81 Beautiful German Girl Names With Meanings

Updated October 7, 2020
German Babies

Your baby girl's name sets the tone for your expectations as a parent and captures the spirit of your hopes and dreams for your little one. If you want your baby girl to start life empowered, German girl names are great options.

Popular German Girl Names

According to Baby Center, German female names include lots of soft vowel sounds at the beginning and end of the name. These names of German origin are popular throughout the world. They embody the traditional nature of a German name where strong and slightly feminine sounds are prominent.

Adelaide

Meaning "noble one" this beautiful name is derived from the German Adelheidis, which could be a more unique form of this name trending in the U.S. Pronounced "Ah-duh-laid," you could call her Addie, Ada, Adele, Lady, or Dell for short.

Emery

While Emery is a gender neutral name, it is most popular in the U.S. as a girl's name. Meaning "industrious" this rising star is a welcome alternative to the ultra-popular Emma, Emily, and Emilia. Parents looking for a strong girl name that sounds familiar like this bold monicker.

Emma

Perhaps the most popular name around the world, Emma ironically means "universal" and sits on the top lists for German-speaking countries like Austria and Belgium. If you're looking for a more unique name, use this as the nickname for Emerson and Emmalyn or change up the spelling to something more traditional like Hemma.

Frieda

This classic German name means "lady" and sits in Germany's top 30 girl names. Similar names include the Old Norse Frida or Freya. Pronounced "Free-dah" this old fashioned baby name is perfect for modern little ladies.

Heidi

Popular in the U.K. this girl-next-door name means "noble." Similar sounding names include Ida, Holly, and Ivy. This classic name was made popular by the children's book character and celebrities like supermodel Heidi Klum. Parents looking for a traditional girl's name that's not as common around the world will love this short, cute name.

Beautiful German Girl Names With Meanings

Ida

Meaning "industrious" this cute, short name is a favorite for baby girls in Germany. Other similar popular names include Isla and Ada. Parents looking for a strong yet feminine name that's easy to spell and pronounce like this monicker.

Katharina

Pronounced "kat-uh-ree-nuh," you could also spell this pretty name Katarina. Meaning "pure," this monicker is popular in the Germany while similar names such as Catherine and Kathleen have been historically popular in the U.S. Other modern versions include Katrina, Catalina, and Trina.

Lotte

Also spelled Lotta and pronounced as such in either spelling, this feminine name is a top pick in Germany today. Although the name sounds girly, it actually means "masculine." This cute name lends itself well to a nickname for longer names like Charlotte or Carlotta and takes on a modern edge when spelled Lottie.

Luana

If you're inspired by the Disney princess naming craze, but aren't quite ready to name your baby Moana, consider Luana instead. Meaning "graceful warrior," this bold name is popular in Germany and embodies the current spirit of girl power.

Marlene

Made famous by a German actress, this combination of Maria and Magdalene is pronounced "Mahr-LAY-ne" and means "high tower." Similar sounding names include Marlena or Eileen in the English pronunciation, but the classic Marlene is what's popular in Germany.

Matilda/Tilda

Originally spelled Mathilda in Old German, Matilda means "mighty in battle," and Tilda is the modern, shortened version of the name. This top name in Germany is popular for little girls, thanks in part to the book of the same name by Roald Dahl. Call her Mattie or Tillie for a unique nickname. If sweet and strong is what you're after, this name has it all.

Robyn

Popular in the U.K. this natural name means "famous." Parents looking for classic nature names with a modern twist love this spelling of the more common Robin. With a name like this, your little girl is sure to shine.

Strong German Names for Girls

If you want an exotic name that feels strong for your baby girl these traditional German girl names or their modern versions could be perfect.

Carefree girl in rape field

German Name

Meaning

Bathilda

Warrior woman

Berdine

Glorious

Bernadine

Courage of a bear

Luisa/Louisa

Famous in war

Ursula

Little female bear

Helga

Prosperous successful

Ingeborg

Stronghold, Protection

Erika

Eternal ruler

Gerda

Enclosure, stronghold

Adalwolfa

She-wolf

Geraldine

Rules by the spear

Ada

Noble, happy, adorned

Hilde

Battle maiden

Alfomsine

Eager to battle

Albertyne

Intelligent

Aloisa

Famous warrior

Carla

Strong

Evonne

Archer

Gerhardina

Mighty with a spear

Gertrude

Spear of strength

Griselde

Gray battle maiden

Gunnel

Battle maiden

Hilma

Resolute protector

Irmina

War goddess

Isa

Strong willed

Isolde

Ice ruler

Halfrid

Peaceful heroine

Henrietta

Keeper of the hearth

Kikka

Mistress of all

Lorita

Honor or victory

Millicent

Work strength

Happy and Sweet German Girl Names

If you want to embrace your German roots but would rather your baby girl have a sweeter and more feminine name, those below are great options.

German Name

Meaning

Aliz

Sweet

Alberta

Bright

Ediline

Gracious

Alviria

Fair

Berdina

Glorious

Bertrun

Shining secret

Gisela

Pledge

Gretchen

Little pearl

Gretel

Precious gem

Ingrid

Fair and beautiful

Adal

Sweet and noble

Gerda

Protected

Ada

Prosperous and happy

Adelheide

Sweet and noble

Adette

Sweet and noble

Agatha

Good and kind

Aili

Sweet

Antonie

Priceless

Clarissa

Bright

Eda

Wealthy and happy

Heidi

Sweet and noble

Karlotta

Tiny and feminine

Juliane

Youthful

Winola

Charming peaceful friend

Zemirah

Blessed and happy in life

Religious German Girl Names

Many parents are religious and want to give thanks and dedicate their child to God. The names below have a religious connotation and could be perfect for parents of a spiritual bent.

girl smiling in angel costume

German Name

Meaning

Helga

Blessed and holy

Krista

A Christian

Liezel

God is beautiful

Lisette

Devoted to God

Olga

Blessed and holy

Renate

To be born again

Karin

Pure

Ilse

Pledged to God

Hannah/Hanna

Grace

Dorothea

Gift from God

Engelbertha

Bright angel

Elsa

Pledged to God

Gratia

Grace

Evi

Life

Wendlesora

Name of a Saint

So Many German Girl Names

Clotilda is a strong German girl's name that means famous in battle. Angela, Angelika, and Angelica mean angel-like. Cleta is a renowned woman. Harriet is the ruler of the home. Hilde or Hilda are noble ones. Emily and Amelia are the eager ones, and Alysha, also spelled Alicia, is the noblewoman. There are many German girl names and giving your baby girl one of these unusual and exotic names can be perfect for the sweet girl next door or for the future feminist ready to take on the world.

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81 Beautiful German Girl Names With Meanings