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German Names

  1. Josepha

    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Joseph, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah increases"

    • Description:

      Josepha is less heard in this country than in other parts of the world, seen as a slightly awkward feminization a la Ricarda and Benjamina. In the U.S., Josephine or Joanna is the more usual feminine form of Joseph, though you might consider Josepha if you want to break rank.
  2. Hansel

    • Origin:

      German diminutive of Hans

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

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

    • Description:

      Gredorius is an extremely rare masculine name with possible Latin or Greek origins. It may be a creative variant of Gregory, which comes from the Greek "gregorios" meaning "watchful" or "alert." The elaborate form suggests connections to ancient Roman or Byzantine naming traditions, where longer, more ornate names were common among nobility and clergy. Gredorius has virtually no statistical presence in modern naming records, making it exceptionally uncommon. Parents choosing this name might be drawn to its classical resonance and distinctive character. The name carries an air of scholarly gravitas and historical weight, potentially connecting its bearer to ancient traditions while standing out dramatically in contemporary settings.
  4. Ilise

    • Origin:

      German variation of Elise

    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"

    • Description:

      While Ilise is unusual, the E version is more attractive.
  5. Alard

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "noble, steadfast"

    • Description:

      Alard looks and sounds like the name of a romantic, medieval knight. It's dashing and unusual; but still easy to pronounce and spell. Cognate Adelard might also appeal if you are considering this name.
  6. Cort

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "brave"

    • Description:

      Short and curt.
  7. Jette

    • Origin:

      Dutch diminutive of names ending in jette or iette

    • Description:

      Many popular Dutch short forms are drawn from the middle or end of their proper name: Sanne from Susanne, Bas from Sebastian. Jette could be from a name like Henriette or Mariette.
  8. Laurice

    • Description:

      Laurice is a feminine name with connections to the Latin word 'laurus,' meaning 'laurel tree' or 'sweet bay tree.' It can be considered a variation of Laura, Lauren, or Laurel, with the distinctive '-ice' suffix adding a unique touch. While not widely used today, Laurice enjoyed modest popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1940s and 1950s. The name has a gentle, refined quality that bridges vintage charm and modern elegance. Its similarity to more common names makes it accessible, while its relative rarity gives it distinction. Laurice might appeal to parents seeking a name with classical roots but a softer, more uncommon presentation than popular Laura-derived alternatives.
  9. Hartwig

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "courageous in battle"

    • Description:

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

    • Description:

      Ruprecht is a traditional German masculine name with ancient Germanic roots. It derives from 'hruod' meaning 'fame' and 'berht' meaning 'bright' or 'famous'. This name was particularly popular among medieval German nobility and royalty. Ruprecht is the German form of Robert and also the traditional name of Knecht Ruprecht, a companion of Saint Nicholas in German folklore who is similar to Krampus. While the name has declined in everyday usage in modern Germany, it retains strong cultural connections and historical significance. In English-speaking countries, Ruprecht remains quite rare, often perceived as distinctively Old World and traditional.
  11. Theodoric

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "people's ruler"

    • Description:

      Theodoric feels prehistoric, though with short form Theo one of the hottest names around, this old German names for boys may soon feel new again.
  12. Bernadine

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "brave as a bear"

    • Description:

      As dated as the old Pat Boone song.
  13. Lennard

    • Description:

      Lennard is a masculine name with Germanic origins, serving as a variant of Leonard. Derived from the elements 'leon' meaning 'lion' and 'hard' meaning 'brave' or 'hardy,' Lennard literally translates to 'lion-strong' or 'brave as a lion.' This spelling variation is particularly common in Scandinavian countries and parts of Northern Europe. Lennard gained moderate popularity during the Middle Ages due to the veneration of St. Leonard of Noblac, a 6th-century French noble. While not among the most common names today, Lennard has maintained steady usage throughout the centuries, offering a distinctive alternative to the more widespread Leonard, with the same powerful connotations of courage and strength.

  14. Anse

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "cove"

    • Description:

      Name of Faulkner's great emotional villain in As I Lay Dying, Anse is not ordinarily used as a first name. It literally means cove in French, though the element ans means God in Old German and is found in names such as Ansel and Anselm.
  15. Druella

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "elfin vision"

    • Description:

      A little too close to Cruella.
  16. Isidor

    • Origin:

      German and Russian variation of Isidore

    • Meaning:

      "gift of Isis"

    • Description:

      Isidore and variants are remarkably underused and ripe for revival, a la Theodore and company.
  17. Ruperta

    • Description:

      Ruperta is the feminine form of Rupert, originating from Germanic roots meaning "bright fame" or "shining glory." The name comes from the ancient elements 'hruod' (fame) and 'berht' (bright). Though rare in modern usage, Ruperta has historical significance particularly in European aristocratic families. The name reached modest popularity during the Middle Ages but has since become quite uncommon. Ruperta projects an air of classical dignity and old-world charm. In Spanish-speaking countries, it might be occasionally encountered, though even there it remains an uncommon choice for baby girls. Those named Ruperta often appreciate the name's distinctive quality and rich heritage.
  18. Adalrich

    • Description:

      Adalrich is a masculine name of Germanic origin, combining the elements 'adal' meaning 'noble' or 'aristocratic' and 'rich' meaning 'ruler' or 'powerful.' This ancient name was common among nobility in medieval Germany and the Frankish kingdoms. Adalrich embodies the concept of noble leadership and was often given to sons of aristocratic families. The name fell out of common usage after the Middle Ages but has occasionally been revived by those seeking a name with historical depth and regal associations. Though rare in modern times, Adalrich appeals to parents interested in Germanic heritage or seeking a strong, distinctive name with clear etymological meaning and historical significance.

  19. Günter

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "bold warrior"

    • Description:

      Prospective parents tend to respond more to the softer American pronunciation than the harsher German one, and even more to the Scandinavian version (see GUNNAR).
  20. Ernst

    • Origin:

      German variation of Ernest

    • Description:

      Concise and clipped European version of the earnest Ernest.