German Names

Fulbright

A bird name that could be thought of as an animated spin on Garrett. 

Gannet

Gerhart is a strong Germanic masculine name with ancient roots. Derived from the Germanic elements 'ger' meaning 'spear' and 'hard' meaning 'brave, hardy, or strong,' Gerhart literally translates to 'strong with the spear' or 'brave spear-warrior.' This powerful name has been used throughout German-speaking regions of Europe since medieval times and represents qualities of courage and military prowess that were highly valued in Germanic societies. While more common in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, Gerhart remains relatively rare in English-speaking countries. The name has several spelling variations including Gerhard, Gearhart, and Gerhardt. Its traditional nature and distinctive sound appeal to parents seeking a name with historical depth and clear masculine associations.

Gerhart

In its native Germany, Gerhard was very popular a hundred years ago and is now rather old-fashioned. It isn't much used by English speakers either, but has a certain clunky charm about it.

Gerhard

Gervas is a masculine name with Latin origins, derived from the name Gervasius, which may have come from a Germanic element meaning 'spear.' The name has historical significance in Christianity as Saint Gervasius was an early martyr alongside his twin brother Protasius. Gervas represents a shortened or modernized version of the traditional name. More common in parts of Europe, particularly with Eastern European and Latin influences, the name remains quite rare in English-speaking countries. Gervas has a sophisticated, slightly austere quality with its crisp consonants and classical roots. The name's rarity gives it distinction while its historical connections provide it with depth and character.

Gervas

Giselbert is a masculine name of ancient Germanic origin, combining the elements 'gisel' meaning 'pledge' or 'hostage' (in the political sense of the medieval period) and 'berht' meaning 'bright' or 'famous.' This historical name was borne by several European nobles during the Middle Ages, including dukes of Lorraine. Though extremely rare today, Giselbert represents a connection to deep European heritage. The name has evolved into the more common Gilbert in English-speaking countries. Giselbert maintains an air of medieval nobility and Old World sophistication. Its rarity makes it distinctive while its historical roots give it substance and gravitas not found in newly created names.

Giselbert

Agidius is a rare masculine name of Latin origin, representing a variant spelling of the more common Aegidius. The name derives from the Greek word 'aigidion,' meaning 'kid' or 'young goat,' or possibly from 'aigis,' referring to a shield. Historically, the name gained prominence through Saint Aegidius (also known as Saint Giles), a 7th-century hermit venerated in France who became one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers in Catholic tradition. While never widely popular in English-speaking countries, variations of the name appear throughout European history, including Giles in English and Egidio in Italian. Agidius has a scholarly, classical sound that evokes ancient Rome and medieval monasteries. The name's unusual quality offers distinction while its historical connections provide depth and substance for those who bear it.

Agidius

Gottfried is a traditional Germanic masculine name composed of the elements "gott" meaning "god" and "fried" meaning "peace," thus translating to "God's peace" or "divine protection." The name has deep historical roots in German-speaking countries, with notable bearers including philosopher Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz and poet Gottfried von Stramburg. While common in medieval and early modern Germany, its usage declined in the 20th century, now giving it a somewhat antiquated or classical character. Outside German-speaking regions, Gottfried remains uncommon, often perceived as distinctively German. The name carries connotations of wisdom, divine inspiration, and scholarly pursuits due to its historical associations.

Gottfried

Jörn is a masculine Germanic name primarily used in northern Germany, Denmark, and Scandinavia. It's a variation of the name Jürgen, which itself is the German form of George, ultimately derived from Greek 'georgos' meaning 'farmer' or 'earth-worker.' The distinctive umlaut (ö) gives the name its characteristic pronunciation and Nordic feel. Jörn has been steadily used throughout the 20th century in Northern Europe but remains relatively uncommon. The name carries associations of strength and practicality, reflecting its Germanic heritage. While not widely used internationally, Jörn offers a distinctive option for parents seeking a name with authentic Nordic roots and a straightforward, masculine sound.

Jörn

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.

Gredorius

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). 

Günter

Guenther is a Germanic masculine name, also spelled Günther in its original German form with an umlaut. This traditional name has deep roots in German-speaking regions, derived from the elements 'gund' meaning 'war' and 'hari' meaning 'army.' Historically, it gained recognition through Germanic mythology and medieval literature, notably appearing in the Nibelungenlied where Gunther was a Burgundian king. The name carries connotations of strength and warrior-like qualities, reflecting its martial origins. While maintaining steady usage in German-speaking countries, Guenther is less common in English-speaking regions, often found in communities with German heritage. The spelling without the umlaut (Guenther rather than Günther) makes it more adaptable to English language keyboards and pronunciation, while still honoring its Germanic roots.

Guenther

Veit is a masculine German name derived from the Latin name Vitus, which means 'lively' or 'full of life.' With ancient roots, this name has been used since medieval times, particularly in German-speaking regions including Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland. The name is associated with Saint Vitus, a Christian martyr from the early 4th century who became one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers venerated in Roman Catholicism. Veit experienced periods of popularity throughout German history but remains relatively uncommon in the modern era, especially outside German-speaking countries. The name's brevity gives it a strong, clear quality, while its historical depth provides cultural richness and connection to European heritage.

Veit

Hack is, unfortunately, both an unappealing word and sound. 

Hackett

A preppy surname of hidden German origin that would fit right in with currently trendy s-ending <a href="https://nameberry.com/boys-names">boy names</a> like Brooks and Hayes, Haines ultimately comes from the name Hagen. 
 
Also spelled as Haynes, it has surprising connections to mythology, appearing in the medieval saga, the Nibelungenlied. This spelling is currently less popular than the alternative Haynes in the US, though both are rare.

Haines

One you might like for its cozy meaning, but there is that Pied Piper rat connection. 

Hamlin

Nicknames ending in o are invariably cute, though this one is a boys' name in its own right. And not just any boy name, but a saint's name no less. Saint Hanno, aka Saint Anno, was an 10th century archbishop of Cologne, He is also known as, less attractively, Hanno of Worms, which is one of the oldest cities in Germany. 

There is also a 5th century BC figure known as Hanno the Navigator, who was sent from his native Cathage to sail around and colonize West Africa, and take its gold as he went. His adventurism is admirable, his imperialism is not

Hanno

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

Harbin

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

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 35)