Germany is a land of beautiful fairy-tale castles and dark and dreary forests, but it also used to be a land that was full of barbarian tribes before the Romans entering into the picture during the peak of their empire. We can find many examples of Germanic names beyond the scope of modern-day Germany, however. England has many names that are Anglo-Saxon in origin, which is itself a form of Germanic tongue. Here are a few mighty Germanic names for boys that can stir an adventurous heart.
Charles is an extremely common name in the United States, but did you know it had Germanic origins? The name means “free man,” and one of its most well-known recipients was Charles the Great (Charlemagne), who was the first Holy Roman Emperor.
Another fine German name fit for a king (or at the very least a young prince) is Conrad, which means “brave counsel.”
Sax is an old Anglo-Saxon name that means “tribe of the dagger.” The Saxons in particular were known for carrying a kind of blade called a seax knife, and this is possibly where the name started to take shape.
Two awesome names remind us of more barbarian times in ancient Germany. Donar is a name that has its foundations in one of the earliest incarnations of the god Thor, who was also worshiped in ancient Germany. In mythology, he is a strong and virtuous god and was used quite a bit in history to name people and places.
Another Germanic name that is fitting for a little barbarian-to-be is Alaric, which means “powerful ruler.” Historically, Alaric I was also the leader of the Visigoths, a barbarian tribe that invaded Rome and helped to hasten their downfall as an empire.
Abbe
Meaning: My Father is Joyful
Origin: Germanic
Abbott
Meaning: Father, Priest, Father of Abbey
Origin: Germanic
Abelard
Meaning: Noble
Origin: Germanic
Adal
Meaning: Noble
Origin: Germanic
Adalwolf
Meaning: Noble Wolf
Origin: Germanic
Alexander
Meaning: Defender of Mankind
Origin: Germanic
Amery
Meaning: Divine
Origin: Germanic
Amo
Meaning: Power of an Eagle
Origin: Germanic
Archard
Meaning: Strong
Origin: Germanic
Arnold
Meaning: Strong as an Eagle
Origin: Germanic
Baldwin
Meaning: Brave
Origin: Germanic
Baltasar
Meaning: Protected by God
Origin: Germanic
Baret
Meaning: Bear-Strength
Origin: Germanic
Barrett
Meaning: Strong as a Bear
Origin: Germanic
Ben
Meaning: Son Of
Origin: Germanic
Bren
Meaning: Flame
Origin: Germanic
Brenner
Meaning: One Who Works With Fire
Origin: Germanic
Carey
Meaning: He Lives in the Fortress
Origin: Germanic
Cariel
Meaning: He is a Free Man
Origin: Germanic
Carsten
Meaning: Christian
Origin: Germanic
Christoph
Meaning: Christ Bearer
Origin: Germanic
Conrad
Meaning: Bold and Mighty
Origin: Germanic
Cuma
Meaning: The One Who Bears Christ
Origin: Germanic
David
Meaning: The Beloved Friend
Origin: Germanic
Delmar
Meaning: One Who Came from Sea
Origin: Germanic
Derek
Meaning: The People’s Ruler
Origin: Germanic
Dietrich
Meaning: King Of Nations
Origin: Germanic
Edgar
Meaning: Spearman
Origin: Germanic
Egelbert
Meaning: A Bright Light of God
Origin: Germanic
Egon
Meaning: One Who Gets Strong with a Sword
Origin: Germanic
Fedde
Meaning: Peace
Origin: Germanic
Garit
Meaning: A Person Who is Always with a Spear
Origin: Germanic
Garold
Meaning: A Ruler Who Controls the Army with a Spear
Origin: Germanic
Hans
Meaning: God is Gracious
Origin: Germanic
Jarem
Meaning: A Might Spearman
Origin: Germanic
Kaiser
Meaning: German version of Caeser
Origin: Germanic
Koen
Meaning: Wise
Origin: Germanic
Kurtis
Meaning: Polite One
Origin: Germanic
Leon
Meaning: Lion
Origin: Germanic
Mantel
Meaning: Cloak Bearer
Origin: Germanic
Mayne
Meaning: One Who is Powerful and Strong
Origin: Germanic
Nicko
Meaning: God of Success
Origin: Germanic
Otto
Meaning: Wealthy
Origin: Germanic
Raymond
Meaning: Wise Protector
Origin: Germanic
Roderick
Meaning: Famous Ruler
Origin: Germanic
Royce
Meaning: Roy’s Son
Origin: Germanic
Ryker
Meaning: Rich
Origin: Germanic
Truman
Meaning: Spear of Strength
Origin: Germanic
Wiley
Meaning: Brilliant
Origin: Germanic
William
Meaning: Protector
Origin: Germanic