German Boy Names

  1. Hans
    • Origin:

      German, Dutch, and Scandinavian, diminutive of Johannes
    • Description:

      Though familiar to all via such childhood icons as Hans Brinker, Hans(el) and Gretel, and Hans Christian Andersen, few Americans have chosen this name for their sons because of its intractably Old Country image.
  2. 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.

  3. Baldwin
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "brave friend"
    • Description:

      One "bald" name we can get behind, thanks to pioneering African-American author James Baldwin – though the name is now also associated with the Baldwin brothers, particularly Alec.
  4. Ulrich
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "rich and noble heritage"
    • Description:

      Ulrich has ancient roots — it was derived from the Old High German name Uodalrich (also spelled Odalric). Ulrich was a common given name in medieval Germany, when it was associated with St. Ulrich of Augsburg. St. Ulrich is the patron saint of pregnant women and easy births.
  5. Alric
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "ruler of all"
    • Description:

      Common in Sweden, Alric is part of the family of medieval sounding names, like Alaric, Casimir and Leopold that are increasing gaining a fanbase, perhaps as an antidote to the modern inventions that are becoming more prolific.
  6. 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.
  7. Harbin
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "little bright warrior"
    • Description:

      A possible new entry in the Hayden-Corbin two-syllable boys' name club.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Heinrich
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "estate ruler"
    • Description:

      Traditional German names of this ilk have had a difficult time emigrating into the American name pool, mostly because anti-German sentiment during the two world wars of the 20th century drove German names out of fashion. One of Heinrich's nicknames, Harro, might do better.
  11. Richie
    • Origin:

      Short form of Richard
    • Description:

      Richie was once a popular enough nickname for Richard that it made the Top 1000 all by itself. It's seriously out of style now -- though still a better choice than Dick or even Ricky.
  12. Harmon
    • Origin:

      Irish variation of Herman
    • Description:

      Has a harmonic feel.
  13. Berlin
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "borderline"
    • Description:

      Edgy German capital with definite possibilities as a baby name.
  14. Dwight
    • Origin:

      German and Dutch
    • Meaning:

      "white or blond"
    • Description:

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

      German variation of Emmanuel
    • Description:

      In the US, Emmanuel has held steady around the Top 200 for a quarter century now, but this variation has dropped off the Top 1000 for three of the past seven years. It was Number 974 in 2016.
  16. Uli
    • Description:

      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.
  17. Siegfried
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  18. Lothar
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "famous army"
    • Description:

      Lothar is cloddish, till you add a dashing io to the end...
  19. Timo
    • Origin:

      Norwegian, Finnish, German, and Dutch variation of Timothy
    • Meaning:

      "honoring God"
    • Description:

      Popular in its own right in Germany and definitely makes a more intriguing and grownup short form of the classic Timothy than Timmy or even Tim.
  20. Hardy
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "bold, brave"
    • Description:

      Hardy is a spirited and durable un-Germanic German surname that is starting to be used in this country.