German Names

Ruprecht is a traditional German masculine name with ancient Germanic roots. It derives from 'hruod' meaning 'fame' and 'berht' meaning 'bright' or 'famous'. This name was particularly popular among medieval German nobility and royalty. Ruprecht is the German form of Robert and also the traditional name of Knecht Ruprecht, a companion of Saint Nicholas in German folklore who is similar to Krampus. While the name has declined in everyday usage in modern Germany, it retains strong cultural connections and historical significance. In English-speaking countries, Ruprecht remains quite rare, often perceived as distinctively Old World and traditional.

Ruprecht

Rupprecht is a masculine German name with strong historical roots, particularly in Bavaria. It is the German form of Robert, derived from the Germanic elements "hrod" meaning "fame" and "beraht" meaning "bright" or "famous." The name has royal associations, having been borne by several Bavarian princes and nobles throughout history, including Rupprecht, Crown Prince of Bavaria (1869-1955). Though uncommon outside German-speaking regions, Rupprecht maintains a certain dignified presence and historical gravitas. The pronunciation, roughly "ROOP-rekht," preserves its distinctive German character. For parents seeking a name with aristocratic German heritage and a strong, authoritative sound, Rupprecht offers historical depth while being rare enough to be truly distinctive in most contemporary settings.

Rupprecht

Masculine in an outmoded, unappealing way. 

Rodman

Rüdiger

Romer might be considered a streamlined spelling of the German surname Rohmer, whose root means fame or renown, or a name that was given to those who made pilgrimages to Rome, which is related to Romeo and its brothers.  With the style value of other Rome names from Roman to Romy, this is one we predict we'll hear more of.

Romer

This surname-name originated as a nickname for redheads. 

Roth

Rodolf is a traditional masculine name that represents an older spelling variant of Rudolf or Rudolph. It derives from Germanic elements meaning "fame" (hrod) and "wolf" (wulf), combining to signify "famous wolf." This spelling more closely resembles the original Germanic form before later variations emerged. Rodolf appears across various European cultures, particularly in Scandinavian, Germanic, and Eastern European naming traditions. While not commonly used in English-speaking countries today, it maintains popularity in parts of Europe. The name carries historical significance through figures like Rodolf of Habsburg and connects to folklore through associations with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Rodolf offers a distinguished, slightly exotic alternative to more common variations.

Rodolf

You've got the red-nosed reindeer to transcend, but there are other distinguished personages named Rudolph, Rudolf, and Rudy.

Rudolf

For Sam-lovers who want to make a slight detour off that well-traveled road. 

Zamiel

Selig comes from the Yiddish vocabulary word meaning 'happy, fortunate, blessed.'  Most of us are more familiar with its Woody Allen variation, Zelig. 

Selig

Shermon is a variant of the more common name Sherman, which has English origins derived from the Old English occupational surname meaning 'shearer of cloth' or 'cloth cutter.' The variation with an 'o' instead of an 'a' gives it a slightly distinctive sound while maintaining the same roots. Though relatively uncommon in the United States and globally, Shermon carries the dignified, somewhat formal quality of its traditional counterpart. The name saw limited popularity during the mid-20th century but remains rare today. Those named Shermon might appreciate its connection to notable historical figures who bore the Sherman spelling, including American Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman.

Shermon

Seifried is a masculine name of Germanic origin, derived from old German elements. It likely combines 'sieg' meaning 'victory' and 'fried' meaning 'peace' or 'protection,' creating a powerful meaning of 'victorious peace' or 'protected in victory.' The name has historical roots in medieval German-speaking regions and may also appear as a surname. Seifried shares etymological connections with the more familiar Siegfried, a legendary hero in Germanic mythology who appears in the Nibelungenlied epic poem. As a first name, Seifried is extremely rare in contemporary usage, offering a distinctive option with strong historical connections. The name carries connotations of strength, protection, and triumph, appealing to those drawn to names with substantial Germanic heritage and meaningful etymological components.

Seifried

Seifert is primarily a German surname that occasionally appears as a masculine given name. Deriving from Middle High German, it combines elements meaning 'victory' and 'peace' or 'protection.' As a surname, it's relatively common in Germany, Austria, and among populations with Germanic heritage. When used as a first name, Seifert is quite rare, giving it a distinctive quality. The name carries connotations of strength and nobility from its etymological roots. Pronounced as "ZAI-fert" in German, the name has a strong, distinguished sound. While unconventional as a given name, Seifert represents a trend of surname-to-first-name transitions seen in various naming traditions. It projects a serious, distinguished character with strong Germanic cultural associations.

Seifert

Siegmund is a masculine German name with ancient Germanic roots, combining the elements 'sieg' meaning 'victory' and 'mund' meaning 'protection' or 'hand.' This powerful name appears in Germanic mythology and was made famous through Wagner's opera 'Die Walküre,' where Siegmund is a heroic character. The name has several spelling variations, including Sigmund and Sigismund. While not common in English-speaking countries, it maintains some usage in German-speaking regions. Siegmund carries connotations of strength, protection, and triumph. The name gained some recognition through Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis. Siegmund offers parents seeking a masculine name with historical depth and strong meaning a distinctive option with Germanic heritage.

Siegmund

More commonly spelled as Sylvester in English speaking countries, Silvester is closer to its Latin origins silva . Sharing a root with Silas, Sylvia, and Sylvie, this form saw occasional use in the US in the early 20th century, and may be used in Slavic countries, such as Czechia and Slovakia

Silvester

Salomo is a masculine name that represents a variation of Solomon, which comes from the Hebrew name Shlomo meaning 'peace' or 'peaceful.' This particular form of the name is common in Finnish, German, and various Scandinavian languages. The biblical King Solomon, son of David, was renowned for his wisdom and wealth, giving the name associations with intelligence and judicious leadership. Unlike the more common English version Solomon, Salomo maintains a distinctive international flair while connecting to the same rich historical and biblical heritage. Though relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, it offers parents a cross-cultural option with ancient roots and positive connotations of wisdom and harmony.

Salomo

Irrevocably tied to long-lived, controversial South Carolina senator Strom (born James) Thurman; Strom, which sounds like an anagram of Storm, was his mother's maiden name. With a stretch, you might consider this one of the <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/805/german-names-for-boys">German names for boys</a>that's also a nature name.

Strom

More familiar to most English speakers in its Italian form, Tancredo, this Old School name is one to consider if you want something both authentic and highly unusual.

Tancred

Terenz is a masculine name that serves as a Germanic or Eastern European variant of Terence (Latin Terentius). The original name has ancient Roman roots, derived from an Etruscan word possibly meaning "tender" or "smooth." This variation with a 'z' ending is more common in German-speaking regions and parts of Eastern Europe. While the traditional Terence saw popularity in English-speaking countries during the mid-20th century, Terenz remains relatively uncommon. The name carries intellectual associations, partly due to the connection with the ancient Roman playwright Terentius (Terence). The distinctive 'z' ending gives the name a sophisticated European flair while maintaining its classical heritage.

Terenz

This is one of the least known or used of the Theo names, quite possibly because of its last syllable. In Samuel Butler's 1903 novel The Way of All Flesh, there is a clergyman character named Theobald Pontifex.

 You might want to consider the French version Thibault or the Shakespearean Tybalt instead.

Theobald

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 39)