German Names for Girls

Aldine and the related Alda are ocean-related names that are highly unusual in the US. No babies were given these names, though hundreds of baby boys were named Aldo or Alden. There were even a few dozen baby girls named Alden.

If you love the sound of Alma and Alba, then perhaps Alda or its elaboration Aldine will appeal to you.

Aldine

Previously reserved for Ernie's companion on Sesame Street, Bert may find new life as a girl's name amid the rising trend of boyish nicknames for girls. With its short, spunky style, Bert fits alongside other vintage picks like Max and Lou.

Bert

Berrti is a feminine name that appears to be a creative variation of names like Bertie, Bertha, or Berta. These names share Germanic origins from the element 'beraht,' meaning 'bright' or 'famous.' The distinctive double 'r' and 'i' ending give Berrti a playful, modern twist while maintaining connections to its traditional roots. While uncommon in mainstream usage, Berrti offers a fresh alternative to more conventional forms. The name has a cheerful, friendly quality that balances its historical underpinnings with contemporary appeal. As a diminutive form given independent status, Berrti represents the trend toward shorter, more informal names being used as given names. The unique spelling helps distinguish it from similar names while preserving its warm, accessible character.

Berrti

More familiar perhaps as Ludivine or Ludwina, this name is the Walloon feminine form of the Old Germanic name Leutwin. With its friendly meaning and a sound that is both clunky and regal, it is used among Walloon speakers, who typically reside in the South of Belgium. 


Ludvina

Part Amalia, part Winifred, Amalfried is an Old Germanic name with the beautiful meaning "noble peace". It may be a striking choice for a character in a historical fantasy novel, or perhaps for a baby, thanks to its familiar elements. 
 
Other variations of the name include Amalfrida, Amalfriede, and Amalfrieda, while the masculine form is Amalfrid.

Amalfried

Part Amalia, part Winifred, part Frederika, Amalfrida is an Old Germanic name, combining the elements amal and fridu, to give the charming meaning, "noble peace". With a hint of historical fantasy about it, it could make a memorable choice, but with grounding nicknames Molly, Mallie, Freddie, Alfie, Frida, and Ami.
 
Borne by a fifth century queen of the Vandals, other forms of the name include Amalfried and Amalfrieda, along with masculine form, Amalfrid.

Amalfrida

Berrta is an uncommon variant spelling of Berta or Bertha, a feminine name with Germanic origins meaning 'bright' or 'famous.' The distinctive double 'r' spelling gives this traditional name a unique twist. The original name Bertha was quite popular in the early 20th century before declining significantly in usage. This variant spelling is extremely rare. Historically, Bertha was associated with strength and prominence, being the name of several notable medieval queens and nobility. While the standard spelling Bertha has sometimes carried matronly or outdated associations in recent decades, the variant Berrta offers a potential fresh take on this heritage name. The name maintains its connection to qualities of brightness and distinction while the unusual spelling provides a touch of individuality.

Berrta

Berrty is an unusual feminine name that appears to be a creative variant spelling, possibly deriving from names like Bertie, Berta, or Berry. Its origins are somewhat obscure, likely representing a modern invented spelling rather than a traditional name with historical usage. The double 'r' creates a distinctive appearance that sets it apart from more common names. Berrty might appeal to parents seeking something thoroughly unique or those looking to honor a family member named Bert, Bertie, or similar while giving it a more contemporary feminine twist. As an extremely rare name, Berrty offers distinctiveness but may require frequent explanation or spelling clarification throughout life.

Berrty

Annelore

Bertina is a feminine name with Germanic origins, serving as a diminutive form of names containing the element 'berht' meaning 'bright' or 'famous'. It can be considered a feminine variant of names like Albert, Bertram, or Robert, or a diminutive of Roberta or Alberta. Popular primarily in the mid-20th century, Bertina has since become less common, giving it a vintage charm. The name carries connotations of intelligence and radiance, thanks to its etymological connection to brightness. In Italy and Spain, Bertina may also be used as a nickname for names like Albertina or Robertina. While not widely used in English-speaking countries today, it retains appeal for parents seeking a classic yet distinctive name with European roots.

Bertina

A gentle sounding name with multiple origins, Tale may be a variation of Thale, a popular choice in Norway. As such, it comes from either the Germanic element adal and is used as shortform of Adalheid, or it is a variant of Tole and Tóli, diminutives of Old Norse names that evoke the thunder god, Thor. 
 
Other possibilities include that it is a Latvian nickname for Natālija ("born at Christmas") or from the word tāle meaning "far away; distance". Alternatively, it may be from the Old Norse tala, meaning "speech", in turn linking it to telling tales, stories, and narratives.
 
There's also the Azerbaijani Tale, from the Arabic tali, associating the name with luck, fortune, and destiny. While it is traditionally masculine, it has been used as a feminine name in Azerbaijan.
 
While it is typically pronounced as TAH-leh or TAHL-eh rather than to rhyme with the English "tail" or "pale", if it was said like this, then it may also be considered a slightly whimsical word name.

Tale

Bernessa is a rare form of the old-fashioned biblical name Bernice, once stylish but now fallen from favor -- though according to the Hundred Year Rule, it could be time for a comeback.
 
Bernessa softens and updates Bernice quite a bit. No baby girls were named Bernessa in the US last year, which may make this an excellent choice if you are looking for a unique name with real history.

Bernessa

Brunhilde

Bernise is a feminine name that likely developed as a variant of Bernice, which comes from the Greek name Berenice meaning 'bringing victory.' This alternate spelling gives the traditional name a softer, more modern feel. Bernise may also connect to the masculine name Bernard, with the feminine suffix added to create a female variant. The name peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1920s-1930s but remains relatively uncommon today, giving it a vintage charm. Bernise carries connotations of triumph and success through its Greek etymology. For parents attracted to names with historical roots and positive meanings, Bernise offers a distinctive alternative to more common vintage revivals while maintaining familiar sounds.

Bernise

Too close in sound to the so-far-out-it-will-always-be-out Bernard. 

Bernarda

A sweet, elaborated form of the sleek Adele, Adélie is the traditional French spelling of this Ad- name. Briefly popular in France back in the 90s, Adalee and Adalie are more familiar in the US, though Adélie may appeal to those who enjoy Elodie and Amelie, but want something rarer. 
 
Adélie might also be considered a place name, after Adélie Land in Antarctica, which was named in the 19th century by the explorer Jules Dumont d'Urville, who chose its name to honor his wife, Adéle "Adélie". As such, Adélie is also an animal name, given to a species of penguin, native to Antartica.

Adélie

A literary choice that appears in Victor Hugo's 19th century classic, Les Misérables, Azelma is the second daughter of the Thénardiers, a sister to Eponine and later Gavroche. As a child, she is spoiled and pampered, but her adult life is spent in poverty, helping her parents with their various schemes; she does not appear in the popular musical adaptation of the novel.
 
While the exact origins of the name are unknown, it is likely a variation on Anselma (via Zelma and Selma), a German name meaning "God helmet" or more figuratively, "divine protection". Other possible sources of inspiration include Azelle, a French feminine form of the Hebrew Azel, meaning "reserved", or from Azelie, meaning "noble".
 
Azelma is also the name of a death metal band.

Azelma

Pronounced klo-TEELD, this name is well used in France, but rarely heard here; it has a chic and sophisticated air.

Clothilde

Even among the range of blue names on the current baby naming palette -- Blue itself, Azure, Cerulean, Teal, Aqua, Cyan, Indigo -- Cobalt remains the most unusual. 

Cobalt

Derived from the Latin Crescentius and Crescens, Crescentia is a bold, strong but elaborate name borne by a 4th century saint and also the heroine of a 12th century German romance. Also spelled Kreszentia, it feels connected to the moon, due to its similarity to the word crescent. 

Crescentia

German girl names include such classics as Alice and Emma along with many girl names that rank among the most fashionable today, both in Germany and the English-speaking world.

 in the US Top 1000 today include Adele, Amelia, Annalise, Ella, Elsa, Emmeline, Millie, and Zelda. In Germany, 

 with modern style include Anja, Frieda, Ida, Maude, Romy, and Tilly.

 include both those popular throughout Europe and North America, such as Emma, Mia, and Sophia, along with girl names particular to Germany, such as Lotta, Leni, and Nele, a German short form of Cornelia.

In Germanophone Switzerland, Emma and Emilia are the most popular German names for girls.

The roster of top German girl names includes German variations of many familiar names, often with a spelling twist. Emilia ranks among Germany’s top names rather than Amelia, Klara takes the place of Clara, Emilie stands in for Emily, Sofie and Lilly are used instead of the usual English versions Sophie and Lily.

You can browse the complete roster of German girl names on Nameberry here, ordered by their popularity on Nameberry. 

German names for girls with meanings and popularity (Page 15)

German Girl Names