German Names that Start With F
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Oct 01 2024
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- Frank
Origin:
Diminutive of Francis or FranklinMeaning:
"Frenchman or free man"Description:
A Top 10 name from the 1880s until the 1920s, Frank has been falling for decades but last year reversed course for the first time in a century, edging up the popularity list a few notches. And Frank still has a certain warm, friendly real-guy grandpa flavor that could come back into style, like other such choices as Jake and Jack.
- Frederick
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"peaceful ruler"Description:
Frederick, and friendlier nickname Fred, seemed almost to have disappeared, leaving just the memory of Freds past such as Astaire, Mr. Rogers and Flintstone. But today's parents are beginning to recognize it as a strong classic and one of the top royal baby boy names.
- Fritz
Origin:
German, diminutive of Friedrich or FrederickMeaning:
"peaceful ruler"Description:
Since female cousins Mitzi and Fritzi have entered the realm of possibilities, there's a chance that Cousin Fritz could as well. Fritz is the name of several notables, from early German-born film director Lang to early footballer Fritz (born Frederick) Pollard, the first African-American to play in the Rose Bowl in 1916.
- Frida
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"peace"Description:
The dynamic personality and paintings of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo have inspired growing numbers of parents to resurrect this form of the name. It does much better in certain European countries, especially in Denmark and Norway. The Frieda and Freida spellings were more popular in the US until the middle of the 20th century.
- Ferdinand
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"bold voyager"Description:
Ferdinand is a traditional name among Spanish royal families and also appears in Shakespeare's The Tempest, borne by the handsome young prince shipwrecked on Prospero's island. Bold, daring, and poetic, it was a popular choice in the US in the 19th and early 20th century, but the 1938 movie Ferdinand the Bull has left it with a lingering clunkiness and it has been out of style since the 80s.
- Fynn
Origin:
Variation of FinnMeaning:
"bright, fair"Description:
Spelling variation more popular in Germany than the original, which is also well-used there.
- Frieda
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"peace"Description:
This traditional Germanic name hasn't been on the U.S. list since 1958, but perhaps due to the mythic power of painter Frida Kahlo, parents are beginning to show some interest in it.
- Freddy
Origin:
Diminutive of FrederickMeaning:
"peaceful ruler"Description:
Another old-school nickname getting new attention thanks to TV's Mad Men. Names like Fred, Pete, and George have been out so long it's time for them to come back in. It reentered the US Top 1000 in 2015 following a two-year absence from the list. It currently ranks Number 199 in England and Wales.
- Filbert
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"very brilliant"Description:
Like Norbert and Hubert, feels terminally dated -- in addition to which it's a nut.
- Freda
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"peace"Description:
Freda, along with near-identical twin sisters Frida and Frieda, has not been popular in the US for decades. After the two world wars, German names fell out of favor in the US and UK. The similar-sounding but etymologically unrelated mythological name Freya is much more popular, not only in the US and the UK but throughout the English-speaking world, in Germany and Scandinavia.
- Franziska
Description:
Franziska is a feminine name of German origin, serving as the female form of Franz (Francis). The name ultimately derives from Latin "Franciscus," meaning "Frenchman" or "free one." Franziska has been consistently popular in German-speaking countries, particularly Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland, where it's appreciated for its classic elegance and cultural roots. The name gained recognition through figures like Franziska von Hohenheim, a German noblewoman of the 18th century. While less common in English-speaking countries, Franziska offers an international alternative to Frances or Francesca. The name carries a sophisticated European flair with its distinctive consonant blend and melodic three-syllable structure. It provides the charming nickname options Franzi or Ziska, adding versatility to this culturally rich name.
- Franz
Origin:
German variation of Francis, LatinMeaning:
"Frenchman or free man"Description:
Franz is the German equivalent to Francis, and you'll be hard-pressed to find a Franz outside of countries with Germanic origins. In America the name is often associated with celebrated author Franz Kafka, who was born in Prague.
- Fritzi
Origin:
German, diminutive of FredericaMeaning:
"peaceful ruler"Description:
Like Mitzi, the bubbly Fritzi shows signs of rising again. Has a bit of a comic-strip feel.
- Felicie
Description:
Felicie is a charming feminine name of French origin, serving as a variation of Felicity. Derived from the Latin 'felicitas' meaning happiness or good fortune, it carries the beautiful meaning of 'lucky' or 'fortunate.' Despite its melodic sound and positive connotations, Felicie remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, though it enjoys more usage in France and French-speaking regions. The name gained some recognition through the 2016 French animated film 'Ballerina' (known as 'Leap!' in the US), which featured a protagonist named Félicie. With its delicate pronunciation (feh-LEE-see) and joyful meaning, Felicie offers a distinctive yet accessible option for parents seeking a name with European flair.
- Frederica
Origin:
Feminine variation of Frederick, English from GermanMeaning:
"peaceful ruler"Description:
Frederica is an interesting possibility for the parent unintimidated by its old-fashioned formality, and who can appreciate the vintage charm and verve lurking beneath its stuffiness.
- Franken
Description:
Franken is an uncommon masculine name with Germanic roots, possibly originating as a shortened form of Frankenstein or as a reference to the Franks, the Germanic tribe that gave France its name. The element 'frank' historically means 'free' or 'truthful.' Rarely used as a first name, Franken more commonly appears as a surname throughout German-speaking regions. The name carries a strong, distinctive sound and may evoke associations with Frankenstein in modern contexts, though its authentic origins are separate. Franken's uniqueness makes it stand out, appealing to parents seeking an uncommon name with Germanic heritage, though its unusual nature might require occasional explanation.
- Faber
Description:
Faber is a distinguished masculine name with Latin origins meaning 'craftsman' or 'artisan.' This occupational surname has transitioned to occasional use as a first name, carrying connotations of skill, creativity, and workmanship. The name evokes images of someone who creates with their hands, suggesting both artistic and practical abilities. Faber has connections to the Latin phrase 'homo faber,' meaning 'man the creator,' which emphasizes human ingenuity. While uncommon as a given name, it has gained modest traction among parents seeking distinctive names with substantive meanings. The name's brevity and straightforward pronunciation make it accessible despite its rarity. Faber also carries subtle literary associations through Faber and Faber publishing house, giving it intellectual undertones that appeal to book-loving parents.
- Frerika
Description:
Frerika is an unusual feminine name that may have originated as a variant of Frederica or Frederika, the feminine forms of Frederick. These names derive from Germanic elements meaning 'peaceful ruler' (from 'frid' meaning peace and 'ric' meaning ruler or power). The unique spelling of Frerika gives it a distinctive quality while maintaining connections to its more traditional counterparts. This name remains quite rare internationally, making it an option for parents seeking something truly uncommon. Its European heritage combined with its melodic sound creates an impression of elegance and uniqueness. The name carries a sense of strength while retaining feminine qualities.
- Friedrich
Origin:
German variation of FrederickMeaning:
"peaceful ruler"Description:
One of the most familiar German names, with an upright Prussian image. Friedrich might just have been out for long enough to start coming back in.
- Friedl
Description:
Friedl is a masculine name of Germanic origin, functioning as a diminutive form of names containing the element 'fried' or 'fred,' which means 'peace' or 'peaceful ruler.' Common in Austria, Bavaria, and other German-speaking regions, Friedl carries a warm, friendly quality due to the diminutive '-l' ending, which adds an affectionate tone. The name has historical connections to names like Friedrich (Frederick), meaning 'peaceful ruler.' While traditional in Central Europe, Friedl remains quite uncommon in English-speaking countries. The name combines Old World charm with a certain rustic quality that evokes Alpine traditions. Despite its brevity, Friedl carries significant cultural heritage, connecting its bearers to Germanic customs and history. The name's distinctive sound and spelling make it memorable despite its simplicity.