Germany has it all — beer, sausages, and mature democracy. You’d also struggle to find a country with a more fascinating and varied history. Whether you have personal links to the nation or you’re simply an admirer and want to pass that cultural appreciation on to your child, a traditional and historic name is the perfect way to do it.
Friedrich is the first name of multiple German emperors and the philosopher Nietzsche. Talk about a hall of fame! You can also easily anglicize it to Fred or Freddy since the English version of the name is Frederick.
Leopold might sound like an archaic name already, but it’s actually a more modern form of the ancient Germanic name Luitbald. The name means “brave people” and was good enough to be the name of several German emperors. Of course, it can be conveniently shortened to Leo.
Or, if you’d like a male name that’s a little more anglo-friendly but still has German roots, try Derek. The name comes from old German and mean’s “people-ruler.”
As for the girls, Gretchen might be a common name in the English-speaking world, but it actually comes from the German language. In fact, the renowned German author Goethe had a character called Gretchen in his classic novel “Faust.”
Alternatively, go for Heidi, a name probably best known for the Swiss novel with a title and protagonist of the same name. It also has a few famous namesakes, including Heidi Klum and Heidi Montag. The name comes from the German meaning “nobility.”
Abelard
Meaning: Resolute
Origin: German
Gender: Boy
Adal
Meaning: Sweet or noble
Origin: German
Gender: Girl
Adelbert
Meaning: Intelligent or noble
Origin: German
Gender: Boy
Adolf
Meaning: Noble wolf
Origin: German
Gender: Boy
Berg
Meaning: Mountain
Origin: German
Gender: Boy
Bruna
Meaning: Of the dark hair
Origin: German
Gender: Girl
Chriselda
Meaning: Strong
Origin: German
Gender: Girl
Corrado
Meaning: Bold
Origin: German
Gender: Boy
Della
Meaning: Bright
Origin: German
Gender: Girl
Derek
Meaning: Gifted ruler
Origin: German
Gender: Boy
Edda
Meaning: Pleasant
Origin: German
Gender: Girl
Edwin
Meaning: Happy friend
Origin: German
Gender: Boy
Felda
Meaning: From the field
Origin: German
Gender: Girl
Friedrich
Meaning: Merciful leader
Origin: German
Gender: Boy
Fritz
Meaning: Peaceful ruler
Origin: German
Gender: Boy
Galiena
Meaning: Haughty
Origin: German
Gender: Girl
Gretchen
Meaning: Pearl
Origin: German
Gender: Girl
Hacket
Meaning: Little hacker
Origin: German
Gender: Boy
Heidi
Meaning: Little Miss
Origin: German
Gender: Girl
Idaia
Meaning: Active
Origin: German
Gender: Girl
Ingel
Meaning: Angel
Origin: German
Gender: Boy
Jay
Meaning: Swift
Origin: German
Gender: Boy
Kolt
Meaning: Coal town
Origin: German
Gender: Boy
Kuonrada
Meaning: Wise
Origin: German
Gender: Girl
Leota
Meaning: Of the people
Origin: German
Gender: Girl
Leopold
Meaning: Prince of the people
Origin: German
Gender: Boy
Maritza
Meaning: Of the sea
Origin: German
Gender: Girl
Martel
Meaning: Warrior of Mars
Origin: German
Gender: Boy
Nixie
Meaning: Little water sprite
Origin: German
Gender: Girl
Norbert
Meaning: Shining from the North
Origin: German
Gender: Boy
Odelina
Meaning: Elfin spear
Origin: German
Gender: Girl
Odo
Meaning: Wealth
Origin: German
Gender: Boy
Peer
Meaning: A rock
Origin: German
Gender: Boy
Philipinna
Meaning: Loves horses
Origin: German
Gender: Girl
Reiner
Meaning: Counsel
Origin: German
Gender: Boy
Ricarda
Meaning: Ruler
Origin: German
Gender: Girl
Saelac
Meaning: Blessed
Origin: German
Gender: Boy
Senta
Meaning: Assistant
Origin: German
Gender: Girl
Terell
Meaning: Powerful
Origin: German
Gender: Boy
Trude
Meaning: Fighting woman
Origin: German
Gender: Girl
Ulka
Meaning: Mistress of all
Origin: German
Gender: Girl
Ulrich
Meaning: Noble leader
Origin: German
Gender: Boy
Valda
Meaning: Power
Origin: German
Gender: Girl
Volker
Meaning: People’s guard
Origin: German
Gender: Boy
Walmond
Meaning: Mighty protector
Origin: German
Gender: Boy
Warda
Meaning: Guardian
Origin: German
Gender: Girl
Xiomar
Meaning: Famous in battle
Origin: German
Gender: Boy
Yseult
Meaning: Ruler of ice
Origin: German
Gender: Girl
Zelig
Meaning: Happy
Origin: German
Gender: Boy
Zelda
Meaning: Grey battle
Origin: German
Gender: Girl