German Girl Names
Across 15 pages
of 15
Mareike
German variation of Mary
"bitter"
Mary has hundreds of variations around the world, and this German form, pronounced Ma-RYE-keh, is virtually unknown in English-speaking lands. A possible alternative to Mariah?
Elske
German and Frisian short form of Elizabeth
"pledged to God"
Elizabeth is a name of hundreds of variations, but this German name for girls , redolent of the Olde Country, is unfamiliar in the U.S. and likely to remain so.
Melisende
Norman, German
"strong in work"
Melisende, the mellifluous name of a 12th century queen of Jerusalem, gave rise to the more modern Millicent, after it was brought to England by the Normans. Ultimately, it comes from the Gothic…
Melisande
French form of Millicent, German
"strong in work"
This old-time fairy tale name is rarely heard in the modern English-speaking world, but it's so, well, mellifluous, that it would make a lovely choice for a twenty-first century girl--a romanticized…
Neele
German short form of Cornelia
"horn"
Cute tomboyish diminutive that's popular in Germany but has not spread far. An interesting choice for the parent who wants an elaborate feminine proper name with a modern short form.
Senta
German feminine diminutive of Roman name Crescens
"to grow"
Senta is a lovely name, but if you name your daughter Senta, will the kids call her Santa? Maybe, but this obscure yet simple German name for girls .may appeal to parents searching the untraveled…
Wylda
Variation of the word wild or German
"to strive"
The German name for girls Wylda was introduced to the world by British filmmaker/artist, director of Fifty Shades of Gray Sam Taylor-Wood and her actor husband, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who named their…
Zilke
German diminutive of Cecilia or Celia
"blind"
Along with the more common Silke, a diminutive used in Germany for Cecilia and Celia. Both Silke and Zilke are unknown yet usable German names for girls .
Helisent
English, Germanic
"temple path"
Helisent was used in the medieval days and has royal antecedents found in both France and Germany. Information on its origins is sketchy, but some say it's related to Elise or Helen or Heloise, or…
Meret
German diminutive of Margarethe
"pearl"
Meret is an interesting name found in several cultures. In Egyptian mythology, she was a goddess associated with singing, dancing and rejoicing and her meaning is 'beloved.' But the name also has…
Avila
German
"desired; or island, water"
An unusual and appealing name that is the origin of Evelyn, via the Norman French name Aveline. It derives from an obscure Germanic root, the meaning of which is not clear. Theories include "desired,…
Gesine
German
"strength of a spear"
Clunky Gertrude is heading towards obscurity in the US, but here's a variation that might intrigue - Gesine, also spelled Gesina. Gesine comes from the same roots - Geretrudis - and shares the name's…
Leopoldine
French feminine version of Leopold
"brave people"
A sophisticated girls' name for those attracted to Leona, Leonie and Leonore.
Ermentrude
French version of Germanic Ermendrud
"universal strength"
Ermentrude was the name of two medieval queens of France. Despite these distinguished beginnings, this antique name is unlikely to catch on with contemporary parents, perhaps because the first…
Kleo
Variation of Cleo, Greek
"glory"
Khloe : Chloe :: Kleo : Cleo
Minna
Diminutive of Wilhelmina, German
"resolute protection; love"
One of those pan-European nickname names much more familiar in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe than in the US, though related name Mina is making a comeback here. Light and bright, it could be an…
Adela
German
"noble"
A vibrant variation of Adele, with a bit of extra flair from that "-a" ending. It could join the army of popular A girls' names, especially with its tie to the success of singer Adele. Adela, which…
Adelia
Variation of Adela, German
"noble, nobility"
The super-success of Adele, both the singer and the name, has brought attention to all her cousins — Adela, Adeline, Adelina — and the lovely Adelia. An undiscovered gem just waiting to be…
Adolpha
German
"noble wolf"
Nein.
Agna
Agna is a feminine name with ancient roots spanning multiple cultures. In Latin contexts, it relates to 'agnus' meaning 'lamb,' symbolizing gentleness and purity. The name also appears in Indian…