German Names

Only if it's a family name, and then, best in the middle. 

Nagel

A medieval German saint's name which remained popular in Germany until the middle of the 20th century. It is still in relatively wide use in other European countries, including Poland and Hungary. With other Bert names – like Robert and Albert and even Gilbert – appealing to lovers of strong, traditional boy names with a slightly clunky charm, Norbert could be one of those so-out-it's-in choices that everyone knows, but almost no one is using.

 A famous fictional Norbert is the baby dragon adopted by Hagrid in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

Norbert

Odilio

Otho is a masculine name of Germanic origin that carries ancient historical significance. The name traces back to Old Germanic roots meaning 'wealth' or 'prosperity.' Notably, it was borne by several important historical figures, including a Roman Emperor and German kings. While never extensively popular in modern times, Otho maintains an aristocratic and distinguished air. The name has various forms across European languages, including Otto in German and Othon in French. Today, Otho remains quite rare, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive classical name with historical depth and a strong masculine character.

Otho

Ottomar is a rare masculine name with Germanic origins. It combines the elements 'ot' or 'otto' meaning 'wealth' or 'prosperity' and 'mar' meaning 'famous' or 'renowned,' creating the meaning 'famous for wealth' or 'renowned prosperity.' This name has historical roots in Germany and other Central European countries but has never achieved widespread popularity. Ottomar has a distinctive, somewhat aristocratic sound that evokes Old World charm and sophistication. The name remained relatively uncommon even during peak Germanic naming trends in Europe and is considered quite rare in English-speaking countries. Its elaborate nature and strong consonant sounds give it a formal, distinguished character.

Ottomar

Ottocar is a masculine name with Germanic origins, derived from the elements 'ot' meaning wealth or fortune and 'gar' meaning spear. This noble name has historical significance as it was borne by several Bohemian kings in the 13th century, including Ottocar I and Ottocar II who ruled what is now part of the Czech Republic. Though uncommon in modern usage, Ottocar carries a distinguished, regal quality that connects to European medieval history. The name has variations including Otakar and Otokar in Slavic languages. Ottocar offers parents seeking a distinctive masculine name with historical depth a rare option that combines strength and aristocratic heritage without being commonplace.

Ottocar

Otfried is a masculine name of Germanic origin, combining the elements 'ot' meaning wealth or fortune and 'fried' meaning peace. This traditional name dates back to medieval times and was popularized through Otfried of Weissenburg, a notable 9th-century German poet and theologian. While relatively uncommon today, the name maintains some recognition in German-speaking countries and regions with Germanic heritage. Otfried carries a dignified, scholarly quality and suggests someone who values both prosperity and harmony. The name's strong consonants give it a formal, distinguished character that connects to deep historical roots while remaining recognizable.

Otfried

Paulin's -in suffix and two-syllable rhythm make this a fashionable alternative to the original, though it looks like an abbreviation of Pauline. 

Paulin

This name of a famous Booth Tarkington novel is alien in today's world. 

Penrod

Most famous as the name of King Pepin the Short, this choice might feel somewhat belittling.   The even-shorter form is Pippin, a name adopted for musical theater, and the Dutch form Pepijn is in that country's Top 100.

Pepin

Pfeffer is a masculine name that originated as a German surname meaning 'pepper' or 'pepper merchant.' Historically, it would have been an occupational surname for someone who traded in or worked with spices, particularly pepper. As a given name, Pfeffer is extremely rare, representing the modern trend of adopting distinctive surnames as first names. The initial 'Pf' consonant blend gives the name a strong Germanic quality that may be challenging for non-German speakers. Those choosing this name might be honoring German heritage or seeking a truly uncommon name with historical trade associations. While unusual as a first name, it carries connotations of boldness and spice.

Pfeffer

If you must name your child Leopold, at least call him Leo. 

Poldi

Reinhold is a masculine name of Germanic origin meaning 'wise ruler' or 'counsel ruler,' derived from the elements 'ragin' (counsel) and 'wald' (rule). This traditional name has deep historical roots in German-speaking countries and Scandinavia, where it has been used since medieval times. While Reinhold enjoyed considerable popularity throughout Europe in earlier centuries, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries, its usage has declined in modern times. Today, it's considered a classic but somewhat uncommon name that carries an air of dignity and old-world charm. The name remains more prevalent in Germanic countries and communities with strong German heritage, where traditional naming patterns are still valued.

Reinhold

Raimund is a masculine name of Germanic origin, derived from the elements 'ragin' meaning 'advice' or 'counsel' and 'mund' meaning 'protection.' It's the German variation of Raymond, which became popular throughout Europe during the Middle Ages. Raimund carries an air of classical dignity with its traditional spelling and historical roots. The name has maintained steady usage in German-speaking countries and parts of Eastern Europe, though it's less common in English-speaking regions where Raymond is preferred. Raimund has a strong, distinguished sound with its two distinct syllables. Its long history and noble meaning of 'wise protector' make it appealing to parents seeking a name with substance and heritage.

Raimund

Reimund is a masculine name of Germanic origin, representing a traditional form of Raymond. The name combines the Germanic elements 'ragin' meaning 'counsel' or 'decision' and 'mund' meaning 'protection,' creating a meaning along the lines of 'wise protector' or 'counsel-protector.' This spelling variation is more common in German-speaking regions, while Raymond became the standard form in English. Reimund carries an old-world European charm with its traditional spelling, evoking images of medieval nobility and Germanic heritage. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries today, it offers a distinctive alternative to the more familiar Raymond while maintaining the same historical roots and approximate pronunciation. The name conveys strength and wisdom through both its sound and meaning.

Reimund

Reinwald is a Germanic masculine name composed of two elements: 'regin' meaning 'counsel' or 'advice' and 'wald' meaning 'rule' or 'power'. Together, these elements create a name that suggests a powerful advisor or wise ruler. The name has ancient roots in Germanic traditions where compound names often reflected aspirational qualities for the bearer. While not widely used in modern times, Reinwald maintains popularity in some German-speaking regions and among families with Germanic heritage. The name carries a strong, traditional feel with historical connections to medieval European naming patterns. Its relative rarity today gives it a distinctive quality for those seeking an uncommon name with historical depth.

Reinwald

Reinald is a masculine name of Germanic origin, derived from the elements 'ragin' meaning 'counsel' or 'decision' and 'wald' meaning 'rule' or 'power.' This combination creates a meaning along the lines of 'powerful advisor' or 'ruling counselor.' The name has medieval roots and was borne by several nobles throughout European history. Various forms exist across different cultures, including Reynold, Reginald, and Reinhold. Reinald is considerably rare in modern usage, particularly in English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive quality. The name carries connotations of wisdom, leadership, and authority, appealing to parents looking for a strong, traditional name with historical depth but without being commonplace.

Reinald

Associated with Reynard the cunning fox in medieval European animal tales. Reynard can make an unusual yet historic choice for a modern boy, a modern day Richard or Robert.

Reynard "Reynie" Muldoon is the hero of The Mysterious Benedict Society books.

Reynard

Some older sources list this as a German variation of Richard, though modern Germans spell Richard just like we do.

Richart

A German surname name deriving from the same root as English Ryder. Traditionally, it was the name of the second lowest hereditary rank of the nobility, roughly equivalent to English Baronet. Notable associations are British actor Paul Ritter and a popular European chocolate brand.

Ritter

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 38)