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German Names that Start With J

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Oct 01 2024
  1. Jeffrey

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Geoffrey

    • Meaning:

      "pledge of peace"

    • Description:

      The mostly Americanized version of Geoffrey was a trendy mid-century hit, with nickname Jeff the epitome of cool. Jeffrey entered the pop list in 1934 and was a Top 20 name from the mid-fifties to 1978.
  2. Jocelyn

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "member of the Gauts tribe"

    • Description:

      Jocelyn has gotten new life and popularity as a result of the current passion for lyn endings. Though it was a male name in medieval times, now Jocelyn couldn't sound more softly feminine.
  3. Johanna

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      Johanna is the version of this name used in Holland, Germany, and Scandinavia. The extra h makes Johanna a slightly more dignified version of Joanna.
  4. Jannik

    • Origin:

      Dutch and German variation of John

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      Popular form of John in Germany. Just remember to pronounce it YAHN-nik, which most English-speakers won't. Jannick is another spelling.
  5. Johan

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian and Dutch variation of John

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      With Old European vibes, Johan is a variant of the classic John, similar to the Latin, Hebrew, and Germanic forms, Iohannes, Yohanan, and Johannes. Conjuring up the image of the classical composer Brahms or the astronomer Kepler, while still feeling timeless and distinctive, Johan has been in the US Top 600 for most of the 21st century, helped along by Heidi Klum and Seal using it for their son in 2006.
  6. Johannes

    • Origin:

      German, Dutch, Scandinavian, and Estonian variation of John

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      An Old World name that might have a chance to rise again with other ancient and worldly forms. Be sure to say yo-HAHN-es.
  7. Jarvis

    • Origin:

      English variation of Gervase, meaning unknown

    • Description:

      Jarvis, one of the original two-syllable nouveau boys' choices, is a saint's name with a certain retro charm and a nice quirky feel. Though Jarvis peaked in the late 1880s, he is beginning to sound fresh again.
  8. Jannick

    • Origin:

      Dutch and German form of John

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      Another spelling of JANNIK, a John form that has a terminally Olde Worlde sound to the American ear.
  9. Justus

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "just"

    • Description:

      More unusual than Justin, less word-like than Justice, this New Testament name could make an intriguing choice. After being off the popularity lists from 1904 to 1993, it is now being used in steady numbers.
  10. Just

    • Description:

      Just is a masculine name with Latin roots, derived from the word "justus" meaning "fair" or "righteous." As a given name, it carries strong connotations of morality, integrity, and fairness. Popular primarily in Dutch-speaking regions and parts of continental Europe, Just maintains a simple, strong quality with its single syllable and clear meaning. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, where it might be confused with the adverb "just," the name has maintained steady usage in the Netherlands and surrounding areas. The name's brevity gives it a direct, unpretentious quality, while its meaning provides a powerful aspirational quality for its bearer.

  11. Jeremias

    • Origin:

      German, Portuguese and Finnish variation of Jeremiah, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "appointed by God"

    • Description:

      This international variant of the popular Jeremiah refreshes the Old Testament name by lending it the stylish -s ending of Silas, Ozias, and Amias. Popular in Czechia and Puerto Rico, Jeremias entered the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2016.
  12. Johannah

    • Description:

      Johannah is a feminine name that serves as an elaborated form of Hannah, which comes from the Hebrew name Channah, meaning 'grace' or 'favor.' This elegant variation combines elements of Hannah with the feminine form of John (meaning 'God is gracious'). The name has historical roots dating back centuries and appears in various European naming traditions. While less common than Hannah or Joanna, Johannah has maintained consistent, if modest, usage throughout the years. The name saw periodic increases in popularity during the 19th century and has experienced small revivals as parents seek traditional names with distinctive spellings. Johannah offers the appeal of familiar sounds with a touch of uncommon elegance.
  13. Jörn

    • Description:

      Jörn is a masculine Germanic name primarily used in northern Germany, Denmark, and Scandinavia. It's a variation of the name Jürgen, which itself is the German form of George, ultimately derived from Greek 'georgos' meaning 'farmer' or 'earth-worker.' The distinctive umlaut (ö) gives the name its characteristic pronunciation and Nordic feel. Jörn has been steadily used throughout the 20th century in Northern Europe but remains relatively uncommon. The name carries associations of strength and practicality, reflecting its Germanic heritage. While not widely used internationally, Jörn offers a distinctive option for parents seeking a name with authentic Nordic roots and a straightforward, masculine sound.
  14. Jochim

    • Description:

      Jochim is a traditional Germanic variant of Joachim, which derives from the Hebrew name Yehoyakim, meaning 'established by God' or 'God will establish.' This form was particularly common in northern Germany and Scandinavia during the medieval and Renaissance periods. Jochim has a distinctive, historical quality while maintaining a relatively straightforward pronunciation. Though uncommon in modern usage, it represents a cultural heritage connected to Northern European history. The name carries biblical connections through Joachim, traditionally considered the father of the Virgin Mary in Christian traditions. Jochim offers parents a name with historical depth and religious significance while remaining distinctive in contemporary settings.
  15. Jarrell

    • Origin:

      German variation of Gerald

    • Description:

      Briefly faddish a few decades ago when Darrell was cool. But does have a creative connection to poet Randall Jarrell.
  16. Josefine

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian and German variation of Josephine, French

    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah increases"
  17. Juliane

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "youthful or sky father"

    • Description:

      Variant of Julianne
  18. Jette

    • Origin:

      Dutch diminutive of names ending in jette or iette

    • Description:

      Many popular Dutch short forms are drawn from the middle or end of their proper name: Sanne from Susanne, Bas from Sebastian. Jette could be from a name like Henriette or Mariette.
  19. Josepha

    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Joseph, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah increases"

    • Description:

      Josepha is less heard in this country than in other parts of the world, seen as a slightly awkward feminization a la Ricarda and Benjamina. In the U.S., Josephine or Joanna is the more usual feminine form of Joseph, though you might consider Josepha if you want to break rank.
  20. Jutte

    • Description:

      Jutte is a feminine name of medieval Germanic origin, representing an old form of Judith or Jutta. The name derives from the Hebrew 'Yehudit' meaning 'woman from Judea' or 'Jewish woman.' Jutte was relatively common in medieval Germany and the Low Countries, particularly among nobility and gentry. Historical records show several notable women named Jutte or Jutta throughout the Middle Ages, including saints and aristocrats. The name gradually declined in usage after the Renaissance but remained preserved in family histories and historical documents. Today, Jutte is extremely rare, offering a distinctive medieval option for parents interested in historical European names with authentic roots and a strong, concise sound.