
Barthel is a masculine name of Germanic origin, functioning as a diminutive form of Bartholomew, which comes from the Aramaic 'bar-Talmay' meaning 'son of Talmai'. This name was most common in…
Bartol
Bartol is a masculine name with Slavic and Germanic origins, primarily found in Central and Eastern European countries like Croatia, Slovenia, and Germany. It likely developed as a diminutive or…
Bertram
German
"bright raven"
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…
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.…
Benno
German
"bear"
Benno is a cool name in its own right -- there was a tenth century Saint Benno -- though it is also used as a lively nickname for Benjamin. Saint Benno of Meissen is the patron saint of anglers and…
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…
Benning
German
"son of Bernhard"
Conjures up the military image of Fort Benning in Georgia — or the surname of actress Annette.
Gisela
German; Dutch; Spanish; Portuguese
"pledge, hostage"
A variation of Giselle.
Ullrich
Ullrich is a masculine name of German origin, derived from the Old High German elements 'uodal' meaning 'heritage' or 'homeland' and 'rihhi' meaning 'ruler' or 'powerful.' It's essentially a variant…