German Names that Start With D

Derek

English from German form of Theodoric

"the people's ruler"

Derek started out as a sophisticated Brit, but the name became so common over the last decades of the twentieth century that it lost much of its English accent, along with its stylish edge. Derek was…

Dolph

German, diminutive of Adolph

All Adolph variations are best avoided, though this takes some of the onus off.

Dick

Diminutive of Richard

"dominant ruler"

Dick was a once-common short form of Richard; replaced by Rick or Richie, and finally by the full name itself. Rude meaning -- make that two rude meanings -- pretty much knocks this one out of…

Danek

Danek is a masculine name with Slavic origins, particularly popular in Poland and Czech Republic. It typically functions as a diminutive form of Daniel, adding a distinctively Eastern European…

Danner

German

"dweller near the fig tree"

The authentic pronunciation brings it perilously close to Donna, but most English-speakers would rhyme it more attractively with tanner or manner. A nature name for boys that's both unusual and…

Decker

German occupational name

"roofer"

Brawny name chosen for his son by rocker Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue.

Dedrick

German, variation of Derek

"the people's ruler"

This name is related to Derek and Dietrich, either of which would be preferable.

Diederick

Diederick is a masculine name with strong Germanic roots, serving as a variant of Dietrich, Diederik, or Theodoric. These names derive from the Old Germanic elements 'theud' meaning 'people' and…

Dietrich

German

"ruler of the people"

This form of Theodoric, familiar via Marlene, is a possible German import. It is an Anglicized ancestor of Derek and all its variations. A noted bearer was acclaimed classical German baritone and…

Darrick

Darrick is a masculine name that emerged as a variant spelling of Derek or Derrick, which ultimately derives from the Old Germanic name Theodoric, meaning 'ruler of the people.' This variation,…

Dedric

Dedric is a masculine name with Germanic origins, derived from variations of names like Theodoric or Dietrich, which mean 'ruler of the people' or 'people's ruler.' This uncommon name combines…

Dwight

German and Dutch

"white or blond"

This presidential name is in style limbo today - or, some might say, in the the sweet spot of familiar but little-used.

Dieter

German, diminutive of Dietrich

Dieter is a classic German name that got lots of satiric exposure via Mike Myers on "Saturday Night Live" a few years back. If mispronounced, it could conceivably be read as someone on a diet.

Donar

German

"ancient thunder god"

Futuristic, in a 1930s kind of way.

Dinand

Short form of Ferdinand

"bold voyager"

Dinand is popular in the Netherlands thanks to a local singing sensation. Dinand is one of many Dutch short forms that come from the middle or end of a name -- think Bas for Sebastian or Hans from…

Drexel

German

"to turn"

Drexel is an occupational surname but the original meaning of what a person who "turned" for a living actually did is unclear: It may mean turning the soil or making hay or spinning cloth or creating…