German Boy Names

  1. Heribert
    • Description:

      Heribert is a masculine name of ancient Germanic origin, combining the elements 'heri' meaning 'army' and 'beraht' meaning 'bright' or 'famous,' thus translating to 'brilliant warrior' or 'famous soldier.' With roots stretching back to medieval Europe, Heribert was particularly common among nobility in Germany and surrounding regions. Several saints and notable historical figures have borne this distinguished name. While relatively uncommon in modern English-speaking countries, Heribert remains in use in Germanic regions, especially Germany and Austria. The name carries a dignified, traditional quality with its historical depth and strong consonants, appealing to parents seeking a name with authentic medieval European heritage and a serious, scholarly character.
  2. Walli
    • Description:

      Walli is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Germanic traditions, it likely developed as a diminutive of names containing the element 'wald' meaning 'rule' or 'power.' In Arabic contexts, Walli (or Wali) relates to concepts of guardianship, protection, or friendship, derived from 'wilayah' meaning 'authority' or 'guardianship.' The name also appears in various South Asian cultures with connections to similar Arabic roots. Walli's short form and ending with an 'i' gives it a friendly, approachable quality. Though not among the most common names in Western countries, its cross-cultural presence provides versatility and international appeal. The spelling with a double 'l' distinguishes it slightly from the more common 'Wali' variant in some regions.

  3. Hanno
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Johan, German variation of John
    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"
    • Description:

      Nicknames ending in o are invariably cute, though this one is a boys' name in its own right. And not just any boy name, but a saint's name no less. Saint Hanno, aka Saint Anno, was an 10th century archbishop of Cologne, He is also known as, less attractively, Hanno of Worms, which is one of the oldest cities in Germany.
  4. Romer
    • Origin:

      German surname
    • Meaning:

      "pilgrim; fame"
    • Description:

      Romer might be considered a streamlined spelling of the German surname Rohmer, whose root means fame or renown, or a name that was given to those who made pilgrimages to Rome, which is related to Romeo and its brothers. With the style value of other Rome names from Roman to Romy, this is one we predict we'll hear more of.
  5. Keil
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "wedge"
    • Description:

      Probably intended as a variant spelling of Kyle, this German word (meaning "wedge") is not used as a name there.
  6. Hamlin
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "little home-lover"
    • Description:

      One you might like for its cozy meaning, but there is that Pied Piper rat connection.
  7. Auster
    • Origin:

      German surname
    • Meaning:

      "oyster"
    • Description:

      Fans of writer Paul Auster might consider this a worthy alternative to the trendy Austin.
  8. Jeter
    • Origin:

      French or German surname
    • Description:

      Jeter, which of course is used as a first name only because of Yankee star Derek, rhymes with Peter and may be derived from the French surname Jette, which was often bestowed on foundlings because it means "thrown out," or the German Jetter, an occupational name meaning "weeder." If your husband insists on Jeter, counter with Percival.
  9. Rohmer
    • Origin:

      German surname
    • Meaning:

      "pilgrim; fame"
    • Description:

      Like other stylish choices from Roman to Romy to Romeo, Rohmer is a German surname that relates to both Roman pilgrims and the root word for fame.
  10. Amery
    • Description:

      Amery is a masculine name with Germanic roots, derived from ancient elements meaning "work ruler" or "industrious leader." It shares origins with the more common Emery and Emory, all evolving from the Germanic name Emmerich. Historically, the name traveled to England with the Norman conquest and has maintained a quiet presence in English-speaking countries ever since. Amery has an aristocratic quality, possibly due to its association with medieval nobility and the English placename Amery, which itself derives from personal names. While never extremely popular, Amery sees occasional use as a distinctive alternative to more common names. Its soft beginning and two-syllable rhythm give it a gentle yet masculine quality that balances tradition with accessibility. The name carries connotations of diligence and leadership through its etymological roots.

  11. Walton
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "fortified town"
    • Description:

      Slightly more modern than Walter, but only just.
  12. Leonhard
    • Description:

      Leonhard is a masculine name of Germanic origin, combining the elements 'leon' (lion) and 'hard' (brave, strong), creating the meaning 'lion-strong' or 'lion-hearted.' This powerful name has been used throughout Germanic Europe for centuries, with notable bearers including mathematician Leonhard Euler. While the English variant Leonard is more widely known internationally, Leonhard maintains popularity in German-speaking countries and Scandinavia. The name carries connotations of courage, nobility, and intellectual prowess. Its traditional spelling with the 'h' preserves its historical authenticity and gives it a distinguished quality. Leonhard offers the friendly nickname options of Leo or Leon while providing a formal name with substantial history and character.

  13. Augusten
    • Origin:

      German variation of Augustus, Augustine, Augustin
    • Meaning:

      "great, magnificent"
    • Description:

      Confessional memoirist Augusten Burroughs is the first literary notable to bear one of this family of names since the confessional saint.
  14. Hieronymous
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "sacred name"
    • Description:

      A name used in Germany and Holland as a form of Jerome, it's the unlikely moniker of fictional detective Hieronymous "Harry" Bosch.
  15. 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.

  16. Strom
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  17. Lambert
    • Origin:

      French and German
    • Meaning:

      "land brilliant"
    • Description:

      Ancient saint's name used for cowardly cartoon lion.
  18. Alfons
    • Description:

      Alfons is a masculine name with Germanic origins, representing a variant spelling of Alfonso or Alphonse common in Northern European countries, particularly Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia. Derived from the Old Germanic elements 'adal' meaning noble and 'funs' meaning ready or eager, Alfons carries the meaning "noble and ready" or "eager for battle." Historically associated with several European monarchs and nobles, the name conveys dignity and classical strength. While less common in English-speaking countries, Alfons maintains steady popularity in parts of Europe. The name offers friendly nicknames like Al or Fons and projects an image of reliable steadfastness with a touch of continental sophistication.
  19. Marz
    • Origin:

      German surname
    • Meaning:

      "March [month]"
  20. Alvar
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "elf warrior"
    • Description:

      This name woould be hard to picture in a contemporary kindergarten, though it does have some cultural cred via Finnish architect and furniture designer Alvar Aalto. Aalto would actually make a more interesting choice.