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German Names that Start With B

  1. Berlin

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "borderline"

    • Description:

      Edgy German capital with definite possibilities as a baby name.
  2. 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.
  3. Bertrand

    • Origin:

      French from German

    • Meaning:

      "magnificent crow"

    • Description:

      This name of famed philosopher, mathematician and Nobel laureate Bertrand Russell becomes slightly more plausible with the French pronunciation, bare-TRAHN. Another noted bearer is French director and screenwriter Bertrand Tavernier.
  4. Baldwin

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "brave friend"

    • Description:

      Writer James Baldwin could make this an inspirational choice for a child of either sex.
  5. 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.

  6. Berenger

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "warrior fighting with a spear"

    • Description:

      Last-name-first-name with a romantic but dangerous edge.
  7. 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.
  8. Brahms

    • Origin:

      German surname from Abraham, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "father of multitudes"

    • Description:

      A melodic choice for lullaby-lovers. Brahms might also make a trendy s-ending nickname for Abraham.
  9. 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.

  10. Bernadine

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "brave as a bear"

    • Description:

      As dated as the old Pat Boone song.
  11. 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.
  12. Braun

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "brown"

    • Description:

      Has some highly unfortunate World War II associations.
  13. Benning

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "son of Bernhard"

    • Description:

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

    • Description:

      Bertina is a feminine name with Germanic origins, serving as a diminutive form of names containing the element 'berht' meaning 'bright' or 'famous'. It can be considered a feminine variant of names like Albert, Bertram, or Robert, or a diminutive of Roberta or Alberta. Popular primarily in the mid-20th century, Bertina has since become less common, giving it a vintage charm. The name carries connotations of intelligence and radiance, thanks to its etymological connection to brightness. In Italy and Spain, Bertina may also be used as a nickname for names like Albertina or Robertina. While not widely used in English-speaking countries today, it retains appeal for parents seeking a classic yet distinctive name with European roots.
  15. 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.

  16. Brandt

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "dweller on burnt land"

    • Description:

      Less commercial-sounding than Brand.
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. 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.

  20. Barthel

    • Description:

      Barthel is a masculine name of Germanic origin, functioning as a diminutive form of Bartholomew, which comes from the Aramaic 'bar-Talmay' meaning 'son of Talmai'. This name was most common in medieval Germany and continues to appear occasionally in German-speaking regions and as a surname. Barthel combines historical depth with an unusual sound pattern for modern English speakers. The name carries a strong, traditional quality with its Germanic roots while remaining distinctive and uncommon. Its single-syllable ending gives it a more clipped, decisive sound than the longer Bartholomew. Though rare today, Barthel represents the kind of traditional European name that occasionally returns to favor as parents explore heritage names with historical significance.