German Names that Start With B

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.

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).

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

A melodic choice for lullaby-lovers.

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.

Edgy German capital with definite possibilities as a baby name.

One bright spot: famous namesake Threepenny Opera playwright Berthold (later known as Bertolt) Brecht.

A German occupational surname deriving from the German word Bad, meaning "bath". Its most famous bearer in recent years has been (the notorious) RBG – former Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, making this a great feminist name or a nod to a lawyer in the family. Its simple, dynamic, er-ending sound fits right in with the likes of Hunter, Carter and Baker.

Less commercial-sounding than Brand.

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

Earthbound surname that few would make as first choice.

Hip short form of Bernard, also Swiss place-name.

The name of a monk who is the patron saint of blacksmiths -- not a twentieth-century occupation or baby name.

As dated as the old Pat Boone song.

Has some highly unfortunate World War II associations.