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. On the other hand, <a href="https://nameberry.com/popular_names/Germany">popular baby names in Germany</a> include many choices that may not necessarily be German, such as the Latinate Mia and Sofia or the Irish Finn. 
 
The top girl name in the US today is Emma, a German name. Along with Emma, German names in the US Top 500 for girls include Angela, Ameiia, Alice, Adele, Amelia, Ella, Edith, Millie, and Matilda . 
 
For boys, the top German name in the US is William. Along with William is German names in the US Top 500 include Charles, Conrad, Henry, Leo, and Max. 
 
In Germany, popular names include Lina, Neele, Louis, and Anton.
 
The German girls' name Emma 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, or search our individual lists of <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/493/german-names-for-girls">German names for girls</a> and <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/805/german-names-for-boys">German names for boys</a>.
 
The top names below rank among the current US Top 1000 Baby Names and are ordered by popularity. Unique names rank below the Top 1000 and are listed alphabetically.

German Names

Those "Where's Gretel?" jokes will get old pretty fast.

Hansel

An Old World name that might have a chance to rise again with other ancient and worldly forms. Be sure to say yo-HAHN-es.

Johannes

A possible new entry in the Hayden-Corbin two-syllable boys' name club. 

Harbin

Harmon

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

Halward is a masculine name of Old Norse and Germanic origin, combining elements meaning 'rock' or 'stone' with 'guardian' or 'protector.' This powerful etymology creates a name that suggests strength, reliability, and protective qualities. Historically used in Scandinavian countries, Halward remains quite rare in the English-speaking world, giving it a distinctive quality while still being pronounceable and recognizable. The name carries an old-world charm and rugged masculinity, evoking images of Norse heritage and stoic guardianship. Halward might appeal to parents seeking a name with historical depth and strong meaning that hasn't been widely used. Its sound is both substantial and dignified, with a traditional masculine energy that connects to ancient European roots.

Halward

When you like Eric, but wish it were longer; also the name of a great early English poet. 

Herrick

A viable choice that may be growing on your family tree. Hartman Turnbow was a part of Mississippi's "First Fourteen", the first group of African Americans who attempted to register to vote in the state.

Hartman

Baby-naming rule #984: forget any name that contains the syllable wig. 

Hartwig

Some music-minded parents might consider this especially as a middle name, to honor the great Austrian composer. 

Haydn

Traditional <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/160/german-names">German names</a> of this ilk have had a difficult time emigrating into the American name pool, mostly because anti-German sentiment during the two world wars of the 20th century drove <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/160/german-names">German names</a> out of fashion. One of Heinrich's nicknames, Harro, might do better.

Heinrich

Heinz has become a cartoonish German name, prone to ketchup teasing. 

Heinz

A li'l hell-raiser name in the Ryder-Rogue-Rebel vein. 

Heller

Photographer Newton...or that hard thing you wear on your head. 

Helmut

Names ending in bert have long been in limbo, but with the return of Albert, maybe there's hope for Herbert. who could share the Bertie nickname. Herbert is a name that's been used by English speakers since medieval times, and was in the Top 25 in the US in the late 1920s, around the time of the presidency of Herbert Hoover, but there's been no sight of Herbert in the 21st century. Some Herberts, including novelists H. G. Wells and H. E. Bates, have preferred to go by their initials.

Herbert

Heribert is a masculine name of ancient Germanic origin, combining the elements 'heri' meaning 'army' and 'beraht' meaning 'bright' or 'famous,' thus translating to 'brilliant warrior' or 'famous soldier.' With roots stretching back to medieval Europe, Heribert was particularly common among nobility in Germany and surrounding regions. Several saints and notable historical figures have borne this distinguished name. While relatively uncommon in modern English-speaking countries, Heribert remains in use in Germanic regions, especially Germany and Austria. The name carries a dignified, traditional quality with its historical depth and strong consonants, appealing to parents seeking a name with authentic medieval European heritage and a serious, scholarly character.

Heribert

Hermann is a masculine name of Germanic origin meaning 'army man' or 'warrior,' derived from the elements 'heri' (army) and 'mann' (man). This powerful name has deep historical roots, most notably associated with Hermann (or Arminius), the Germanic chieftain who defeated Roman legions in the Battle of Teutoburg Forest in 9 CE. Popular throughout Germany, Switzerland, and Scandinavia, the name has been borne by notable figures such as author Hermann Hesse and physicist Hermann von Helmholtz. While its usage has declined in recent decades, it maintains a classic, strong character. In English-speaking countries, the simplified spelling 'Herman' is more common, though the double 'n' version preserves its authentic Germanic heritage.

Hermann

This cognate of Jerome (of all things), familiar via the Dutch painter of fantastical scenes, H. Bosch, would appeal only to the most audacious, intrepid, attention-seeking baby namer. It is, however, still used in Germany, especially in Catholic Bavaria and in the north German Rhineland.

Hieronymus

A name that sounds so old-fashioned some parents out there might conceivably find it quirky enough for a comeback, along with other one-time fuddie-duddies like Oscar and Homer. 
Along with other bert-ending names, Hubert did have his time in the sun, as a Top 200 name from around 1885 to 1941, peaking at 112 in 1913. Two notable namesakes: Vice-President Humphrey (who was said to have always hated his name) and designer de Givenchy.

Hubert

Horatius is a venerable masculine name with ancient Roman origins, the Latin form of the more familiar Horace. The name carries significant historical weight, being associated with several notable Romans including the poet Quintus Horatius Flaccus (known as Horace) and the legendary hero Horatius Cocles who defended Rome against Etruscan invaders. The name likely derives from the Latin word "hora" meaning "hour" or "time," or possibly from an Etruscan origin. Horatius exemplifies classical Roman naming traditions with its distinctive "-us" ending. While uncommon in modern usage, it appeals to parents drawn to names with historical depth and classical roots. The name projects strength, education, and cultural refinement. Though formal-sounding to modern ears, it offers the friendly nickname options of Horace or possibly Ace.

Horatius

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 20)