German Names for Girls

Sweet but sleek, and distinctive, Liesel is an old German nickname-name for Elisabeth. It might have once seemed inextricably tied to to its country of origin, but now, like Elsa, Enzo, Saoirse, Freya, Soren, and Heidi, it leans more towards being international and European chic.
 The name can also be spelled Liesl, however Liesel may feel more familiar and user friendly outside of German speaking countries.
 Many people associate the name with Liesl von Trapp, the eldest daughter in The Sound of Music, who is "Sixteen Going on Seventeen", as her song famously says. The Liesel spelling however might be more closely associated with Liesel Meminger from the popular novel (and film), The Book Thief.

Liesel

Alida had a brief flurry of popularity a hundred years ago but is rarely used today. But given the rise of so many names related to Adelaide and Adeline, Alida might be rediscovered.

Alida

Ebba, the feminine version of Ebbe (a diminutive of Eberhard or Asbjorn) and also a form of an old English name, is in the Swedish Top 10 but virtually unknown in the US. However, with the rise of Emma, Ella, Ada, and similar simple-yet-traditional names, Ebba may enjoy more widespread popularity. 

Ebba

An Old French variation of the popular Adeline and Adelina, Edeline may appeal to those who want something rare-but-familiar, to anyone looking to honor and Edward or Edith, or to those who want nicknames Edie or Eddie over Addy. Derived from the Germanic adal, it means "noble"
 
The name has been notably borne by Lady Edeline Strickland (nee Sackville-West), who was the founder of the New South Wales division of the Australian Red Cross back in 1914. She was the inspiration for the names of both the Edeline Islands off the western coast of Australia and for the Lady Edeline ferry. A more recent bearer is fashion designer Edeline Lee.
 
Pronounced as EHD-UH-LEEN or EHD-uh-lihn, the name has been used sparingly in the US, though it may gain a little more attention after singer Ellie Goulding used it as a middle name in 2026 for her daughter, Iris Edeline.

Edeline

Emelie is a feminine name of Germanic origin, serving as a variant spelling of Emilie or Emily. These names ultimately derive from the Roman family name Aemilius, meaning 'rival' or 'emulating.' This charming variation is particularly popular in Scandinavian countries, especially Sweden, as well as in French-speaking regions. Emelie carries a delicate, vintage quality that balances traditional roots with a fresh feel. While Emily has dominated English-speaking countries, Emelie offers a subtle European flair that distinguishes it from the more common spelling. The name has experienced steady popularity since the late 20th century, appreciated for its classic femininity and international appeal. Its four syllables flow melodiously, contributing to its enduring charm across generations.

Emelie

Innocent, sincere, and bright-eyed, and as outdated as its mother name, Gertrude. 

Trudy

Johannah is a feminine name that serves as an elaborated form of Hannah, which comes from the Hebrew name Channah, meaning 'grace' or 'favor.' This elegant variation combines elements of Hannah with the feminine form of John (meaning 'God is gracious'). The name has historical roots dating back centuries and appears in various European naming traditions. While less common than Hannah or Joanna, Johannah has maintained consistent, if modest, usage throughout the years. The name saw periodic increases in popularity during the 19th century and has experienced small revivals as parents seek traditional names with distinctive spellings. Johannah offers the appeal of familiar sounds with a touch of uncommon elegance.

Johannah

Lisbeth is one of the many short forms of Elizabeth that are used on their own. Not only is it the name of the mother of the main character in George Eliot's novel Adam Bede, but it takes on a whole new, powerful image as the heroine of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo trilogy. Lizbeth is another spelling.

Lisbeth

Mitzi is a sparky German nickname name that might appeal to parents drawn to the genre of lively vintage girl names that proliferated in 1930's musicals. Actress and entertainer Mitzi Gaynor (born Francesca Marlene de Czani von Gerber) made this a notable name in mid-century America, where it ranked alongside Jerri, Sherri, Christi, Jodi, and Mimi.
 
 Ultimately derived from Maria, Mary, and Miriam, Mitzi was on the US Top 1000 list consistently from 1947 until 1979, peaking at #430 in 1955. Today, Mitzi is only used quietly, but with Maisie, Millie, Winnie, and Joni is style, it may yet be rediscovered.

Mitzi

Gretta is a feminine name representing a variant spelling of Greta, which itself originated as a short form of Margaret or Margareta. With Germanic and Greek roots, the name ultimately derives from 'margarites' meaning 'pearl.' Gretta has a classic, slightly vintage feel with its double consonants giving it a more substantial presence than Greta. While never reaching tremendous popularity, the name enjoyed modest usage throughout the 20th century. It carries associations with iconic figures like Greta Garbo, lending it a touch of timeless glamour. Gretta balances familiarity with distinctiveness, offering a recognizable yet not overly common option that works well across various ages.

Gretta

If you love Dixie, Trixie and Pixie, this name of a mermaid-like sprite in German folklore may be for you.  It might also make an update for Nicki.

Nixie

Amori puts a feminine, nickname-y spin on the unisex Amory -- though the amiable name does not really need lightening up.

Amori

An medieval English diminutive of Edith, which could make an unusual addition to simple vintage revivals like Eva, Ada and Ida. In Turkish, it means "well mannered".

Ilsa is remembered as the radiant but tragic heroine of "Casablanca," and it's having something of a European resurgence. 

Ilsa

A multicultural option, Avleen feels both unusual yet totally familiar. As a Punjabi name, it is derived from the elements av meaning "god" and leen meaning "merged, absorbed" and is interpreted to mean "blessed by God" or "at one with God". Alternatively, it may be considered an alternative form of Aveline, inspired by other variations Aileen and Evelyn and blended into one.
 
One of the fasted rising names in England and Wales in a recent year, it has been used by Indian-American wrestler The Great Khali (born Dalip Singh Rana) for his daughter in 2014.

Avleen

This floral name, related to bloom and Blossom, is common in the Jewish community, but not often heard outside it.  Other Yiddish nature names are Ita (star), Masha (rising water), and Mayim (water).

Bluma

Evi is a charming feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Greek, it's a diminutive of names like Evangeline or Genevieve, meaning 'life' or 'living one.' In Hebrew tradition, it connects to Eve (meaning 'life-giver'), while in Norse contexts, it relates to names meaning 'island.' This short, sweet name has gained popularity in recent decades for its simplicity and international appeal. Evi works well across language boundaries and fits the modern preference for brief, vowel-rich names. Its cross-cultural versatility and positive connotations of vitality make Evi increasingly popular among parents seeking a name that is both distinctive and accessible.

A bright, musical name, Gisella is the Italian form of the French Giselle. With its zippy "Zella" sound and potential nickname Gigi too, it could make an underused and appealing choice.
 
Associated with the first queen of Hungary and the wife of King Stephen through its similar sounding Hungarian form, Gizella, Gisella has also been borne by the composer Gisella Delle Grazie, the actress Gisella Sofio and the author and Holocaust survivor Gisella Perl.

Gisella

Sleek, sharp, and soulful, Isolde is the German form of Iseult, the fabled lover of Tristan in the Arthurian romances. First appearing in the 12th-century, the name was fairly popular in the form of Iseult, Yseut, Yseult, and Ysolt, however, it wasn't until the 19th-century that this form began to catch on, after the composer Richard Wagner used it for his 1865 opera (and for his own daughter!)
 
Seen as a symbol of undying love, Isolde was an Irish princess who accidentally drinks a love potion and falls in love with the nephew of the king she was betrothed to. The story ends in tragedy, but with Tristan, Romeo, and Juliet all familiar choices, this connection doesn't need to hold you back.
 
The exact etymology of the name is unknown but one suggestion is that it comes from Germanic elements to mean "ice ruler" or "ice battle" giving it a strong, wintery feel. Alternatively, it may have Brythonic origins, in which case it could mean "she who is gazed upon."
 
More likely to be used in the Netherlands or in Germany than in the US, it could appeal more widely as an intriguing alternative to Isabel, Iris, Ines, and Imogene. Given to 15 American girls in a recent year, it comes with user-friendly nicknames Izzy and Sol, though Iso is the one used in Marilyn French's novel The Women's Room.
 
Variations of Isolde include Iseult, Isolt, Isoud, Isolda, Izolda, Isotta,and Yseult.

Isolde

Klarissa is a feminine variant of Clarissa, derived from the Latin word 'clarus' meaning 'bright, clear, or famous.' This spelling with a 'K' gives the classic name a modern twist while maintaining its elegant sound. Klarissa shares the same noble heritage as Clara and Claire, but offers a more elaborate and distinctive option. While less common than the traditional spelling, Klarissa has seen occasional usage in English-speaking countries, particularly since the 1990s. The name conveys a sense of clarity and brightness, suggesting a person with a clear vision and bright personality. Its melodic quality and distinctive spelling make it appeal to parents seeking something familiar yet uncommon.

Klarissa

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 6)

German Girl Names