German Boy Names

Gatsby is one of the most famous literary surnames, borne by the titular character of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. The book's Jay Gatsby gussied up his surname from Gatz, whose meaning is given variously as left-handed, cat, God, and person from Gat. As a first name, it's got a lot of energy and that great literary pedigree.

These days Albrecht is mostly seen as a surname, although it was historically a well-used first name in Germany. The surname was derived from the given name.

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."

Associated with Reynard the cunning fox in medieval European animal tales. Reynard can make an unusual yet historic choice for a modern boy, a modern day Richard or Robert.

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.

Muscular German name that never fully assimilated into American culture.

The most common form of Thomas in various European languages, although some Anglophone parents also use this as a phonetic spelling of Thomas.

Bardo has a poetic beginning and upbeat ending, with roots in several diverse cultures. It may be most familiar today via George Saunders' novel Lincoln in the Bardo, which refers to the Tibetan Buddhist state of suspension between one life and the next, resembling the Christian idea of Limbo. Bardo is also an ancient saint's name: Saint Bardo was the eleventh century bishop of Mainz, in Germany. Actress Sandra Bullock chose Bardo as her son's middle.

This presidential name is in style limbo today - or, some might say, in the the sweet spot of familiar but little-used.

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.

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.

Uli is a concise masculine name with multicultural origins. In German, it serves as a diminutive of Ulrich, meaning 'heritage ruler' or 'wolf ruler.' In Scandinavian countries, it can be short for names like Ulrik or Ulv. The name also appears in Nigerian Igbo culture with distinct meanings. Despite its brevity, Uli carries cultural richness across different traditions. Its short, two-syllable structure makes it easy to pronounce across languages while maintaining a distinctive sound. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, Uli's international presence and straightforward pronunciation give it global versatility. The name combines simplicity with cultural depth, appealing to parents seeking a short but meaningful name with international connections.

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.

One of the many names with a strong "er" sound, like Bertram and Ernest, that was huge in the 1920s and is languishing in style limbo now. One famous bearer is the physicist Erwin Schrödinger, as in Schrödinger's cat.

An undiscovered surname possibility with upscale overtones, could be enlivened with nickname Ingo.

Dieter is a classic German name that got lots of satiric exposure via Mike Myers on "Saturday Night Live" a few years back. If mispronounced, it could conceivably be read as someone on a diet.

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.

Mathais is a masculine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Matthias or Mathias, which derive from the Hebrew name Mattityahu, meaning 'gift of God.' This alternative spelling maintains the traditional pronunciation while offering a slightly distinctive visual character. The name has biblical roots, as Matthias was the apostle chosen to replace Judas Iscariot in the New Testament. While less common than the standard spelling Matthias, Mathais provides a subtle uniqueness while still connecting to the name's religious heritage and long history. The name has been used across numerous European cultures and carries a timeless quality that works well in contemporary contexts. Mathais conveys dignity and classical appeal, making it an attractive option for parents seeking a name with historical depth and spiritual significance.

The authentic pronunciation brings it perilously close to Donna, but most English-speakers would rhyme it more attractively with tanner or manner. A nature name for boys that's both unusual and handsome.