German Names

Conjures up the military image of Fort Benning in Georgia — or the surname of actress Annette.

Benning

Beno is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a short form of Benedict (meaning 'blessed'), Benjamin ('son of the right hand'), or various Slavic names containing the element 'ben' meaning 'good.' In some cultures, particularly Slovenian and Slovak, it functions as an independent name. Beno has a straightforward, friendly quality with its simple two-syllable structure. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it enjoys some usage in Central and Eastern European countries. The name offers modern appeal through its brevity while still connecting to traditional naming heritage. Its simplicity makes it easily pronounceable across language barriers.

Beno

Last-name-first-name with a romantic but dangerous edge. 

Berenger

Earthbound surname that few would make as first choice. 

Berg

No kid would want to be open to all those burger jokes. 

Berger

Hip short form of Bernard, also Swiss place-name. 

Bern

Bernhart is a masculine name of Germanic origin, representing a variant spelling of Bernhard or Bernard. The name combines the elements 'bern' (bear) and 'hart' (strong or brave), creating the powerful meaning 'strong as a bear' or 'brave as a bear.' This traditional name has deep historical roots throughout Germanic-speaking Europe, particularly in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, where it was borne by nobility and common folk alike. The specific 'Bernhart' spelling variant is less common than Bernard or Bernhard but maintains the same etymological significance. Throughout history, the name has been associated with strength, courage, and determination—qualities symbolized by the bear in Germanic folklore and mythology.

Bernhart

Bernhardt is a strong Germanic masculine name with deep historical roots. Derived from the Germanic elements 'bern' meaning bear and 'hard' meaning brave or strong, the name literally translates to 'strong as a bear' or 'brave as a bear.' This powerful name has a long history in German-speaking regions and beyond. Notable bearers include the famous French actress Sarah Bernhardt, who despite being female, carried this traditionally masculine surname. The name has a distinguished, somewhat formal quality that conveys strength and dignity. While never extremely common in English-speaking countries, Bernhardt maintains steady usage in German-speaking regions and among families with Germanic heritage.

Bernhardt

Popular throughout Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Scandinavia, Bernhard has maintained its classic appeal for centuries. Several notable figures have carried this distinguished name, including composers, philosophers, and political leaders. While the English variant Bernard became more common in English-speaking countries, Bernhard retains the authentic Germanic spelling. The name conveys strength, resilience, and courage—timeless qualities that continue to attract parents seeking a name with historical depth.

Bernhard

Berend is a masculine name primarily found in Dutch and German-speaking regions, derived from the Germanic elements "bern" meaning "bear" and "hard" meaning "brave" or "strong." The name essentially conveys the meaning of "strong as a bear" or "brave as a bear." In the Netherlands, it has historical significance and was moderately popular in previous generations, though less commonly given to newborns today. Berend has connections to similar Germanic names like Bernard and Bernhard, but maintains its own distinct cultural identity. The name carries connotations of strength, courage, and resilience. While rarely encountered in English-speaking countries, Berend offers parents seeking Germanic heritage names an authentic option with a clear, strong meaning.

Berend

One bright spot: famous namesake Threepenny Opera playwright Berthold (later known as Bertolt) Brecht. 

Berthold

This name of famed philosopher, mathematician and Nobel laureate Bertrand Russell becomes slightly more plausible with the French pronunciation, bare-TRAHN. Another noted bearer is French director and screenwriter Bertrand Tavernier.

Bertrand

When Kate Hudson named her second son Bingham and announced that she would be calling him Bing, it put this zingy nickname name out on the table. Before that, there was only one, further nicknamed Der Bingle -- and he was really Harry Lillis Crosby. 
 And nowadays it's also a Microsoft search engine--but in any case, Bing has a lot of zing and could fit in with the likes of Brooks, Banks, Riggs, and Briggs. No babies have been called Bing in recent years, however. 
 
Bing may also be associated with a Chinese name meaning "soldier" or "ice" depending on the kanji. While Bing is typically a surname, it may occasionally be listed as a given name in English speaking countries, due to the difference in name order in Chinese.

Bing

Blasius is a venerable masculine name with ancient Roman roots, derived from the Latin 'blaesus' meaning 'lisping' or 'stammering.' It gained prominence through St. Blasius (also known as St. Blaise), a 4th-century Armenian physician and bishop who became a widely venerated saint associated with healing throat ailments. The name has remained in use primarily in European Catholic traditions, especially in Germany (as Blasius), Italy (as Biagio), and Eastern European countries. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, it carries historical gravitas and religious significance. The name offers distinctive nickname options like Blaze or Blais. Blasius represents a bold choice for parents seeking a name with classical roots and religious heritage.

Blasius

Blasi is a masculine name with Mediterranean origins, primarily connected to Italian and Catalan naming traditions. It functions as a variant or diminutive form of Blasius or Blaise, which derive from the Latin 'blaesus' meaning 'stuttering' or 'lisping.' The name carries historical significance through Saint Blaise, a 4th-century Armenian physician and martyr who became one of the most popular medieval saints. While uncommon in international contexts, Blasi maintains cultural relevance in specific Mediterranean regions, particularly in Sicily and parts of Spain. The name has occasionally transferred to surname usage as well. Its short, distinctive sound pattern gives it a modern feel despite its ancient origins, appealing to parents seeking a name with historical depth but contemporary simplicity.

Blasi

Bonifaz is a masculine name of Latin origin, deriving from 'Bonifatius' meaning 'good fate' or 'good fortune.' This name has historical significance through several popes and saints named Boniface, particularly St. Boniface (born Winfrid), an 8th-century missionary known as the Apostle of Germany. Bonifaz is primarily used in German-speaking regions and Spanish-speaking countries as a variant of Bonifacio. While never extremely common, the name carries dignified historical and religious associations. It offers unique nickname possibilities like 'Boni.' Though traditional in character, Bonifaz remains distinctive in most contemporary settings, appealing to parents seeking a name with historical depth and positive meaning.

Bonifaz

A melodic choice for lullaby-lovers. Brahms might also make a trendy s-ending nickname for Abraham.

Brahms

Busch

Krischan is a masculine name of German origin, primarily found in northern Germany and Scandinavia. It represents a regional variant of Christian, ultimately derived from Latin 'Christianus' meaning 'follower of Christ.' This distinctive variation maintains the religious connection while offering a unique sound and appearance. Krischan has remained relatively uncommon outside German-speaking regions, giving it an exotic yet accessible quality for international use. The name combines traditional religious roots with a contemporary sound, making it appeal to parents seeking a name with established heritage but uncommon usage. While not widely tracked in popularity charts, Krischan has maintained consistent though limited use in Germany, particularly in northern regions like Schleswig-Holstein where regional naming traditions remain strong.

Krischan

Soft, gentle, and non-Germanic, but the final s almost makes it sound plural. 

Klemens

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 33)