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Sound of Music names

BlueLavender
By BlueLavender
Updated Thu May 25 2023
In addition to wonderful childhood memories, the von Trapp family brought us some lovely, classic names, both in the 1965 movie "The Sound of Music" and in the real-life family.
  1. Max

    • Origin:

      English and German diminutive of Maximilian or Maxwell

    • Meaning:

      "greatest"

    • Description:

      Max was derived from Maximilian, a Latin name that originated from the Roman family name Maximus. The character name Max in the children's classic Where the Wild Things Are had an impact on baby namers. Max is a widely used name internationally.
  2. Sophia

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "wisdom"

    • Description:

      Sophia, which was the Number 1 girls' name in the US from 2011 to 2013, is among the top girl names in the Western World, with a sensuous sound and high-minded meaning. A real winner, Sophia reached the top of the charts without losing any—okay, much—of its sophisticated beauty.
  3. Louisa

    • Origin:

      Latinate feminine variation of Louis

    • Meaning:

      "renowned warrior"

    • Description:

      Louisa, a quaint but strongvintage name, is an example of the idea that these days, old-style girls’ names are more fashionable when they end with an a rather than with an e, as in Julie/Julia, Diane/Diana. So for the next generation, Louisa may rise again, especially with the growing popularity of other Lou/Lu-starting names, like Lucy and Luna. Louisa reentered the US Top 1000 in 2014 after a 45 year absence.
  4. Catherine

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "pure"

    • Description:

      Catherine is one of the oldest and most consistently well-used girls’ names, with endless variations and nicknames. The Catherine form feels more gently old-fashioned and feminine than the more popular K versions. Most stylish nickname for Catherine right now: Kate...or Cate, a la Blanchett.
  5. Elsa

    • Origin:

      German diminutive of Elisabeth

    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"

    • Description:

      Lost in limbo for decades and decades, Elsa now stands a good chance of following along in the progression from Emma to Ella to Etta, thanks to the ice queen heroine who "Let It Go" in the wildly popular Disney movie Frozen. The name shot all the up to Number 286 (its highest ranking since the 1890s) in the year after the release of the movie, though it's now dropped back down the list in the US.
  6. Agatha

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "good woman"

    • Description:

      Agatha until recently summoned up visions of martyred saints, mauve silk dresses, and high lace collars, but now that some dauntless excavators have begun to resurrect it, we're sure more will follow their lead. Actor Thomas Gibson used it for his daughter in 2004.
  7. Edelweiss

    • Origin:

      Flower name, from German

    • Meaning:

      "noble white"

    • Description:

      Edelweiss, made famous by the Rogers and Hammerstein song in "The Sound of Music", is a rare female name.
  8. Martina

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "warlike"

    • Description:

      A feminine form of Martin, this strong and zestful sounding name is popular in Argentina, Chile, Spain, and Italy, where it ranks in the Top 30. Also familiar in Czechia, the UK, Slovakia, and Switzerland, it has never made it big in the US, and fell out of the charts back in the 2000s.

      Ultimately associated with Mars, the Roman god of war and with the 3rd century patron saint of Rome, it has also been borne by two notable tennis players, Martina Navratilova and Martina Hingis.
  9. Liesl

    • Origin:

      German diminutive of Elizabeth

    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"

    • Description:

      Sweet but sleek, and distinctive, Liesl is an old German nickname-name for Elisabeth. It might have once seemed inextricably tied to to its country of origin, but now, like Elsa, Enzo, Saoirse, Freya, Soren, and Heidi, it leans more towards being international and European chic.
  10. Johannes

    • Origin:

      German, Dutch, Scandinavian, and Estonian variation of John

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      An Old World name that might have a chance to rise again with other ancient and worldly forms. Be sure to say yo-HAHN-es.
  11. Bernice

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "she who brings victory"

    • Description:

      Rarely heard today-- it fell off the list around 1980--Bernice is a biblical name of Greek origin. In the Bible, she is a sister of King Agrippa.
  12. Kurt

    • Origin:

      German, diminutive of Kurtis

    • Meaning:

      "courteous, polite"

    • Description:

      A name that defines itself, a bit more curt in the harder K version.
  13. Friedrich

    • Origin:

      German variation of Frederick

    • Description:

      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.
  14. 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.
  15. Marta

    • Origin:

      Italian, Spanish, Scandinavian, Slavic

    • Meaning:

      "lady"

    • Description:

      Sharper and steelier than Martha, but with the same underused vintage appeal.
  16. Brigitta

    • Description:

      Brigitta is a feminine name with rich historical roots, derived from the ancient Celtic name Brighid, meaning 'exalted one' or 'high goddess.' It's the Central European form of Bridget, particularly popular in Hungarian, German, and Scandinavian cultures. The name is associated with Saint Brigid of Kildare, one of Ireland's patron saints known for her generosity and compassion. Brigitta gained international recognition through characters in literature and film, including Maria's friend in 'The Sound of Music.' While maintaining its classic origins, Brigitta offers a more distinctive alternative to the more common Bridget or Brigitte, combining ancient Celtic heritage with continental European elegance.

  17. Margaretta

    • Description:

      Margaretta is an elaborate feminine variation of Margaret, which derives from the Greek word "margarites" meaning "pearl." This extended form adds a romantic, slightly European flair to the classic name. Margaretta has appeared throughout history, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries, though it has always been less common than Margaret or its other variants like Marguerite or Margarita. The name has an elegant, vintage quality with its flowing four syllables and graceful ending. While never reaching high popularity rankings, Margaretta maintains an air of distinction and refinement, appealing to those who appreciate traditional names with a touch of uncommon sophistication.
  18. Berthe

    • Description:

      Berthe is a feminine name of Germanic origin, derived from the name Bertha, which means 'bright' or 'famous'. It was quite popular among European nobility during the Middle Ages, notably carried by Berthe of Burgundy, queen of France in the 10th century. The name saw modest popularity in France and other European countries throughout history but has declined in usage during the 20th century. In the United States, Berthe has never been among the most common names, remaining a distinctive choice with vintage charm. Today, it's considered a classic name with historical roots, occasionally chosen by parents seeking a traditional European name with elegant flair.
  19. Rolfe

    • Description:

      Rolfe is a masculine name with ancient Germanic roots, derived from the Old Norse 'Hrólfr' and related to the name Rudolf. Its meaning comes from the elements 'hróðr' (fame) and 'úlfr' (wolf), creating the powerful meaning 'famous wolf.' With a history dating back to medieval times, Rolfe was carried by historical figures including Rollo (Rolfe), the Viking leader who founded Normandy. The name has maintained steady but minimal usage throughout English-speaking countries, giving it a distinguished, somewhat aristocratic air. In literature and film, Rolfe characters often possess strength and nobility. The name's brevity and strong consonant sound give it a bold, compact quality. Though uncommon in contemporary use, Rolfe offers historical depth with a straightforward, masculine sound that resists trendy modifications.

  20. Gretl

    • Description:

      Gretl is a diminutive form of Margaret, used primarily in German-speaking regions, particularly Austria and Bavaria. The name derives from the Greek 'margarites' meaning 'pearl,' with Gretl emerging as an affectionate, familiar version. Most famously associated with the younger sister in the Von Trapp family (portrayed in 'The Sound of Music'), Gretl carries folkloric charm and Alpine cultural associations. The name has a warm, endearing quality with its compact form and distinctive ending. While uncommon outside German-speaking countries, Gretl offers an appealing alternative to the more widely used Gretel or Greta. The name evokes a sense of European heritage and traditional charm, making it attractive to parents seeking a name with cultural specificity and historical character.