Lieblingsnamen in Deutschland (Favorite names in Germany) DEF

This is a list of my favorite names from my country, Deutschland. We have many lovely names that are not commonly used on Nameberry and I would like to introduce some to the Nameberry Members.
  1. Dagmar
    • Origin:

      Norse
    • Meaning:

      "Day maiden"
    • Description:

      This royal Danish name has long been used across Scandinavia, Germany and Slavic countries and somewhat in the US around the turn of the last century --it was #622 in 1888. There were two notable silent screen stars named Dagmar, one with Polish, the other with Danish roots.
  2. Della
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Adela, Adele or Adelaide
    • Meaning:

      "noble"
    • Description:

      Fresh, bright, and sunny, Della could be an alternative to Ella, Delilah, or Adeline. Familiar but not yet overused, it combines the elements of contemporary favorites with vintage charm.
  3. Dereck
    • Origin:

      English from German, variation of Derek
    • Meaning:

      "the people's ruler"
    • Description:

      80s sensation Derek brought several spelling variations along for the ride, including Derick, Derrick, and Dereck. While this spelling fell off the charts in in '93, it has now recently resurfaced in 2023 after rising a whopping 238 places.
  4. Dietrich
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "ruler of the people"
    • Description:

      This form of Theodoric, familiar via Marlene, is a possible German import. It is an Anglicized ancestor of Derek and all its variations. A noted bearer was acclaimed classical German baritone and conductor Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, and there have been Dietrichs in Henry James's The Princess Casamassima,/em and more recently on the TV show Psych.
  5. Darek
    • Didrika
      • Drugi
        • Earnest
          • Description:

            Earnest is a masculine name of English origin that developed from the word 'earnest,' meaning 'serious,' 'sincere,' or 'determined.' The name gained popularity during the Victorian era when virtue names were fashionable and personal qualities were considered appropriate inspirations for given names. Oscar Wilde's 1895 play 'The Importance of Being Earnest' playfully highlighted the name's association with seriousness and sincerity. Throughout the early 20th century, Earnest maintained moderate popularity in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, before gradually declining after the 1950s. Often confused with Ernest (without the 'a'), this spelling variant has always been less common. The name conveys qualities of dedication, sincerity, and moral seriousness, making it appealing to parents who value these traditional virtues.

        • Edda
          • Origin:

            Norse
          • Meaning:

            "poetry"
          • Description:

            This Old Norse girl name has a lovely meaning and a familiar yet distinctive sound.
        • Edel
          • Origin:

            German
          • Meaning:

            "noble"
          • Description:

            Rarely used independently, it's more often the start of a multisyllabic German mouthful.
        • Elfrida
          • Origin:

            English
          • Meaning:

            "elf power"
          • Description:

            The name of the mother of Aethelred the Unready was once common among the Anglo-Saxon nobility, and was briefly revived during the 19th century, only to be lost once again to history.
        • Elsje
          • Description:

            Elsje is a feminine Dutch name that originated as a diminutive form of Elisabeth or Elsa. This charming name combines the classic elegance of its root names with the distinctive Dutch '-je' suffix that adds a sense of endearment and affection. In Dutch culture, diminutive forms are commonly used to express fondness, making Elsje a name that conveys warmth and closeness. While primarily found in the Netherlands and areas with Dutch heritage, Elsje remains relatively uncommon internationally, giving it a distinctive quality for those seeking a name with European roots and a gentle, melodic sound.
        • Emerson
          • Origin:

            English
          • Meaning:

            "son of Emery"
          • Description:

            Emerson is a dignified, somewhat serious name associated with transcendental thinker Ralph Waldo Emerson. Much more popular now for girls since Desperate Housewife Teri Hatcher used it for her daughter, it is definitely still a viable boys name.
        • Emil
          • Origin:

            Latin
          • Meaning:

            "rival"
          • Description:

            Derived from the Latin word aemulus, Emil is a name with international appeal. Concise and sturdy but with the gentle Em sound, Emil is popular across Europe, from Azerbaijan to Finland, from Germany to Norway, and Denmark. Alternative spelling Emile also ranks highly in Belgium and Canada.
        • Emma
          • Origin:

            German
          • Meaning:

            "universal"
          • Description:

            Emma has now been among the top girl names in the United States for several years, claiming the Number 1 crown in 2008 and again from 2015 to 2018 before dropping back to second place.
        • Eugen
          • Description:

            Eugen is a masculine name of Greek origin, derived from the elements "eu" meaning "good" or "well" and "genes" meaning "born" or "of noble descent." Essentially, it translates to "well-born" or "noble." This classical name has been particularly popular in Germanic, Slavic, and Eastern European countries, where it's pronounced closer to "OY-gen" rather than the Anglicized "YOU-jen." While Eugene is the more common English variant, Eugen maintains stronger connections to its European roots. The name carries an air of sophistication and intellectual heritage, having been borne by notable composers, scientists, and literary figures throughout European history. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, it remains a distinguished choice with classical appeal.
        • Eadaion
          • Einhard
            • Englebert
              • Engleberta