German Names for Girls

Seventies comic-book-heroine-style name. 

Valda

Brings to mind phrases like "I vanda new bike" or "I vanda go home". 

Vanda

An ancient saint's name belonging to an 8th century English missionary. Variants include Walpurga and Walpurgis.

Walburga

Walda

Minchen is a feminine name of German origin, functioning traditionally as an affectionate diminutive of Wilhelmine or Minna. The suffix "-chen" is a German diminutive indicating smallness or endearment. Popular in Germany during the 19th and early 20th centuries, Minchen has become increasingly rare in modern times, now carrying a distinctly vintage quality. The name evokes images of traditional German culture and has a delicate, old-world charm. While rarely given as a formal name today, it represents the German tradition of intimate, affectionate nicknaming. Some German immigrant families in other countries may have preserved it as part of their cultural heritage.

Minchen

Helmine is a feminine name of Germanic origin, functioning as a feminine form of Wilhelm (William). It combines the Germanic elements "wil" (will, desire) and "helm" (helmet, protection), thus carrying the meaning of "determined protector" or "resolute guardian." This traditional German name was more common in the 19th and early 20th centuries but has become quite rare in modern usage. Helmine has a classic, somewhat austere quality that evokes European nobility and historical elegance. The name might appeal to parents seeking a connection to German heritage or those attracted to vintage names with strong meanings. While uncommon internationally, Helmine offers a distinctive alternative to more familiar Germanic feminine names like Wilhelmina.

Helmine

Wilhelmine is a feminine name of Germanic origin, serving as the female form of Wilhelm (William), which means 'resolute protector' or 'determined guardian.' Popular in Germany, Austria, and Scandinavian countries throughout history, Wilhelmine was particularly common among European royalty and nobility. The name combines strength and elegance with its regal heritage and melodic four syllables. While less common today, it offers several charming nickname options including Mina, Wilma, and Helmi. Wilhelmine carries an air of classic sophistication and old-world charm that appeals to parents seeking a name with historical depth. Though traditional, its relative rarity in modern times makes it distinctive for contemporary girls.

Wilhelmine

Helma is a feminine name with Germanic origins, functioning as a diminutive form of names containing the element "helm," meaning "helmet" or "protection." It can be considered a variation of Wilhelmina or a feminine form of Helm or Helmut. Popular primarily in German-speaking countries and the Netherlands, Helma carries a classic European sensibility. The name projects strength and security through its etymological connection to protection. While never reaching widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, it maintains steady usage in Northern European communities. Helma offers a distinctive alternative to more common names like Helene or Helena, combining brevity with substantive meaning and historical roots dating back to medieval Germanic naming traditions.

Helma

We think the more spelling, Lorelei, works better.

Lauralei

The meaning is kind of silly, but the name might make a distinctive update of Janet.

Gannet

The usual form of Eleonara is Eleanora, with each syllable pronounced, but transposing, adding, or subtracting a vowel or syllable here or there works fine and adds to the international, feminine spin on a solid name.

Eleonara

Bright and outdoorsy or vintage with a hint of clunkiness, Wilda may be viewed as a spin on the English word "wild" and as an alternative to the equally untamed Swedish Vilda. Alternatively, it could have emerged from names such as Alwilda (or Alvilda), giving it the meaning "to strive" or "to battle".
 
Familiar in the US in the first have of the 20th-century, when it ranked in the Top 500, Wilda might work as an unexpected vintage name, similar in feel to Wilma, Hilda, and Winifred. Alternatively, it could be viewed as an option for those who enjoy the likes of Wilder, Prairie, and Cove.

Wilda

Old man's name just conceivable for a girl--makes a new spin on Wendy.

Wendell

Pronounced MY-keh, this German form of Mary was very popular a few decades ago.  Might make a fresh alternative to Mikayla and sisters.  The Frisian version is Maike, and the Biblical male Micah sounds the same.

Meike

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?

Mareike

Elizabeth is a name of hundreds of variations, but this <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/493/german-names-for-girls">German name for girls</a>, redolent of the Olde Country, is unfamiliar in the U.S. and likely to remain so.

Elske

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 name, Amalaswintha, meaning "strong in work" or "vigorous, brave, and strong". 
 
Also appearing as Melisent, Melicent, and Malasintha, it's more related to Amelia than to Melissa, despite appearances. The French form, Melisande, is a fairy tale heroine.

Melisende

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 tribute to an Aunt Melissa or Melanie. 
 
Pelleas and Melisande is a play by Maeterlinck, the inspiration for the Debussy opera of the same name. In modern times, Melisande became a princess via the Rankin and Bass film The Flight of Dragons. And Broadway buffs might remember Melisande as the name the main character Ella Peterson takes in the musical Bells are Ringing. The name of the beautiful red-haired character on Game of Thrones is spelled Melisandre.

Melisande

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.

Neele

Senta is a lovely name, but if you name your daughter Senta, will the kids call her Santa? Maybe, but this obscure yet simple <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/493/german-names-for-girls">German name for girls</a>.may appeal to parents searching the untraveled name routes.

There is an unrelated Italian name for girls Santa, the feminine of Santo, meaning saint. Senta Berger is an Austrian actress most famous in the 1960s and 1970s.

Senta

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 19)

German Girl Names