German Names

Likely used as an elaboration of Ida or Idalia, Idalys is predominantly given in Latin America, where it joins similar options like Odalys, Arelys, and Joelys. Also spelled as Idalis, it is notably borne by Cuban judoka, Idalys Ortiz.
 
As a variation of Ida and Idalia, the name can mean "work, labor" from its Germanic roots, though it is sometimes linked to the Greek goddess Aphrodite, who had a cult in the ancient city of Idalion.
 
An alternative possibility is that Idalys is a compound name, blending Lys with Ida, Lys being both a diminutive of Elizabeth and a floral French name meaning "lily". As such, it could also mean "pledged to God's work", "my work is pledged to God" or "the lily takes to work (to grow)".

Idalys

A Germanic name, referring to someone from the Gauts or Geats tribe, Jocelyn has largely ranked as a feminine name in the US and in the UK, while in France. it is predominantly masculine. 

Jocelyn

Used predominantly in Germany and Switzerland, Joscha is a form of the Hungarian name Józsa, a diminutive of József and therefore linked to the classic Joseph. It may appeal to those who also like Sacha or Mischa.
 
Notable bearers include footballer Joscha Wosz, politician and author Joscha Schmierer, and cognitive scientist Joscha Bach.

Joscha

This medieval German form of George could make an intriguing and unique honor name for an ancestral George.

Jurian

A surname style choice with the sounds of Emma and Keira but the feel of Carter and Palmer, Kemmer is a German last name, occasionally used as a given name too. Likely derived from Kämmerer meaning "chamberlain" (or someone who managed a noble's household), some sources suggest it could also link to a comb maker (Kammacher).
 
Yet to appear in the US stats, it does have the elements that have made other names popular.

Kemmer

Similar in feel to Kolter, Carter, and Kaiser, but with the gentler sounds of Emerson, Kemmer is a German last name, yet to appear in the US stats., With the -er ending, K beginning, and occupational vibe of other trending choices.
 
While it is usually considered a form of Kämmerer meaning "chamberlain" (someone who managed a noble's household) — some sources suggest it could also link to a comb maker via Kammacher).

Not a mash up of Kolson and Solomon, but a Czech, Slovak and German form of Colman, Callum, and Columba. With the gentle meaning of "dove", it holds historical significance, being the name of an Irish monk martyred in Austria in the 10th century. 
 
Also known as Coloman of Stockerau, St, Koloman was tortured and hung after was mistaken as a spy due to his unusual appearance. He was made a saint, partly due to remorse on the part of those who killed him and because of the miracles occurring at the site of his burial. 
 
The patron saint of hanged men, horses, and persecuted innocents, Kolomon was a popular name in Czechia throughout the 20th century and remains familiar there now.

Koloman

Elegant but playful, Lenelotte in a German compound name that blends either Helene and Charlotte, or Magdalene and Charlotte. As such, it could be interpreted more poetically to meaning "shining light of a free man" or "one free from the high tower". 
 
More likely to be used as diminutive for the double name Helene-Charlotte than as a stand-alone, it was worn by politician Lenelotte von Bothmer, who made history in the 1970s when she became the first female German politician to wear a pant suit in the German parliament.

Lenelotte

A rare saint's name that may appeal to those who like Lydia, Winnie, Wilhelmina, and Lavinia. Lidwina is a feminine form of Ludwin and Leutwin. Usually said to mean "friend of the people" or "people's friend", the first element is sometimes interpreted as "famous" instead, lending it the meaning "famous friend" too.
 
The name was borne by a 15th-century Dutch saint and mystic, Lidwina of Schiedam, the patron saint of chronic pain and ice skating. Having suffered an accident while skating as a teen, Lidwina became progressively more disabled and some historians now believe she may be one of the first documented cases of someone with multiple sclerosis. Throughout her life, she was known for her charity and faith and was viewed as a holy woman, capable of healing and providing abundant food.

Lidwina

A German blend of two classics, Lieselore is an elegant and stately choice for fans of Lieselotte and Hannelore. Combining Liese (or Elisabeth) with Lore (or Eleonore), it would be pronounced as LEE-zuh-lo-ruh in German or LEE-suh-lo-ruh in Dutch.


Lieselore

Also spelled Liselotte, this is a clunky-but-cute compound name of German, Danish, Swedish, and Dutch origin. It combines elements of popular Elizabeth with popular Charlotte to create a name with a very different feel: sweet and oldy-worldy. 

Lieselotte

Used predominantly in Norway, but seen in Finland, Denmark, and Sweden too, Lindis is a bright, sleek name with a variety of possible meanings. On one hand, it may be considered a variation of the Icelandic Líndís meaning "linen woman" or "flaxen goddess", however, it could equally be a form of Línddís meaning "lime tree woman" or " goddess with a linden wood shield". Both names ultimately have their origins in Norse.
 
Additionally, it may be a diminutive of Germanic names ending in the -lind or -lindis element, giving it the further meaning of "soft, flexible, tender".
 
First used back in the late 1800s, it was most prominently used between the 1950s and 1980s in Norway. Notable bearers include peace activist Lindis Percy and content creator Lindis Vix.

Lindis

Liska is a sweet but sharp name with a number of meanings and origins. From its Germanic, Swedish, Frisian, Polish, and Kashubian roots, it's a diminutive of Elisabeth, possibly inspired by Eliska, however, it also coincides with Czech and Slavic words meaning "fox" (liška) and "hazel" (líska.
 
A notable bearer was Liska March, a dancer in early motion pictures, and later a producer of Broadway plays.

Liska

This nickname-name is very popular in Germany, though Lottie is still the preferred version in the US. The problem, of course, is that you'll have to put up with a lotta jokes. See?

Lotta

More familiar perhaps as Ludivine or Ludwina, this name is the Walloon feminine form of the Old Germanic name Leutwin. With its friendly meaning and a sound that is both clunky and regal, it is used among Walloon speakers, who typically reside in the South of Belgium. 


Ludvina

Macenry is a rare modern blended name that combines two traditional names, Mac or Mack and Henry. It carries the strength and simplicity of Mack with the timeless charm of Henry. Macenry feels fresh and unique while still rooted in familiar sounds.

Bonus: Mac can be considered an honor name for any ancestor whose surname begins with Mac or Mc, gender immaterial.

Macenry

Malkin is medieval short form of Maud or Matilda, popular in the Middle Ages. The name later developed folkloric associations, sometimes referring to a female cat (particularly a green-eyed one) or a witch's familiar in English folklore. In Shakespeare's time, 'grimalkin' referred to an old female cat or a fiery woman. 

This rich history gives Malkin a distinctive antique charm with subtle mystical undertones. Though very rare today, the name could appeal to parents interested in genuine historic English names or those seeking a name with a slightly mysterious, folkloric quality. Malkin's short, straightforward pronunciation contrasts with its unusual character, making it both accessible and unique.

Malkin

A rare smoosh name, in the style of Liselotte, Hannelore, and Heiderose, Marilotte blends Maria or Marie with Charlotte diminutive, Lotte, giving  it a touch of classic elegance but a hint of fun too. 

Marilotte

Strong but sweet with the emphasis on the second syllable, Marlies is a blend of Maria and Lies (a German and Dutch diminutive of Elisabeth) that might appear to those who enjoy Martha and Elise. It was popular in Belgium back in the 90s and has been notably borne by fashion designer Marlies Dekkers, model and influence Marlies Pia Pfeifhofer, and sprinter, Marlies Göhr. 
 
Marlise and Marlys are alternative spellings of the name.

Marlies

An old form of Millicent, brought over to England by the Normans, along with Melisent and Melisende. Ultimately, they come from Amalaswintha, a Gothic name meaning "strong in work" or "vigorous, brave, and strong". 

Melicent

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 22)