German Boy Names

  1. Evert
    • Origin:

      English, variation of Everett, from German Eberhard
    • Meaning:

      "brave boar"
    • Description:

      Though you might have been a fan of tennis star Chris Evert, stick with EVERETT, which everyone will think you're saying anyway.
  2. 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.
  3. Berend
    • Description:

      Berend is a masculine name primarily found in Dutch and German-speaking regions, derived from the Germanic elements "bern" meaning "bear" and "hard" meaning "brave" or "strong." The name essentially conveys the meaning of "strong as a bear" or "brave as a bear." In the Netherlands, it has historical significance and was moderately popular in previous generations, though less commonly given to newborns today. Berend has connections to similar Germanic names like Bernard and Bernhard, but maintains its own distinct cultural identity. The name carries connotations of strength, courage, and resilience. While rarely encountered in English-speaking countries, Berend offers parents seeking Germanic heritage names an authentic option with a clear, strong meaning.

  4. Aronne
    • Description:

      Aronne is a masculine name with both Italian and Hebrew origins. It's primarily derived from Aaron (or Aron), the biblical figure who was Moses' brother and the first High Priest of the Israelites. The Italian variation adds a distinctive, romantic quality to the ancient name. The name carries connotations of enlightenment, strength, and leadership, reflecting Aaron's important role in biblical narratives. In Hebrew, the name may relate to meanings such as 'mountain of strength' or 'exalted one.' Aronne remains uncommon in English-speaking countries, making it a distinctive choice with historical depth. Its melodic three-syllable pronunciation gives it a sophisticated, international appeal that works well across various cultural contexts.

  5. Wilmer
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "determined fame"
    • Description:

      The visibility of actor Wilmer (That 70s Show) Valderrama has highlighted this name, but it's not likely to spread because of its similarity to the feminine (and dated) Wilma.
  6. Carsten
    • Origin:

      Low German and Nordic variation of Christian
    • Description:

      This Nordic-sounding name is ripe for wider usage, especially as a fresh alternative to Christian or similar-sounding Carl.
  7. 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.
  8. Harbin
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "little bright warrior"
    • Description:

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

      German
    • Meaning:

      "strong with a sword"
    • Description:

      Muscular German name that never fully assimilated into American culture.
  10. Lothar
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "famous army"
    • Description:

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

      German surname from Abraham, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "father of multitudes"
    • Description:

      A melodic choice for lullaby-lovers. Brahms might also make a trendy s-ending nickname for Abraham.
  12. Godfrey
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "God's peace"
    • Description:

      Godfrey was very popular in the Middle Ages, but today you're more likely to hear it as a surname than a first name. It has a solid, old-man charm, but a couple of possible deal-breakers: the first syllable being God, and no obvious nickname. Goff, maybe? For a different feel, we also like the Italian artist's version Giotto.
  13. 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.
  14. 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!).
  15. Claudius
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "lame; enclosure"
    • Description:

      Claudius is one of the most user-friendly of the ancient Roman names – even though it's associated with the villainous character in Shakespeare's Hamlet. But as with feminine form Claudia, the "lame" meaning may stymie the rise of Claudius. Some etymologists theorize that the name may relate to the word for enclosure or clause, an alternate meaning that may appeal to a child with a form of this otherwise-appealing name.
  16. 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.
  17. Mathais
    • Description:

      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.
  18. Markus
    • Origin:

      German, Scandinavian, and Finnish form of Mark
    • Description:

      The K may be trendy, but this spelling variation is much less popular than Marcus.
  19. Rudolf
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Rudolph, German
    • Meaning:

      "famous wolf"
    • Description:

      You've got the red-nosed reindeer to transcend, but there are other distinguished personages named Rudolph, Rudolf, and Rudy.
  20. Baer
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "bearlike, dweller at the sign of the bear"
    • Description:

      Reversed vowels make it seem less fierce.