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German Boy Names

  1. Rudolph

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "famous wolf"

    • Description:

      Sure, he'd probably get a certain amount of red-nosed teasing around the holiday, but a boy named Rudolph could probably take it. Besides, he's got other, more distinguished namesakes -- the great ballet dancer Nureyev, silent screen Lothario Valentino and 9-11 Mayor Giuliani.
  2. Bing

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "kettle-shaped hollow"

    • Description:

      When Kate Hudson named her second son Bingham and announced that she would be calling him Bing, it put this zingy nickname name out on the table. Before that, there was only one, further nicknamed Der Bingle -- and he was really Harry Lillis Crosby.
  3. Theodor

    • Description:

      Theodor is a classic masculine name of Greek origin meaning "gift of God," derived from the elements "theos" (God) and "doron" (gift). This spelling variant is particularly popular in Germanic and Scandinavian countries, including Germany, Austria, Norway, and Sweden. While the Theodore spelling is more common in English-speaking regions, Theodor has gained appreciation for its sophisticated European flair. The name has been borne by numerous notable figures throughout history, including composer Theodor Adorno, writer Theodor Herzl, and children's author Theodor Geisel (better known as Dr. Seuss). Theodor offers parents a timeless yet distinguished name option with appealing nickname possibilities including Theo, Ted, and Teddy.
  4. Keller

    • Origin:

      German occupational name

    • Meaning:

      "cellar master"

    • Description:

      Keller is a German surname that originated as an occupational name for a cellar or store master, which seems to be the background of several of the most stylish new German names for boys. One of the stylish new two-syllable -er ending names for boys, Keller is rising up the ranks heading for the Top 1000. It may be an honorific for Helen Keller.
  5. Oskar

    • Origin:

      German variation of Oscar

    • Description:

      Oskar is to Oscar as Jakob is to Jacob: more distinctive and continental.
  6. Len

    • Description:

      Len is a concise masculine name that typically functions as a shortened form of longer names such as Leonard, Lennox, or Lennon. Derived from Germanic roots, Leonard means 'brave lion,' lending Len associations with courage and strength. This crisp, single-syllable name embodies minimalist appeal while carrying the weight of its traditional origins. Len enjoyed modest popularity in English-speaking countries during the mid-20th century but has become less common in recent decades. The name's brevity gives it a straightforward, unpretentious quality appreciated in contemporary naming trends. Len balances an approachable informality with a classic sensibility, making it appealing for parents seeking a short but substantial name with traditional roots.

  7. Otho

    • Description:

      Otho is a masculine name of Germanic origin that carries ancient historical significance. The name traces back to Old Germanic roots meaning 'wealth' or 'prosperity.' Notably, it was borne by several important historical figures, including a Roman Emperor and German kings. While never extensively popular in modern times, Otho maintains an aristocratic and distinguished air. The name has various forms across European languages, including Otto in German and Othon in French. Today, Otho remains quite rare, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive classical name with historical depth and a strong masculine character.
  8. 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.
  9. Franz

    • Origin:

      German variation of Francis, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  10. 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.
  11. Harmon

    • Origin:

      Irish variation of Herman

    • Description:

      Has a harmonic feel.
  12. Baer

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "bearlike, dweller at the sign of the bear"

    • Description:

      Reversed vowels make it seem less fierce.
  13. Waldo

    • Origin:

      German, pet form of names such as Waldemar

    • Meaning:

      "to rule"

    • Description:

      Its jaunty o-ending makes this name more appealing than most of its Germanic brothers, and we hope we're beyond the constant response to his name being "Where's Waldo?" The weighty reputation of writer and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson adds a measure of backbone to the name.
  14. 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 .
  15. Kiefer

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "barrel maker; pine"

    • Description:

      Kiefer is a strong occupational surname associated with "24" star Kiefer Sutherland, but one that could well join the other 'er' surnames currently in favor. Keifer is a German surname transferred to first name use, derived from two old Germanic words, kien and forhe, both of which mean "pine tree."
  16. Arvin

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "friend of the people"

    • Description:

      This name's popularity peaked in the 1930s in the mid 600s - but we think it is time for a reconsideration. Arvin feels more modern than similar names like Marvin and Alvin. It also boasts a beautiful meaning and defies easy shortening (which is an asset to many parents who choose a name because they want it to be used!).
  17. Waldemar

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "famous ruler"

    • Description:

      The American child given this name of four kings of Denmark, not to mention one so similar to that of the Harry Potter archvillain Lord Voldemort, might have to pay a large emotional import tax.
  18. Egon

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "strong with a sword"

    • Description:

      Muscular German name that never fully assimilated into American culture.
  19. Veit

    • Description:

      Veit is a masculine German name derived from the Latin name Vitus, which means 'lively' or 'full of life.' With ancient roots, this name has been used since medieval times, particularly in German-speaking regions including Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland. The name is associated with Saint Vitus, a Christian martyr from the early 4th century who became one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers venerated in Roman Catholicism. Veit experienced periods of popularity throughout German history but remains relatively uncommon in the modern era, especially outside German-speaking countries. The name's brevity gives it a strong, clear quality, while its historical depth provides cultural richness and connection to European heritage.
  20. Maynard

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "hardy, brave, strong"

    • Description:

      Sometimes pronounced MAY-nerd, which is death to a name. However, the name Maynard was given to 25 boys in 2022.