German Names
Across 35 pages
of 35
Mathis
French and German form of Matthias or Matthew
"gift of God"
Very popular in France and Belgium, this name -- pronounced mat-tees, like the surname of the painter Matisse -- might make an appealing new way to say Matthew here.
Eleonara
Italian, German, Dutch, and Polish version of Eleanor
"bright, shining one"
The usual form of Eleonara is Eleanora, with each syllable pronounced, but transposing, adding, or subtracting a vowel or syllable here or there works fine and adds to the international, feminine…
Adalius
German
"noble"
New England Patriots linebacker Adalius Thomas brought his Latinate name into the spotlight, and he has an equally unusual middle name--DONQUAIL.
Auster
German surname
"oyster"
Fans of writer Paul Auster might consider this a worthy alternative to the trendy Austin.
Rudy
German, short form of Rudolph
"famous wolf"
Rudy hasn't yet enjoyed the comeback of cousin name Ruby, despite having been chosen by hip couple Sadie Frost and Jude Law, but it still could happen. Rudy has a lot going for it as a…
Wilda
Variation of the word wild or German
"to strive"
Wilda (or Wylda) has two widely divergent images. Pronounced vill-da, it feels like a cousin of Hilda: a sturdy and none-too-attractive prairie settler. But you can also think of her as wild-ah, as…
Levin
German
"dear friend"
Levin, known in the U.S. mostly as a surname, is a Top 100 boys' name in Germany. There have been saints with variations of this name, whose meaning relates to love.
Verlin
Latin
"true"
Verlin is an obscure name that found some use in the US in the early part of the 20th century, but now it and variation Verlyn are extinct, given to no baby boys in the US last year. Verlyn…
Hoover
German
"owner of a patch of farmland"
A huve is 40 acres of land, so the occupational name Hoover refers to the farmer who owned and worked it. Hoover also relates to the rock band, the vacuum cleaner, the dam, and former FBI head J.…
Faber
Faber is a distinguished masculine name with Latin origins meaning 'craftsman' or 'artisan.' This occupational surname has transitioned to occasional use as a first name, carrying connotations of…
Mathais
Mathais is a masculine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Matthias or Mathias, which derive from the Hebrew name Mattityahu, meaning 'gift of God.' This alternative spelling maintains the…
Mathi
Mathi is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In South Indian traditions, particularly Tamil, it derives from Sanskrit roots meaning "intelligent" or "wise." In Finnish culture, it may…
Matthis
Matthis is a masculine name that originated as a variant of Matthew, derived from the Hebrew name Mattityahu, meaning 'gift of God.' This variation is particularly popular in French-speaking regions…
Matz
Matz is a masculine name with Germanic origins, functioning as a variation of Matthias or Matthew, which derive from the Hebrew name Mattityahu meaning 'gift of God'. Popular primarily in…
Simmy
Simmy is a playful masculine name that typically functions as a diminutive of Simon, Simeon, or similar names derived from the Hebrew 'Shimon,' meaning 'he has heard.' With its cheerful '-y' ending,…
Wendell
German
"to travel, to proceed"
Old man's name just conceivable for a girl--makes a new spin on Wendy.
Meike
German variation of Mary
"bitter"
Pronounced MY-keh, this German form of Mary was very popular a few decades ago. Might make a fresh alternative to Mikayla and sisters. The Frisian version is Maike, and the Biblical male Micah sounds…
Mareike
German variation of Mary
"bitter"
Mary has hundreds of variations around the world, and this German form, pronounced Ma-RYE-keh, is virtually unknown in English-speaking lands. A possible alternative to Mariah?
Elske
German and Frisian short form of Elizabeth
"pledged to God"
Elizabeth is a name of hundreds of variations, but this German name for girls , redolent of the Olde Country, is unfamiliar in the U.S. and likely to remain so.
Melisende
Norman, German
"strong in work"
Melisende, the mellifluous name of a 12th century queen of Jerusalem, gave rise to the more modern Millicent, after it was brought to England by the Normans. Ultimately, it comes from the Gothic…