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Names that sound the same in English and German

  1. Carla

    • Origin:

      Feminization of Carl, German, Carlo, Italian, and Carlos, Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "free man"

    • Description:

      While Charlotte and Caroline are considered stylish and classic members of the Charles family, this Germanic form peaked in the US at Number 76 in 1965. It fell out of favor in the 2010s, but recent years have seen it re-enter the Top 1000.
  2. Maja

    • Origin:

      German, Slovene, and Scandinavian form of Maya; also, Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "splendid"

    • Description:

      Whether you pronounce it my-a, ma-zha or ma-ha, Maja is an intriguing choice. Sometimes associated with Goya's famous painting "The Naked Maja." As a cognate of Maya, it's a Top 10 name in Slovenia and Sweden and is also popular in Germany and Norway.
  3. Vince

    • Origin:

      Short form of Vincent, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "conquering"

    • Description:

      Vince is not a short form that often stands alone on the birth certificate, the way Jack or even Joe does, but it has certain credibility as the name always used for football great Vince Lombardi. And as a diminutive for Vincent, it's a far sight better than Vinnie or Vinny or even Vin.
  4. Tim

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Timothy, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "honoring God"

    • Description:

      Tim is a boyish short form occasionally given on its own. There were 37 baby boys named Tim in the US last year, versus over 1700 named Timothy.
  5. Vivien

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "life"

    • Description:

      Vivien (Scarlett O'Hara) Leigh was born Vivian. Some sources give Vivien as a relative of the Irish goddess name Bebinn and a literary name invented by Tennyson. Others say it's related to the Latin-based Viviana, meaning life. This spelling of the name is as legitimate as many others.
  6. Liz

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Elizabeth

    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"

    • Description:

      Some might think a girl named Liz on her birth certificate would feel deprived of her full identity, but in a time when mini names like Liv, Kit, Tru, Kai, Lou, and Bea are in style, Liz feels substantial enough that its bearer won't feel bereft.
  7. Nick

    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Nicholas and Dominick

    • Description:

      The classic strong-yet-friendly nickname name, much used for charming movie characters.
  8. Henning

    • Description:

      Henning is a masculine name with Scandinavian and Germanic origins, particularly popular in Denmark, Norway, and northern Germany. It likely developed as a diminutive of Heinrich (Henry), derived from Germanic elements meaning 'home ruler.' With a history dating back to medieval times, Henning has maintained steady usage in Nordic countries while remaining uncommon in English-speaking regions. The name has a strong, crisp sound with its double 'n' and straightforward pronunciation. Notable bearers include various Scandinavian athletes, authors, and historical figures. Henning conveys a sense of reliability and Nordic heritage, appealing to parents looking for a name with cultural roots and a distinctive yet accessible quality.
  9. Inga

    • Origin:

      Norse

    • Meaning:

      "guarded by Ing"

    • Description:

      Ing was a powerful Norse god whose name inspired several modern variations -- though Inga has become a caricatured Scandinavian choice.
  10. Ebba

    • Origin:

      English or German

    • Meaning:

      "fortress of riches, or strength of a boar"

    • Description:

      Ebba, the feminine version of Eberhard and also a form of an old English name, is in the Swedish Top 10 but virtually unknown in the US. However, with the rise of Emma, Ella, Ada, and similar simple-yet-traditional names, Ebba may enjoy more widespread popularity.
  11. Tilda

    • Origin:

      Estonian, diminutive of Matilda

    • Description:

      Actress Tilda Swinton injected this dated nickname name with some modern charm.
  12. Torben

    • Origin:

      Danish and German

    • Meaning:

      "thunder bear"

    • Description:

      A familiar name in the Nordic countries that hasn't yet gained popularity in the English speaking world. But it could, now that Old Norse names like Thor and Odin are on the rise. It derives from Torbjörrn, which seems less likely to translate outside Scandinavia. But if you're looking for Danish names for a baby boy, Torben could be a choice that's both accessible and unusual.
  13. 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.
  14. Piet

    • Origin:

      Dutch, diminutive of Pieter or Peter, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "rock"

    • Description:

      Wonderful nickname name most often associated in this country with Dutch modernist painter Mondrian. Pronounced PEET.
  15. Smilla

    • Description:

      Smilla is a feminine name with Scandinavian origins, particularly associated with Danish naming traditions. The name gained international recognition through Peter Høeg's novel 'Smilla's Sense of Snow' (1992). While its precise etymology remains somewhat debated, it may derive from 'smile' or have connections to ancient Nordic roots. Smilla carries a distinctively Nordic sound while being relatively accessible to English speakers. Though rare globally, the name has seen modest usage in Denmark and occasionally appears in other Scandinavian countries. Smilla offers parents a name that combines softness with strength, featuring an appealing blend of the familiar 'l' sounds with an exotic quality.

  16. Lennard

    • Description:

      Lennard is a masculine name with Germanic origins, serving as a variant of Leonard. Derived from the elements 'leon' meaning 'lion' and 'hard' meaning 'brave' or 'hardy,' Lennard literally translates to 'lion-strong' or 'brave as a lion.' This spelling variation is particularly common in Scandinavian countries and parts of Northern Europe. Lennard gained moderate popularity during the Middle Ages due to the veneration of St. Leonard of Noblac, a 6th-century French noble. While not among the most common names today, Lennard has maintained steady usage throughout the centuries, offering a distinctive alternative to the more widespread Leonard, with the same powerful connotations of courage and strength.

  17. Philipp

    • Description:

      Philipp is a masculine name representing the German, Scandinavian, and Eastern European spelling of Philip, which derives from the Greek name Philippos, meaning 'lover of horses.' This two-p spelling remains the standard in many European countries, while English-speaking regions typically use Philip or Phillip. The name has ancient origins, initially gaining prominence through Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great. Throughout history, it has been borne by numerous kings, saints, and notable figures. Philipp combines classic heritage with international appeal, offering a slightly distinctive variation on a timeless name. The name conveys strength, nobility, and historical gravitas while remaining thoroughly contemporary in usage.
  18. Stina

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Christina

    • Description:

      Not-so-attractive short form of a lovely name.
  19. Conny

    • Description:

      Conny is a feminine name that functions as a diminutive of Constance, Concetta, or Cornelia, depending on cultural context. With Germanic and Latin roots, it ultimately derives from words meaning 'constant' or 'steadfast.' Popular in Scandinavian countries and parts of Europe, Conny offers a friendly, approachable alternative to more formal versions. In English-speaking countries, it peaked in popularity during the mid-20th century but has become less common in recent decades. The name carries connotations of reliability and persistence, with a cheerful, vintage charm. Some may also use it as a nickname for Conrad when given to boys.
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