German Names that Start With S
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Oct 01 2024
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- Stefan
Origin:
German, Scandinavian, Polish, and Russian variation of StephenDescription:
An elegant, continental name for the post-Steve era. It debuted on the US Top 1000 in 1949 and has been on the list every year since except for a year off in 2008.
- Selma
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"godly helmet"Description:
Selma has recently been given a more youthful spin via actresses Selma Blair and Salma Hayek. But while Selma has not yet become popular again in the US, it is widely used in both Sweden and Norway.
- Saxon
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"people of the dagger"Description:
Saxon is unusual word name that nevertheless feels right on trend, with that sharp X in the middle and that two-syllable-ending-in-n pattern. Reminiscent of Roman but not yet so popular, Saxon is one to watch out for.
- Severin
Origin:
French variation of Severus; LatinMeaning:
"stern, serious"Description:
Severin is an ancient Roman family name borne by several early saints. It's still alive throughout Europe, and could be ready for import here. Severin Winter is a wrestling prodigy character in John Irving's The 158-Pound Marriage and, in its original Latin form, Severus Snape appears in Harry Potter.
- Siegfried
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"victorious peace"Description:
Also spelled Sigfrid, this hefty German name has an appropriately majestic meaning: "victorious peace". Fittingly, a famous bearer was the English World War I poet and pacifist Siegfried Sassoon. Sassoon was named after the hero of a Wagner opera, which in turn was based on a tragic hero from German legend.
- Silke
Origin:
German form of Celia or Cecilia, LatinMeaning:
"heavenly or blind"Description:
Also spelled Zilke, Silke is a common German short form for variations of Cecilia and Celia.
- Sigmund
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"victorious protection"Description:
The connection to Freud is a strong one, but this German name has a strong and interesting sound and great nickname potential: Ziggy, Iggy, Sim, Sid...
- Silvan
Description:
Silvan is a masculine name derived from Latin 'silva' meaning 'forest' or 'woodland.' It relates to the Roman deity Silvanus, who was the god of woods and wild fields. The name carries nature-based connotations of forests, trees, and woodland settings, making it appealing to parents drawn to names with environmental themes. Silvan has variations across European languages, including Silvanus (Latin), Silvano (Italian/Spanish), and Sylvan (French-influenced spelling). While never extremely common, the name has maintained steady usage particularly in German-speaking regions, parts of Eastern Europe, and among families with Romanian heritage. Silvan has a gentle yet masculine quality, offering a subtle nature connection without being overtly trendy.
- Silvester
Origin:
Latin, "wood, forest"Meaning:
"wood, forest"Description:
More commonly spelled as Sylvester in English speaking countries, Silvester is closer to its Latin origins silva . Sharing a root with Silas, Sylvia, and Sylvie, this form saw occasional use in the US in the early 20th century, and may be used in Slavic countries, such as Czechia and Slovakia
- Strom
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"stream"Description:
Irrevocably tied to long-lived, controversial South Carolina senator Strom (born James) Thurman; Strom, which sounds like an anagram of Storm, was his mother's maiden name. With a stretch, you might consider this one of the German names for boysthat's also a nature name.
- Sascha
Origin:
German variation of SashaMeaning:
"defending warrior"Description:
In Europe, this name is mostly male, but here it's more fashionable for girls. It's a diminutive of Alexander.
- Suse
Description:
Suse is a feminine name with Germanic origins, primarily serving as a diminutive form of Susanne or Susanna, which derive from the Hebrew name Shoshana meaning 'lily' or 'rose.' This short, sweet variation has been used across German-speaking regions of Europe for centuries. While not as common as other Susan derivatives like Susie or Sue in English-speaking countries, Suse maintains popularity in Germany and parts of Switzerland. The name carries a gentle, classic quality while still feeling somewhat distinctive. Pronunciation typically follows German phonetics as 'ZOO-zuh,' though it may be adapted to 'SOOS' in English-speaking regions.
- Selig
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"blessed, happy in life"Description:
Selig comes from the Yiddish vocabulary word meaning 'happy, fortunate, blessed.' Most of us are more familiar with its Woody Allen variation, Zelig.
- Simmy
Description:
Simmy is a playful masculine name that typically functions as a diminutive of Simon, Simeon, or similar names derived from the Hebrew 'Shimon,' meaning 'he has heard.' With its cheerful '-y' ending, Simmy has an endearing, friendly quality that transitions well from childhood to adulthood. While sometimes used as a nickname, Simmy has established itself as a given name in its own right in some communities. The name has seen occasional use in Jewish families and in British English-speaking regions. Simmy carries a light-hearted, approachable energy while maintaining connections to its more formal counterparts. Its simplicity and warm sound make it appealing to parents seeking a name with an affectionate quality and easy pronunciation.
- Senta
Origin:
German feminine diminutive of Roman name CrescensMeaning:
"to grow"Description:
Senta is a lovely name, but if you name your daughter Senta, will the kids call her Santa? Maybe, but this obscure yet simple German name for girls.may appeal to parents searching the untraveled name routes.
- Stefanie
Description:
Stefanie is a feminine name that represents a German and Dutch variation of Stephanie, ultimately derived from the Greek name Stephanos, meaning "crown" or "garland." This elegant name carries connotations of victory and honor from its ancient Greek origins. Stefanie gained particular popularity throughout Europe and North America during the 1970s and 1980s, though it has gradually become less common in recent decades. The spelling with an 'f' rather than 'ph' gives the name a distinctive European flair while maintaining its recognizable sound. Stefanie offers a perfect balance between familiarity and uniqueness, making it approachable yet not overly common. Notable bearers include German singer Stefanie Heinzmann and Austrian actress Stefanie Reinsperger.
- Seifert
Description:
Seifert is primarily a German surname that occasionally appears as a masculine given name. Deriving from Middle High German, it combines elements meaning 'victory' and 'peace' or 'protection.' As a surname, it's relatively common in Germany, Austria, and among populations with Germanic heritage. When used as a first name, Seifert is quite rare, giving it a distinctive quality. The name carries connotations of strength and nobility from its etymological roots. Pronounced as "ZAI-fert" in German, the name has a strong, distinguished sound. While unconventional as a given name, Seifert represents a trend of surname-to-first-name transitions seen in various naming traditions. It projects a serious, distinguished character with strong Germanic cultural associations.
- Sascha
Origin:
German variation of SashaMeaning:
"defending warrior"Description:
Largely male throughout Europe, this name--spelled with or without the c, is an energetic choice that has really taken off for girls here; it's been used for the daughters of Steven Spielberg, Jerry Seinfeld, and Vanessa Williams. The Barack Obamas use Sasha as the nickname for their younger daughter, whose proper name is Natasha. Sasha Alexander, on the TV show Rizzoli & Isles, was born Suzana.
- Stanislav
Origin:
SlavicMeaning:
"someone who achieves glory or fame"Description:
A long-haired classical conductor name, which could appeal to parents looking for a Laszlo-like appellation. A name of Slavic origin, it has a powerful and uplifting meaning.
- Shermon
Description:
Shermon is a variant of the more common name Sherman, which has English origins derived from the Old English occupational surname meaning 'shearer of cloth' or 'cloth cutter.' The variation with an 'o' instead of an 'a' gives it a slightly distinctive sound while maintaining the same roots. Though relatively uncommon in the United States and globally, Shermon carries the dignified, somewhat formal quality of its traditional counterpart. The name saw limited popularity during the mid-20th century but remains rare today. Those named Shermon might appreciate its connection to notable historical figures who bore the Sherman spelling, including American Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman.
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