150 German baby girl names, with meanings
Considering a German name for your baby girl? We've selected 150 of the best German girl names here – each with their origin and meaning, and including traditional names, modern names, popular names, short names, strong names and pretty names
German girl names tend, to the English-speaking ear, to have a lovely retro ring – and many have meanings full of strength and nobility, promising a life full to the brim of wonderful, positive experiences. So, it's no surprise that more and more of us are turning to names of Germanic origin when picking a name for our baby girls. German girl names, in fact, make up 10% of the names in the UK's list of top 100 most popular names for girls.
We know that deciding on a name for your little girl is as daunting as it is exciting: which is the one that's going to make you smile every day and suit her equally through babyhood, into childhood and on into her grown-up life? To make things easier, we've compiled a big list of the 150 top German girl names – each with their individual meaning.
We've included everything from popular German girl names to traditional and old-fashioned girl names of Germanic origin, and from modern and creative choices to totally pretty and cute ones. Short or long, common or unique, you've got 150 inspirational ideas right here to help you choose the right German baby name for your little girl. Looking for more inspiration, discover our one-syllable names for girls, with their origin and meaning.
For more baby name inspiration, check out our articles on Scottish girls' names and their meanings, featuring charming and historic choices, and African baby names for boys and girls, filled with vibrant and meaningful options.
Here's our list of beautiful German girl names to inspire you...
Most popular German girl names | Traditional German girl names | Modern German girl names | Short German girl names | Strong German girl names | Pretty German girl names
More like this
Most popular German girl names
The most popular girl names in the UK include several of German origin, so we've listed them all here – in the order they are ranked by the Office for National Statistics in their list of the 100 most popular girl names registered in England and Wales in 2021 (the 2022 list will be released towards the end of 2023). The Germanic girl names here include Amelia – perched right near the top of the English/Welsh list – as well as names that are steadily rising up the list, such as Millie, Matilda and Heidi...
1. Amelia
- Origin: Latin/German
- Meaning: work and strive
- Trend: no change
2. Millie
- Origin: German
- Meaning: gentle strength, industrious
- Trend: moving up
3. Matilda
- Origin: German
- Meaning: strength in battle
- Trend: moving up
4. Alice
- Origin: German
- Meaning: noble
- Trend: moving down
5. Ada
- Origin: German
- Meaning: noble
- Trend: moving down
6. Emma
- Origin: German
- Meaning: whole, universal
- Trend: moving down
7. Harriet
- Origin: German
- Meaning: home ruler
- Trend: moving down
8. Robyn
- Origin: German
- Meaning: bright, famous
- Trend: moving up
9. Heidi
- Origin: German
- Meaning: of noble birth
- Trend: moving up
10. Myla
- Origin: Latin/German/French
- Meaning: soldier, merciful
- Trend: moving up
Traditional German girl names
If you like to keep things classic, this next selection of German girl names will rock your traditionally-made boat. All of them are girl names with time-tested Germanic roots that now have a vintage, old-fashioned charm. These old names often have meanings that conjure up nobility, duty and strength of purpose. Some them, such as Alesha and Eloise, are already well-known in the UK but many of these traditional German names for baby girls will stand out, to British ears, as strikingly unusual or winningly retro.
11. Adelaide
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: high-born
12. Adelheid
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: nobility
13. Adeline
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: noble
- Also: Adelin, Adaline, Adalyn, Adalynn, Adelyn, Adalene, Adeleine
14. Albertina
- Origin: Old German
- Meaning: noble and bright
15. Alesha
- Origin: Old Germanic
- Meaning: noble
- Also: Aleesha
16. Almut
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: noble mind
17. Alruna
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: one who maintains a secret
18. Alvina
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: noble friend
- Also: Vina
19. Annalise
- Origin: Old German
- Meaning: devoted to God
20. Armgard
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: guardian
21. Bertha
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: bright one
- Also: Berta
22. Carolin
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: the free one
- Also: Karolin
23. Dietlinde
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: soft
24. Edelgard
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: noble guard or protector
- Also: Adalgard, Edelgart, Ethelgard
25. Edeline
- Origin: Old German
- Meaning: noble, gracious
- Also: Edaline
26. Eloise
- Origin: Old German
- Meaning: healthy
27. Emmeline
- Origin: Medieval German
- Meaning: hardworking
- Also: Emiline, Emmaline, Ameline
28. Emmie
- Origin: Old German
- Meaning: universal
- Also: Emmi, Emmy
29. Erna
- Origin: Old German and Norse
- Meaning: capable, earnest
30. Ernestine
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: serious
31. Federica
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: peaceful ruler
32. Friederike
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: peaceful ruler
- Also: Friedl
33. Frodelinde
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: mature, wise
34. Frolinde
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: mature
35. Gerlinde
- Origin: Old German
- Meaning: flexible
36. Giselle
- Origin: Old German
- Meaning: a promise
- Also: Gisela, Gisele
37. Helma
- Origin: Old German
- Meaning: protector
38. Hilma
- Origin: Old German
- Meaning: protective helmet
39. Irmgard
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: universal
40. Irmina
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: universal
41. Irmtraud
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: all loved
42. Liebtraud
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: lovely and powerful
- Also: Liebetraud
43. Lotta
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: free man
- Also: Lotty, Lote, Loti
44. Luitgard
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: guardian of the people
45. Orlantha
- Origin: Old German
- Meaning: from the land
46. Ortrud
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: sharp point
- Also: Ortrude, Ortraud
47. Ramona
- Origin: Old German, Romanian and Spanish
- Meaning: wise protector
48. Ricarda
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: powerful ruler
49. Saskia
- Origin: Old Germanic
- Meaning: a Saxon woman
50. Ulrike
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: rich, powerful heritage
- Also: Ulrikke, Ulrich, Ulrica
51. Wilhelmina
- Origin: Old German
- Meaning: will helmet or protection
What are the most popular girl names in Germany?
Here are the 10 most popular baby names for girls in Germany recorded in 2022, according to Knud Bielefeld, who compiles a much-awaited list every year using data from 423 German cities. As you'll see, while many of the top 10 are German in origin, others have clear origins from other countries and cultures, with Latin and Greek names featuring strongly.- Emilia. Origin: Latin; Meaning: rival
- Mia. Origin: Italian; Meaning: mine
- Sophia. Origin: Greek; Meaning: wisdom
- Emma. Origin: German; Meaning: whole, universal
- Hannah. Origin: Hebrew; Meaning: favour, grace
- Lina. Origin: Latin; Meaning: strong
- Mila. Origin: Slavic; Meaning: hardworking
- Ella. Origin: Hebrew; Meaning: goddess
- Leni. Origin: Greek; Meaning: bright
- Clara. Origin: Latin; Meaning: bright, clear
Modern German girl names
Not all German baby girl names are traditional and rooted in the Old German language, of course; there are plenty of German girl names that have a much more modern, contemporary feel and linguistic origin. We've chosen our favourites here: some have meanings rooted in nobility – a common theme in more old-fashioned German girl names, too – but others have meanings that resonate a more present-day feel, with a focus on light, peace and the natural world.
52. Adalberta
- Origin: German
- Meaning: noble, bright
- Also: Adelberta
53. Adela
- Origin: Germanic languages
- Meaning: noble
54. Adele
- Origin: Germanic languages
- Meaning: nobility
- Also: Adelle, Adel
55. Adelia
- Origin: Germanic languages
- Meaning: noble
56. Annalise
- Origin: German
- Meaning: graced with God’s bounty
- Also: Annaliese, Analiese
57. Aubrey
- Origin: Germanic languages
- Meaning: ruler of elves
58. Carly
- Origin: German
- Meaning: free woman
- Also: Karlee
59. Carrie
- Origin: German
- Meaning: free
60. Elke
- Origin: Low German and East Frisian
- Meaning: of noble birth
61. Engela
- Origin: German
- Meaning: angel
- Also: Engla
62. Ermengarde
- Origin: Germanic languages
- Meaning: universal protection
- Also: Ermengard, Ermingarde
63. Frauke
- Origin: Germanic languages
- Meaning: little lady
64. Frida
- Origin: German
- Meaning: peace
- Also: Frieda, Freda, Freida
65. Geneva
- Origin: Germanic languages
- Meaning: juniper tree
66. Geralyn
- Origin: Germanic languages
- Meaning: spear ruler
67. Gilda
- Origin: German
- Meaning: offering
68. Gretel
- Origin: German
- Meaning: pearl
69. Griselda
- Origin: Germanic languages
- Meaning: dark battle
70. Hattie
- Origin: Germanic languages
- Meaning: home ruler
71. Heike
- Origin: Low German
- Meaning: home ruler
72. Hilda
- Origin: German/Danish
- Meaning: maid of battle
73. Huberte
- Origin: Germanic languages
- Meaning: bright or shining intellect
75. Ingeborg
- Origin: Germanic languages
- Meaning: Under the protection of Ing
- Also: Inge
76. Katrin
- Origin: German and Swedish
- Meaning: pure
- Also: Kat
77. Leisl
- Origin: German
- Meaning: God’s promise
- Also: Liesel, Liesl
78. Lieselotte
- Origin: German
- Meaning: oath to God
- Also: Liselotte, Liselot
79. Louise
- Origin: German/French
- Meaning: famous warrior
80. Mareike
- Origin: Low German
- Meaning: of the sea
81. Marlene
- Origin: German
- Meaning: compound of Mary and Magdalene
82. Meike
- Origin: German and Dutch
- Meaning: sea of bitterness
83. Norma
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Norsewoman
- Also: Normah, Normi, Normie
84. Ottilie
- Origin: German
- Meaning: wealth
- Also: Otti
85. Rieka
- Origin: German
- Meaning: peaceful ruler
86. Roberta
- Origin: German
- Meaning: bright fame
- Also: Roberte, Robertine
87. Senta
- Origin: German and Latin
- Meaning: journey
88. Sieglinde
- Origin: Germanic languages
- Meaning: victory and soft, flexible
89. Silke
- Origin: German diminutive of Celia
- Meaning: heaven
- Also: Silja
90. Wilda
- Origin: Germanic languages
- Meaning: untamed
91. Wilma
- Origin: Germanic languages
- Meaning: wishing protection
92. Yvonna
- Origin: Germanic languages
- Meaning: Yew
How to choose the perfect German girl name
Choosing the right name for your baby girl can be a tricky task, so here are some tips to help you whittle down your favourites:- Think about nicknames. Before deciding on a name, have a really good think about all the possible ways people could shorten or customise it (or even rhyme with it) and see how happy you are with them. Can the name be shortened? Do you still like the name?
- Look at the initials. Think about your baby's surname (and middle name if you've chosen one) and write down the initials of the combinations you're considering.
- Pronunciations and spellings. Some German girl names are not very common in the UK and may be difficult for others to pronounce or spell. Will your child have to spend a lot of time correcting people?
- Consider the meanings. Do you have an idea in mind of the type of name you want your baby girl to have? Traditional or modern? Strong or delicate? Or perhaps a name that reflects a theme that's important to you — such as nature or religion?
Short German girl names
These lovely German girl names only a few letters and no more than syllables, making them short but beautiful in their simplicity. They are also super-easy to say and spell – which may be important to you – and go well with last names that are longer and have more than 2 or 3 syllables.
93. Alda
- Origin: German
- Meaning: old
94. Ebba
- Origin: Germanic languages
- Meaning: strong
- Also: Ebbe
95. Elma
- Origin: Old German
- Meaning: noble, famous
96. Erna
- Origin: Old Norse and Old High German
- Meaning: earnest, serious
97. Ida
- Origin: Ancient Germanic
- Meaning: hard-working
98. Ilse
- Origin: German
- Meaning: pledged to God
99. Irma
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: ubiquitous, universal, complete
100. Maud
- Origin: Old German
- Meaning: powerful battler
- Also: Maude, Maudy
101. Uta
- Origin: Medieval German
- Meaning: prosperity
102. Ute
- Origin: Germanic languages
- Meaning: prosperous
Strong German girl names
Girl names that emanate strength and power are having bit of a moment, with most-popular baby-name lists the world over teeming like never before with 'kickass' name choices. We've found some great strong German girl names to consider for your baby girl, most of them with meanings that speak of warrior glories and bravery in battle.
103. Adalgunde
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: noble battle
- Also: Adalgund, Adelgunde, Adelgonda, Adelgonde
104. Brunhild
- Origin: Modern German
- Meaning: ready for battle
- Also: Brunhilde, Hilde
105. Clotilda
- Origin: Old German
- Meaning: the noise of battle
- Also: Clotilde
106. Edeltraud
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: noble strength
- Also: Edeltraut, Adeltraud, Adeltrud, Trude
107. Ermyntrude
- Origin: Old German
- Meaning: universal strength
- Also: Ermentrude
108. Ernestine
- Origin: Germanic languages
- Meaning: warrior
109. Geralde
- Origin: Germanic languages
- Meaning: spear ruler
110. Geraldine
- Origin: Old German/French
- Meaning: ruler
- Also: Jeraldine
111. Gertrude
- Origin: Germanic languages
- Meaning: spear of strength
- Also: Gert, Gertrud, Gertraud, Gertie, Trudy, Trudie, Trudi
112. Gesine
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: strength of a spear
113 Gundula
- Origin: Germanic languages
- Meaning: fighter
114. Hedda
- Origin: Old German
- Meaning: warfare
115. Hedwig
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: battle, combat
- Also: Edwige, Hedvig, Hedy
116. Hidegard
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: warfare
- Also: Hidegarde, Hildegarda
117. Hildebrand
- Origin: German
- Meaning: sword of battle
118. Hiltrud
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: strength in battle
- Also: Hiltrude
119. Irmhild
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: great battle
129. Kunigunde
- Origin: Germanic languages
- Meaning: brave, fight
- Also: Kunigunda
120. Louisa
- Origin: German and French
- Meaning: famous warrior
- Also: Luisa
121. Ludwiga
- Origin: Old German
- Meaning: famous warrior
122. Mattie
- Origin: German
- Meaning: might in battle
123. Mechel
- Origin: German
- Meaning: strength in battle
124. Mechthild
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: powerful in combat
125. Meinhild
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: strong in battle
126. Millicent
- Origin: Germanic languages
- Meaning: strong in work
- Also: Milee, Milly, Millie
127. Ottoline
- Origin: Old German
- Meaning: prosperity in battle
128. Roswitha
- Origin: Old German
- Meaning: fame and strength
129. Svenja
- Origin: Low German
- Meaning: young warrior
130. Swanhild
- Origin: Old German
- Meaning: fighting swan
- Also: Swanhilde, Swanhilda, Swanild
131. Tilda
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: strength in battle
- Also: Tilde
132. Traudl
- Origin: Old German
- Meaning: strength of a spear
133. Traute
- Origin: Germanic languages
- Meaning: strength
134. Trudhild
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: power, fight
- Also: Trudhilde
135. Waldina
- Origin: Old German
- Meaning: ruler
136. Waltraut
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: ruler of strength
- Also: Waltraud, Waltrud, Waltrude
137. Wiebke
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: warrior
138. Wiltrud
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: strength of a spear
139. Zelda
- Origin: Old German
- Meaning: grey battle
Pretty German girl names
We think all the names in our list of German girl names are beautiful but we've saved these ones for last because we think they are especially pretty and cute – just like we're sure your little girl will be!
140. Adaliya
- Origin: German
- Meaning: noble one
141. Annika
- Origin: Low German
- Meaning: gracious
- Also: Anika
142. Elsa
- Origin: German
- Meaning: pledged to God
- Also: Elsie
143. Greta
- Origin: German
- Meaning: pearl
144. Hannelore
- Origin: Germanic languages
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Also: Hannelora
145. Lorelei
- Origin: German
- Meaning: lure to the rocks
- Also: Lorelai
146. Nele
- Origin: German
- Meaning: horn
147. Rowena
- Origin: German
- Meaning: fame and happiness
148. Siegrune
- Origin: Old High German
- Meaning: secret of victory
149. Tilly
- Origin: German
- Meaning: might in battle
150. Uda
- Origin: Germanic languages
- Meaning: prosperous
When do I have to choose my baby girl's name by?
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, you have 42 days to register the baby's name once they have been born. In Scotland, new parents must register the baby's birth and name within 3 weeks.
You will need to contact your local register office for an appointment to register your baby's birth.
Remember to take some identification with you and some registrars may ask to see your baby's red book, which is their personal health record. You will then be asked your baby's full name and details about when and where they were born.
The birth must be registered by the baby's mother or father. If you are unmarried and go to the register office alone, you must take a declaration of parentage form signed by the other parent with you.
Pic: Getty
Read more:
Authors
Emily is the Digital Content Producer at MadeForMums and creates editorial and video content across the brand. She also edits the weekly editorial newsletter, oversees our reviews process and loves creating our craft articles and videos. She specialises predominantly in car seats and pushchairs, and has yet to meet a buggy she couldn’t fold! With a 1st class degree in History, she always researches topics thoroughly to find the best recommendations for parents.
Create the perfect wishlist for your baby with MyCrib
Are you expecting and don't know where to start? Discover how MyCrib can help you build your dream wishlist. You can add products from any site with just one click and even use MyCrib's buying assistant to help get you started.