German Names

Tewdor is a masculine name that represents a variant spelling of Tudor, which has deep Welsh and historical roots. The name originally derived from the Welsh name 'Tudur,' meaning 'gift of God' or 'divine gift.' This alternative spelling gives the classic name a distinctive appearance while maintaining its traditional pronunciation. Historically significant through the Tudor dynasty that ruled England from 1485 to 1603, the name carries connotations of nobility and heritage. Despite its rich history, Tewdor remains exceptionally rare as a first name choice, offering uniqueness while still connecting to recognizable traditions. The name might particularly appeal to families with Welsh connections or those interested in British history who desire something uncommon yet historically anchored.

Tewdor

Theodoric feels prehistoric, though with short form Theo one of the hottest names around, this old <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/805/german-names-for-boys">German names for boys</a> may soon feel new again.

Theodoric

The modern name Till is in the German Top 100. Used in contemporary terms on its own, it's traditionally a short form of names beginning with Diet such as Deitrich, which is itself a form of Theodoric. Because of its English word equivalent, it's a bit slight to ever make it as a standalone name in the English-speaking world.

Fun fact: Till is a root of the Latinized name Thelonious, famous via jazz great Thelonious Monk.

Till

Timotheus is the original Greek form of Timothy, derived from the elements 'timao' meaning 'to honor' and 'theos' meaning 'God,' thus translating to 'honoring God' or 'honored by God.' This masculine name appears in the New Testament as Paul's disciple and early Christian leader. While Timothy has remained popular throughout Western Christian history, the full Greek form Timotheus is considerably rarer, carrying a classical, scholarly air. The name has been used occasionally throughout Europe, particularly in Germany and Scandinavian countries. Timotheus offers parents a way to connect with biblical and classical traditions while providing the friendly nickname options of Tim or Theo. Though uncommon in contemporary usage, it appeals to those seeking a name with deep historical roots and spiritual significance.

Timotheus

Uli is a concise masculine name with multicultural origins. In German, it serves as a diminutive of Ulrich, meaning 'heritage ruler' or 'wolf ruler.' In Scandinavian countries, it can be short for names like Ulrik or Ulv. The name also appears in Nigerian Igbo culture with distinct meanings. Despite its brevity, Uli carries cultural richness across different traditions. Its short, two-syllable structure makes it easy to pronounce across languages while maintaining a distinctive sound. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, Uli's international presence and straightforward pronunciation give it global versatility. The name combines simplicity with cultural depth, appealing to parents seeking a short but meaningful name with international connections.

Ulz is an extremely rare masculine name of uncertain origin. It may be a shortened form of names beginning with 'Ul-' such as Ulrich (meaning 'wolf ruler' in Germanic languages) or possibly a variant of Ulf (meaning 'wolf'). Alternatively, it could be derived from a surname or represent a unique cultural nickname. With its short, powerful sound and distinctive 'z' ending, Ulz has a strong, contemporary feel despite potentially ancient roots. The name's brevity gives it a modern edge while its unusual nature makes it highly distinctive. Due to its rarity, Ulz has little documented usage history but could appeal to parents seeking an ultra-concise, memorable name with a bold sound.

Utz is an uncommon masculine name with Germanic origins. Primarily found in German-speaking regions, it developed as a shortened form of names containing the element 'uodal' or 'ulrich', meaning 'heritage' or 'prosperity'. The name carries a strong, concise sound with its single syllable and distinctive 'tz' ending. Historically, Utz functioned more frequently as a surname than a given name. In popular culture, it gained some recognition through Peter Carey's novel 'The History of the Kelly Gang' and as a well-known brand of potato chips in the United States. Despite its brevity and distinctive character, Utz remains rare as a first name in most countries, appealing to parents seeking truly unique Germanic options.

Urbanus is a masculine name with Latin origins meaning "of the city" or "refined and polished," reflecting the Roman concept that city dwellers were more sophisticated than rural inhabitants. It represents the original Latin form of the more common Urban. The name carries historical significance through several popes and saints who bore it, including Pope Urban I in the 3rd century. Urbanus has a distinctly classical feel, evoking images of ancient Rome and learned scholars. While uncommon in contemporary usage, it offers a dignified alternative for parents seeking a name with historical depth and elegant sophistication. The name suggests culture, civilization, and refinement.

Urbanus

Velten is a masculine name with German origins, functioning primarily as a shortened form of Valentine or Valentin. These names ultimately derive from the Latin 'Valentinus,' meaning strong, healthy, or powerful. Velten emerged as a distinct given name in German-speaking regions, particularly in historical Prussia and modern eastern Germany. The name carries a strong, distinctive sound while remaining relatively short and accessible. Despite its European heritage, Velten remains quite rare in English-speaking countries, making it an uncommon choice with authentic historical roots. The name has a contemporary feel despite its traditional origins, with a crisp, modern sound that distinguishes it from more common variants of Valentine. For parents seeking a masculine name with German heritage that remains distinctive, Velten offers considerable appeal.

Velten

Vill always sound as if you're pronouncing Walter with an affected accent. 

Valter

The way Wilhelm is pronounced anyway, so a pointless spelling variation. 

Vilhelm

Vincens is a masculine name with Latin origins, representing an older variant of Vincent. Derived from the Latin 'vincens' meaning 'conquering' or 'prevailing,' it embodies qualities of triumph and resilience. This historical spelling was used in medieval Europe before modern spelling conventions standardized the more familiar Vincent form. Vincens maintains the powerful meaning of its modern counterpart while offering a distinctive classical flair. Though rare in contemporary usage, it appeals to parents seeking names with historical depth and traditional roots. The name connects to the rich legacy of Saint Vincent de Paul and other notable bearers without being commonplace. With its strong consonants and clear pronunciation, Vincens combines ancient dignity with accessibility, making it an uncommon yet recognizable choice for those appreciating names with both historical substance and distinguished character.

Vincens

If you're German and you love to fish -- then maybe. 

Vischer

Volney

A surname style choice, likely of Germanic origin, relating to Walter ("army ruler") or Waldemar ("famous authority"), though it could also relate to the Old English Walden ("valley of the Welsh"). It notably appears in George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire and the subsequent TV adaptation, Game of Thrones, borne by Walder Frey, a powerful riverlord.

Walder

Waltili is an uncommon masculine name with likely Germanic origins. It appears to be a diminutive or variant form derived from elements similar to those in Walter (from Germanic 'wald' meaning 'rule' and 'hari' meaning 'army'). The '-ili' suffix suggests an affectionate or diminutive form, common in Germanic naming traditions. This name carries an ancient, historical quality while remaining distinctive and unusual in modern contexts. Waltili may appeal to parents interested in historical naming traditions or seeking a name with Germanic cultural connections. Its unique sound pattern and rhythmic quality make it memorable, though its rarity means bearers might need to explain its pronunciation and origins frequently.

Waltili

Walten is a masculine name that serves as a variant of the more common Walter, which derives from Germanic elements meaning 'ruler of the army' (from 'wald' meaning rule and 'hari' meaning army). This alternative spelling maintains the strong, traditional essence of Walter while offering a slightly softer ending sound. Walten has historical roots as both a surname and occasional given name, particularly in Germanic regions. While not as widely used as Walter, which has been popular throughout Europe since medieval times and brought to England by the Normans, Walten offers a distinctive twist on this classic name. Its rarity makes it appealing to parents seeking a traditional name with historical weight but a slightly unconventional presentation for the modern era.

Walten

Walli is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Germanic traditions, it likely developed as a diminutive of names containing the element 'wald' meaning 'rule' or 'power.' In Arabic contexts, Walli (or Wali) relates to concepts of guardianship, protection, or friendship, derived from 'wilayah' meaning 'authority' or 'guardianship.' The name also appears in various South Asian cultures with connections to similar Arabic roots. Walli's short form and ending with an 'i' gives it a friendly, approachable quality. Though not among the most common names in Western countries, its cross-cultural presence provides versatility and international appeal. The spelling with a double 'l' distinguishes it slightly from the more common 'Wali' variant in some regions.

Walli

Wenzeslaus is an elaborate masculine name of Czech origin, representing the Latinized form of Wenceslaus or Václav. This regal name derives from the Old Slavic elements "ventie" (greater) and "slava" (glory), literally meaning "greater glory" or "more glorious." The name gained prominence through Saint Wenceslaus, a 10th-century Duke of Bohemia celebrated for his piety and generosity, famously memorialized in the Christmas carol "Good King Wenceslas." While relatively uncommon outside Central Europe, particularly the Czech Republic and Slovakia, the name carries strong historical and cultural significance. Wenzeslaus projects dignity and nobility with its multisyllabic structure and historical associations. Though rather formal for everyday use, the name offers several friendly nickname options including Wenzel or Wence. It remains a distinctive choice that connects a child to Central European heritage.

Wenzeslaus

Wetzel is a masculine surname that has occasionally transitioned to first-name usage. It derives from German origins, specifically from a diminutive form of the name Werner, meaning 'army defender' or 'protecting army.' Alternatively, it may relate to the Middle High German word 'wetzen,' meaning 'to sharpen.' Historically, Wetzel was more common in Germanic regions as a family name. As a first name, it remains exceptionally rare in the United States and most English-speaking countries. The name carries a strong consonant sound and distinctive Germanic character. Notable references include Wetzel County in West Virginia, named after Lewis Wetzel, a frontiersman and Native American fighter in the late 18th century.

Wetzel

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 40)