German Girl Names

Lilli is a charming feminine name with multiple origins. It's primarily considered a diminutive of Elizabeth or Lillian, but also stands as a name in its own right in many European countries, particularly in Scandinavian and Germanic regions. The name evokes imagery of the lily flower, symbolizing purity and innocence. Short yet distinctive, Lilli balances sweetness with sophistication and works well across cultures. While less common than Lily or Lillie in English-speaking countries, it has maintained steady popularity in northern Europe. Its simplicity, floral connection, and international appeal make it an attractive choice for parents seeking a name that is both delicate and unfussy.

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 that it derives from a Visigothic name meaning "temple path". Variants include Elisende, Elisenda, Elysant, Elysande, Elissent and Elisent.

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

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

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

Germans spell Stephanie with an f though the i ending is not traditional. Lady Gaga dropped the Stefani and No Doubt's Gwen sports is as a surname. Despite the celebrity connections, we say if you want to name your daughter Stephanie, name her Stephanie.

French form of Hildegard

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.

While Ilise is unusual, the E version is more attractive.

Many popular Dutch short forms are drawn from the middle or end of their proper name: Sanne from Susanne, Bas from Sebastian. Jette could be from a name like Henriette or Mariette.

Sonje is a feminine name with Germanic and Scandinavian roots, primarily used in countries like Germany, Norway, and Denmark. It's a variant of Sonja, which itself derives from the Russian diminutive of Sophia, meaning 'wisdom'. The name has a gentle, melodic quality while maintaining a sense of strength. Sonje peaked in popularity in Scandinavian countries during the mid-20th century but remains a relatively uncommon choice today. The name carries associations with intelligence, perception, and thoughtfulness. Its distinctive spelling gives it a unique character while still being recognizable and relatively easy to pronounce across different languages and cultures.

Diminutive of Maxine, Maxima or Maximiliane

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

Writer James Baldwin could make this an inspirational choice for a child of either sex.

Tabea is a feminine name of Hebrew origin, derived from the Aramaic name 'Tabitha,' meaning 'gazelle' or 'doe.' In the New Testament, Tabitha (called Dorcas in Greek) was a woman known for her charitable works who was raised from the dead by the apostle Peter. The Tabea spelling is particularly common in German-speaking countries and parts of Eastern Europe. The name carries connotations of grace, gentleness, and compassion through both its meaning and biblical associations. Though not widely used in English-speaking countries, Tabea has maintained consistent popularity in Germany and Switzerland. The name appeals to parents seeking a name with biblical roots that isn't overly common, yet carries positive attributes of kindness and elegance.

Fading since the 1970s -- but still a lovely name.

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?

Amory is best known for the hero of Fitzgerald's 1920 This Side of Paradise, Princeton student Amory Blaine. Amory is in some danger of being borrowed by the girls, a la Avery. Alternate spellings Amori or Amorie also relate to the Latin word for love.

A little too close to Cruella.

A short form of Elisabeth, similar in sound to the 60s favorite Lisa.