​
​
Advanced Search

German Names that Start With B

  1. Berenger

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "warrior fighting with a spear"

    • Description:

      Last-name-first-name with a romantic but dangerous edge.
  2. Bernhart

    • Description:

      Bernhart is a masculine name of Germanic origin, representing a variant spelling of Bernhard or Bernard. The name combines the elements 'bern' (bear) and 'hart' (strong or brave), creating the powerful meaning 'strong as a bear' or 'brave as a bear.' This traditional name has deep historical roots throughout Germanic-speaking Europe, particularly in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, where it was borne by nobility and common folk alike. The specific 'Bernhart' spelling variant is less common than Bernard or Bernhard but maintains the same etymological significance. Throughout history, the name has been associated with strength, courage, and determination—qualities symbolized by the bear in Germanic folklore and mythology.
  3. Bardo

    • Origin:

      Short form of Bardolph or Aboriginal

    • Meaning:

      "water"

    • Description:

      Bardo has a poetic beginning and upbeat ending, with roots in several diverse cultures. It may be most familiar today via George Saunders' novel Lincoln in the Bardo, which refers to the Tibetan Buddhist state of suspension between one life and the next, resembling the Christian idea of Limbo. Bardo is also an ancient saint's name: Saint Bardo was the eleventh century bishop of Mainz, in Germany. Actress Sandra Bullock chose Bardo as her son's middle.
  4. Bluma

    • Origin:

      Yiddish

    • Meaning:

      "flower"

    • Description:

      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).
  5. Baldwin

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "brave friend"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "bearlike, dweller at the sign of the bear"

    • Description:

      Reversed vowels make it seem less fierce.
  7. Berlin

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "borderline"

    • Description:

      Edgy German capital with definite possibilities as a baby name.
  8. Bing

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "kettle-shaped hollow"

    • Description:

      When Kate Hudson named her second son Bingham and announced that she would be calling him Bing, it put this zingy nickname name out on the table. Before that, there was only one, further nicknamed Der Bingle -- and he was really Harry Lillis Crosby.
  9. Bartol

    • Description:

      Bartol is a masculine name with Slavic and Germanic origins, primarily found in Central and Eastern European countries like Croatia, Slovenia, and Germany. It likely developed as a diminutive or variant of Bartholomew (Bartolomeo), which derives from the Aramaic phrase meaning 'son of Talmai.' The name carries a sense of strength with its short, distinctive sound. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, Bartol has historical depth and cultural significance in its regions of origin. The name blends traditional gravitas with an uncommon quality that might appeal to parents seeking a distinctive yet historically grounded name for their son.
  10. Barrett

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "bear strength"

    • Description:

      There are a surprising number of baby boys named Barrett each year in the US -- nearly 1800 -- along with 30 baby girls. Which is more than many people might guess.
  11. Bertel

    • Description:

      Bertel is a masculine name of Scandinavian and Germanic origin, functioning as a diminutive form of Berthold or Bartholomew. In Scandinavian countries, particularly Denmark and Norway, Bertel has historical usage dating back centuries. The name derives from elements meaning "bright" or "famous" and "ruler" or "wolf," creating associations with strength and leadership. Bertel has a dignified, somewhat old-world charm while remaining concise and straightforward to pronounce. While never achieving widespread popularity outside Nordic countries, the name carries a distinguished quality and cultural specificity. In contemporary usage, Bertel might appeal to parents seeking a name with Scandinavian heritage, historical depth, and a distinctive yet accessible sound that works well internationally.
  12. Bernhardt

    • Description:

      Bernhardt is a strong Germanic masculine name with deep historical roots. Derived from the Germanic elements 'bern' meaning bear and 'hard' meaning brave or strong, the name literally translates to 'strong as a bear' or 'brave as a bear.' This powerful name has a long history in German-speaking regions and beyond. Notable bearers include the famous French actress Sarah Bernhardt, who despite being female, carried this traditionally masculine surname. The name has a distinguished, somewhat formal quality that conveys strength and dignity. While never extremely common in English-speaking countries, Bernhardt maintains steady usage in German-speaking regions and among families with Germanic heritage.

  13. Beno

    • Description:

      Beno is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a short form of Benedict (meaning 'blessed'), Benjamin ('son of the right hand'), or various Slavic names containing the element 'ben' meaning 'good.' In some cultures, particularly Slovenian and Slovak, it functions as an independent name. Beno has a straightforward, friendly quality with its simple two-syllable structure. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it enjoys some usage in Central and Eastern European countries. The name offers modern appeal through its brevity while still connecting to traditional naming heritage. Its simplicity makes it easily pronounceable across language barriers.

  14. Bernhard

    • Description:

      Bernhard is a traditional Germanic masculine name with ancient roots, composed of the elements 'bern' meaning 'bear' and 'hard' meaning 'brave' or 'strong.' This powerful combination creates a name that essentially means 'strong as a bear' or 'brave as a bear.' Popular throughout Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Scandinavia, Bernhard has maintained its classic appeal for centuries. Several notable figures have carried this distinguished name, including composers, philosophers, and political leaders. While the English variant Bernard became more common in English-speaking countries, Bernhard retains the authentic Germanic spelling. The name conveys strength, resilience, and courage—timeless qualities that continue to attract parents seeking a name with historical depth.
  15. Bach

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "dweller near the brook"

    • Description:

      Although there are plenty of Bachs in the world besides Johann Sebastian, everyone will assume you're honoring the great composer -- and why not.
  16. Benning

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "son of Bernhard"

    • Description:

      Conjures up the military image of Fort Benning in Georgia — or the surname of actress Annette.
  17. Blasius

    • Description:

      Blasius is a venerable masculine name with ancient Roman roots, derived from the Latin 'blaesus' meaning 'lisping' or 'stammering.' It gained prominence through St. Blasius (also known as St. Blaise), a 4th-century Armenian physician and bishop who became a widely venerated saint associated with healing throat ailments. The name has remained in use primarily in European Catholic traditions, especially in Germany (as Blasius), Italy (as Biagio), and Eastern European countries. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, it carries historical gravitas and religious significance. The name offers distinctive nickname options like Blaze or Blais. Blasius represents a bold choice for parents seeking a name with classical roots and religious heritage.

  18. Braun

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "brown"

    • Description:

      Has some highly unfortunate World War II associations.
  19. Bernise

    • Description:

      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.
  20. Berend

    • Description:

      Berend is a masculine name primarily found in Dutch and German-speaking regions, derived from the Germanic elements "bern" meaning "bear" and "hard" meaning "brave" or "strong." The name essentially conveys the meaning of "strong as a bear" or "brave as a bear." In the Netherlands, it has historical significance and was moderately popular in previous generations, though less commonly given to newborns today. Berend has connections to similar Germanic names like Bernard and Bernhard, but maintains its own distinct cultural identity. The name carries connotations of strength, courage, and resilience. While rarely encountered in English-speaking countries, Berend offers parents seeking Germanic heritage names an authentic option with a clear, strong meaning.