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.

Related: 50 of the Most Beautiful & Iconic Angel-Inspired Names for Your Little One

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.

Related: 125 Old-fashioned Baby Names That Are Making a Major Comeback

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.”

Related: Best Irish Girl Names

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.

Related: Looking for Inspiration from Ancient Philosophers or Mythology? Check Out These 150 Greek Baby Names

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. K?the

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. B?rbel

If you are looking for a German variant of the name Barbara or Barbie, this is it and it means “stranger.”

Related: 150 Italian Girl Name Ideas That Are as Beautiful as Your Little One

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.”

Related: Have a Wee Lad or Lass on the Way? Try These 150 Old English Baby Names on for Size

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.

Related: 155 Traditionally Boy Names That Are Oh-So-Pretty Perfect for Your Little Girl

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.

Related: Why Modern Parents are Loving These 125 Gender-Neutral Baby Names

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.”

Related: 125 Best Long Names for Boys

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.”

Related: 125 'Girl Names' for Boys—Get Ready To See Them Everywhere in 2024

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.

Next: Inspired by the Outdoors? Here Are 125 Perfect Nature Baby Names and What They Mean