German Names for Girls

Melain is a delicate feminine name with likely French or Celtic roots. It may be a variation of Melanie, which comes from the Greek 'melania' meaning 'dark' or 'black.' Alternatively, it could be related to the Breton name Melaine, derived from a 6th-century saint. The name has a lyrical quality with its soft consonants and flowing sound. Melain remains quite rare, appealing to parents seeking an uncommon name with a classical feel. The spelling variation distinguishes it from the more common Melanie while maintaining a similar melodic sound. Though uncommon in mainstream usage, Melain offers the familiarity of similar-sounding names while providing distinctiveness and elegance that many parents seek for their daughters.

Melain

The memorable folk singer, an early single-name celeb, brought this into the spotlight. The French variation is Odette.

Odetta

Odila is a feminine name with Germanic origins, derived from the root 'od' meaning 'wealth' or 'fortune.' It's the feminine form of Odilo, and is related to names like Odilia and Ottilie. The name carries historical significance through Saint Odilia (or Odile), the patron saint of Alsace who lived in the 7th-8th centuries and was known for founding the Hohenburg Abbey. Despite its ancient roots, Odila remains relatively uncommon in modern English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive quality. The name has maintained modest usage in parts of Europe, particularly in Germany and Scandinavian countries. With its melodic three-syllable pronunciation (oh-DEE-lah) and connection to meanings of prosperity, Odila offers an option that balances historical depth with a feminine, flowing sound that works well in contemporary contexts.

Odila

Odiel is a feminine name of Dutch origin, though it remains quite rare even in the Netherlands. It likely derives from Germanic elements, possibly related to 'odel' meaning 'inheritance' or 'patrimony.' The name may also be connected to the Odiel River in southwestern Spain, giving it geographical significance. Odiel has a delicate, ethereal quality with its flowing sound and unique combination of letters. The distinctive 'O' beginning gives it a sense of openness, while the soft ending creates a gentle impression. Despite its obscurity, Odiel offers potential appeal to parents seeking a truly uncommon name that still feels accessible due to its pleasant pronunciation and resemblance to more familiar names like Odette or Odile.

Odiel

Olympie is a feminine name of Greek origin, derived from 'Olympia', the sanctuary site of the ancient Olympic Games. The name carries associations with Mount Olympus, the mythical home of the Greek gods, lending it connotations of divinity and majesty. Olympie represents a French variation of the name, adding a touch of elegance to its classical roots. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Olympie has maintained a modest presence in French-speaking regions. The name evokes themes of achievement, athletic excellence, and timeless grace, connecting its bearers to ancient traditions of celebration and divine inspiration.

Olympie

Wears long blonde braids, carries a spear, and sings duets with Brunhild.  But variations Ottilie, Ottiline, or Ottoline are both unusual and chic.

Otthild

Ramonda is a feminine name with Spanish and Italian roots. It is the feminine form of Raymond, which derives from Germanic elements meaning 'advice' and 'protection.' The name has connections to nature through the Ramonda plant genus, named after French botanist Louis François Ramond de Carbonnières. While not widely common, Ramonda has maintained a steady presence in Spanish-speaking countries and parts of Italy. The name carries a sense of strength and elegance, with its flowing sound and romantic feel. For those seeking a distinctive yet melodious name with Latin charm, Ramonda offers both uniqueness and traditional roots.

Ramonda

Raymonda

Whether spelled Raffaela, Rafaela, Raffaella, or Raphaela, a euphonius name with a dark-eyed, long-flowing-haired image. Like Gabriella and Isabella, is beginning to be drawn into the American mainstream.

Raffaela

Rebekka is a more creative spelling -- at least in some people's opinion -- of the biblical favorite Rebecca. Rebekka is also the usual German version.  The Rebekkah spelling was commonly used in Early America. 

Rebekka

Reinhilda is a feminine Germanic name combining the elements 'regin' meaning 'counsel' or 'power,' and 'hild' meaning 'battle' or 'conflict.' This powerful combination creates a name that historically conveyed the image of a wise warrior or battle counselor. Popular during medieval times in Germanic regions of Europe, Reinhilda has become quite rare in modern usage. The name carries an air of ancient nobility and strength, evoking images of Valkyries and shield-maidens from Norse and Germanic mythology. Despite its rarity today, Reinhilda might appeal to parents interested in names with historical depth, strong meanings, and Germanic heritage. Its traditional feminine strength offers an alternative to more commonly used Germanic names.

Reinhilda

Reinhilde is a feminine name of Germanic origin, combining 'rein' meaning 'pure' or 'clean' and 'hild' meaning 'battle' or 'conflict.' This powerful combination creates a meaning along the lines of 'pure warrior' or 'clean battle.' Common in Germanic countries historically, particularly Germany and Austria, Reinhilde carries a strong medieval resonance. While less frequently used in modern times, it represents a connection to Germanic heritage and mythology. The name conveys qualities of strength, purity, and resilience. Reinhilde might appeal to parents seeking a distinctive name with historical depth and a powerful meaning reflecting courage and integrity.

Reinhilde

Common French and German alternative to Renata. 

Renate

With a soft e, sounds like an affected pronunciation of Rita. 

Reta

Rheta

A male character in The Chronicles of Narnia, but could conceivably be used for a girl.

Rilian

Rhita is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. It may function as a variant spelling of Rita, which derives from the Latin name Margarita meaning 'pearl.' In Welsh contexts, Rhita could be related to the mythological giant king Rhita Gawr from Arthurian legends. The name has never achieved widespread popularity in English-speaking countries but maintains a gentle, melodic quality with its soft consonants and simple pronunciation. Rhita offers an uncommon alternative to the more familiar Rita, with the 'h' adding a subtle distinction in both appearance and potentially pronunciation. The name carries an air of vintage charm while remaining relatively rare in contemporary use.

Rhita

Robertha is a feminine name derived from the masculine Robert, which comes from the Germanic elements 'hrod' (fame) and 'beraht' (bright), meaning 'bright fame' or 'famous brilliance.' This feminine adaptation adds the softer ending -ha to create a distinctly female version while maintaining the strong roots of its origin. Robertha offers a formal alternative to the more common Roberta, with both serving as feminine counterparts to Robert. The name peaked in popularity in the early 20th century but has since become relatively uncommon, giving it a vintage, distinguished quality. Robertha carries associations of strength, intelligence, and dignity. Those bearing this name might appreciate its classic heritage combined with its relative uniqueness in contemporary settings.

Robertha

Ruperta is the feminine form of Rupert, originating from Germanic roots meaning "bright fame" or "shining glory." The name comes from the ancient elements 'hruod' (fame) and 'berht' (bright). Though rare in modern usage, Ruperta has historical significance particularly in European aristocratic families. The name reached modest popularity during the Middle Ages but has since become quite uncommon. Ruperta projects an air of classical dignity and old-world charm. In Spanish-speaking countries, it might be occasionally encountered, though even there it remains an uncommon choice for baby girls. Those named Ruperta often appreciate the name's distinctive quality and rich heritage.

Ruperta

Unfashionably ornate female form of unfashionable Roderick. 

Roderica

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 17)

German Girl Names