150 Unique German Names for Boys and Girls to Add to Your List of Ideas
Female baby with a German name
A name is someone’s identity. It’s one of the first things you reveal about yourself to someone and it holds a lot of value. So as an expecting parent who has a bun (or bauernbrot) in your oven, it’s no wonder why choosing the perfect one comes with so much pressure. To help narrow down your choices, why not look into names of a certain origin, like German names?
Parents often struggle because they try to come up with monikers that are classic, but still standout, or that sound cute, but are something that will fit their child throughout all stages of their life, and ones that are unique, but not weird. When someone has all those thoughts going through their head, it makes coming up with a baby name seem impossible.
While the German language is often associated with harsh sounds, it’s actually a good place to start because German is at the root of many different dialects, which means there are a lot of German boy and girl names with softer and sweeter tones to them too. The meanings behind them can also help you find the best match for your little one if that is an important factor for you.
If you’re still unsure, check out our list of 150 German names, below. We included male, female and unisex names, as well as bold ones, traditional old German names, adorable options and stylish, trendy ideas. That way, you have a wide range of options to consider that you might never have looked into before.
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Common German Names for Boys and Girls
1. Emil
"Striving to excel" is the meaning behind this name, which is popular in Northern Germany.
2. Leopold
This poetic male moniker flows off the tongue and means “free man.”
3. Emma
This cute girl’s name means “universe,” which will be fitting, as your little baby will be the center of your world.
4. Ella
This popular timeless name has a fairytale-like sound to it and means “fair maiden.”
5. Charles
Meaning “man,” this name is perfect for your little guy because it will never go out of style.
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6. Moritz
This German name is a variant of the name Maurice and means “Moor.”
7. Till
This popular male moniker is a good choice for your future trailblazer, as it means “ruler over the people.”
8. Ida
You can manifest your baby girl’s future with a name that means “hardworking.”
9. Levin
Everyone will want to be your child’s buddy thanks to this name that means “dear friend.”
10. Emery
This unisex name packs a punch seeing how it means “powerful.”
11. Gisela
Pronounced, “GEE-se-la,” this enchanting moniker means “pledge.”
12. Emilia
This top female name has a sweet ring to it and means “rival.”
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German Girl Names
13. Elke
“Noblewoman” is the strong definition behind this German name.
14. Emmi
Your baby girl will have a name that is out of this world thanks to the fact that it means “universal.”
15. Gretel
If you’re looking for a traditional German name that pays homage to the sea, this one translates to “pearl.”
16. Anneliese
“Grace” is what this precious German girl’s name means.
17. Heidi
How can you not fall in love with this name royal-inspired meaning “of noble kin”?
18. Fritzi
This moniker may be short and sweet, but its meaning of “peaceful ruler” is strong and mighty.
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19. Hilda
This traditional name is tough, yet beautiful and means “battle.”
20. Mathilda
This old-fashioned German name is a great way to pass on your heritage and means “strength.”
21. Irma
Meaning “complete,” this name is a great way to let your child know they are the center of your world.
22. Wilhelmina
“The wished-for protectress” is what this whimsical name means.
23. Käthe
Derived from Katherine, this classy name means “pure."
24. Liesel
If you’re searching for a religious-inspired name, this one means “God’s promise.”
25. Adelais
Perfect for your little princess, this name means “noble kind.”
26. Gretchen
Of German origin, this name has a tie to the ocean and means “pearl.”
27. Bärbel
If you are looking for a German variant of the name Barbara or Barbie, this is it and it means “stranger.”
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28. Trude
“Strong” is what this old German name means.
29. Frauke
“Little lady” is the meaning of this name. How cute is that?
30. Adele
You can’t go wrong with this name if you have a little queen coming into your family because it means “nobility.”
31. Senta
This unique name means “saint.”
32. Hedwig
This German-rooted name meaning “combat” will inspire your daughter’s fighting spirit.
33. Elsa
“Joyful” is the beautiful meaning of this girl’s name.
34. Hildegard
If you want a name that pays tribute to nature, this one means “garden.”
35. Roswitha
Any girl would appreciate this name, which means “strength.”
36. Gerda
Let your little girl know she has nothing to fear with this moniker meaning “protected.”
37. Bertha
This classic German name means “the bright one.”
38. Ilse
“Oath of God” is the definition of this short and sweet religious-inspired name.
39. Maud
There’s nothing your little one can’t do with a name that means “powerful battler.”
40. Dietlinde
It’s no surprise this elegant name means “soft.”
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41. Adelinde
Your sweetheart’s name will mean “kind” if you call them this.
42. Edelgard
“Honorable” is the explanation of this German name.
43. Lotte
This feminine name has a magical sound to it and simply means ‘free.”
44. Hermina
Give your girl a name of German origin that means “messenger” and gives a subtle nod to Harry Potter.
45. Adelheid
Of German origin, this feminine moniker translates to “noble and kind,” which perfectly describes your little princess-to-be.
46. Saskia
This fierce name is also the word for “knife.”
47. Brunhilde
Your bundle of joy will successfully get through anything in her life with this name that means “ready for battle.”
48. Wibke
If you want your little girl to have a strong name, this one means “warrior.”
49. Greta
This old-world German name signifies treasure and means “pearl.”
50. Rike
“One who is a ruler by heritage and power” is the commanding definition of this female name.
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51. Hertha
Did you know this name’s definition is “Earth”?
52. Gertrud
This vintage moniker means “strength.”
53. Ortwin
There’s no sweeter definition than that of this name, which means “friend.”
54. Elfriede
Your tiny tot will love this classic name meaning “elf strength.”
55. Jutte
This female name is the German version of Judith and means “child.”
56. Frieda
This classic German name is the female version of the name Frederick and means “peace.”
57. Monika
This is the German variation of the name Monica and means “unique.”
58. Karoline
Deriving from the name Karl, this girl’s name means “army.”
59. Bathilda
“Woman warrior” is what this traditional German name means.
60. Erna
Your daughter will be “capable” of anything because that’s the definition of this name.
61. Ada
Meaning “sweet,’ there’s no more precious meaning than this name has.
62. Karla
“Womanly” is the feminine meaning behind this German moniker.
63. Ingeborg
“Guarded by Ing” is what this name means.
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64. Liselotte
You can honor your faith with this name that means “God’s promise.”
65. Else
This name is rich in spiritual significance and means “God is abundance.”
66. Aloisia
A girl with this mighty moniker will leave her mark thanks to her name meaning “famous warrior.”
67. Gerta
This traditional name is perfect for a little girl who is “brave.”
68. Meta
This standout German name means “pearl.”
69. Amalie
This chic name also means “work.”
70. Gunda
You can encourage your child’s lively personality with a name that means “battle.”
German Boy Names
71. Adalgiso
Did you know this boy’s name translates to “precious promise”?
72. Roland
Of old German origin, this name means “renowned land.”
73. Dagobert
Seeing how your son will be your bright light, this name is great since it means “shining day.”
74. Baldwin
Ignite your child’s strong personality by giving him a name that means “bold friend.”
75. Walter
With a name that means “commander of the army,” there’s no way your son won’t be a natural leader.
76. Ferdinand
Encourage your child to have an adventurous spirit with this moniker meaning “bold voyager.”
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77. Gerhard
A little boy will have no fear thanks to this name meaning “brave.”
78. Barend
If you want an animal-inspired moniker, this one translates to “bear.”
79. Hank
Seeing how your son will be the prince of your house, you’ll love that this name means “home ruler.”
80. Rudolf
This classic German name means “famous wolf.”
81. Uwe
This sharp name is edgy and means “noble heritage.”
82. Frank
Your child’s name can have German ties with this name meaning “free.”
83. Hans
“God is gracious” is what the definition of this boy name means.
84. Claus
Naming your son this will manifest that he is always “victorious.”
85. Karl
This classic German name is a great way to honor your roots as it means “strong man.”
86. Bjorn
While this German name is rare, it means “bear.”
87. Fritz
Your baby will grow up to be a respected leader thanks to this moniker meaning “peaceful ruler.”
88. Bertram
If your baby has black hair, this unisex name meaning “bright raven” might be a good fit.
89. Manfred
With a definition that means “man of peace,” how could you not love this name?
90. Horst
If your family spends a lot of time in nature, you’ll adore this name because it means “man from the forest.”
100. Gilbert
This German boy's name means “bright promise.”
101. Adalgiso
This masculine name means “noble.”
102. Heimeric
This is the German version of Henry and means “ruler.”
103. Emmerich
Your sweet baby will have nothing to fear with this name seeing how it means “brave.”
104. Bruno
“Home strength” is the definition of this fun German name.
105. Kaspar
Your life will feel richer with a baby, especially with one whose name means “treasure.”
106. Wolfgang
This traditional name may inspire your son to love exploring because it means “travel.”
107. Norbert
“Northern brightness” is the definition of this name and refers to your baby’s roots being in the northern part of the world.
108. Albert
Of German origin, this moniker means “famous.”
109. Obert
“Wealthy” is what this traditional name means.
110. Rainer
This is a good name for any little boy because it has a modern sound and means “deciding warrior.”
111. Jorg
A variation of George, you should consider this name for your son, which means “Earth worker.”
112. Kurt
Inspire your child to live up to his name, which means “polite.”
113. Randall
Of German origin, this is a medieval variation of Randolf and means “shield.”
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114. Dirk
Manifest your son becoming a leader with this German name meaning “ruler of the people.”
115. Josef
“God will increase” is what this name means.
116. Sigmund
Giving your child this moniker is a good way to pass on your German roots. It means “protection through victory.”
117. Theobald
Can you think of a better name meaning than one that means “bold and brave”?
118. Harald
Coming from the name Harold, this name means “army ruler.”
119. Albert
“Bright” is the meaning behind this classic German name.
120. Johann
“God’s gracious gift” is what this faith-inspired German name means.
121. Otis
A variation of Odo, this adorable name means “fortune.”
122. Pankraz
Typically a German surname, this moniker has an athletic meaning, as its definition is “all-in-wrestler.”
123. Werner
You’ll want to encourage your son to live up to his strong name because it means “the defender.”
124. Kiefer
This nature-inspired name surprisingly means “pine tree.”
125. Hermann
You’ll have a little “soldier” if you decide to call your baby this.
126. Ernst
“Serious” is what this German name translates to.
127. Wilhelm
If you want to name your future son something with a bold meaning, the definition of this one is “resolute protection.”
128. Heinrich
In the Middle Ages, this was one of the most popular names in Germany, and it means “home ruler.”
129. Engel
The definition of this unisex name is actually the same as the pronunciation, “angel.”
130. Dieter
“Army of people” is this masculine moniker’s meaning.
131. Arnfried
This is a classic German name and translates to “peaceful eagle.”
132. Otto
This name has been around since the 7th century and means “wealth.”
133. Roderick
“Glory” is the meaning behind this cool name.
134. Diederich
This name means “keeper of the keys.”
135. Franz
You can’t go wrong with this traditional name for your baby boy, which means “bold.”
136. Derek
“Power of the tribe” is the strong meaning behind this German name.
137. Wagner
Traditionally a German surname that means “wagonmaker,” this moniker also makes a great first name.
138. Heinz
You can pass down your German roots in the form of this name, which means “home ruler.”
139. Ingomar
It won’t be a surprise if everyone knows your son because this name means “famous among the people.”
140. Rolf
Inspired by the name Rudolf, this moniker means “fame and glory for the wolf.”
141. Herbert
This name is classic and means “illustrious warrior.”
142. Ulric
This German name actually has two meanings, “power of the wolf” and “power of the home.”
143. Gunther
What boy wouldn’t love his name to mean “warrior”?
144. Friedrich
With ancient German origins, this name is ideal for a baby boy who will bring a peaceful energy into your life.
145. Reinhard
This classic name has German origins and can be both a first name and surname. It means “brave counsel.”
146. Hartwin
Any little boy would be lucky to have a name meaning “courageous friend.”
147. Ludwig
With a name meaning “renowned fighter,” your child will never give up on what he believes in.
148. Arvid
This unisex name means “friend of the people.”
149. Helmut
Consider this name if you’re having a baby boy because it means “fighting spirit.”
150. Bernard
“Brave bear” is the fierce definition of this German name.
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