German baby names continue to win hearts around the world for one simple reason: they carry a unique mix of strength, tradition, and elegance. In 2025, there’s been a noticeable rise in parents choosing German names for boys and girls, both for their classic roots and global versatility. Whether you’re naming your firstborn or adding to a growing list of favorites, German names are having a well-earned moment.
In Germany, naming traditions go way back. It’s common for names to reflect family lineage, honor grandparents, or echo virtues like bravery and kindness. You’ll often find names like Fritz, Klara, and Wilhelm passed down through generations. According to Germany’s federal statistics office (Statistisches Bundesamt), Noah and Mia held the top spots in early 2025—showing a trend toward short, clean names with deep meaning and broad appeal.
Boys Names
Rank | Name | Meaning/Origin |
---|---|---|
1 | Noah | Hebrew origin, meaning “rest” or “comfort” |
2 | Ben | Hebrew origin, short for Benjamin, meaning “son of the right hand” |
3 | Matteo | Italian/Hebrew origin, meaning “gift of God” |
4 | Finn | Irish/German origin, meaning “fair” or “white” |
5 | Leon | Greek/Latin origin, meaning “lion” |
6 | Elias | Hebrew origin, meaning “my God is Yahweh” |
7 | Paul | Latin origin, meaning “small” or “humble” |
8 | Henry | Germanic origin, meaning “ruler of the home” |
9 | Luis | Germanic origin, meaning “famous warrior” |
10 | Felix | Latin origin, meaning “happy” or “lucky” |
11 | Jonas | Hebrew origin, meaning “dove” |
12 | Emil | Latin origin, meaning “rival” or “eager” |
13 | Luca | Latin origin, meaning “light” |
14 | Anton | Latin origin, meaning “priceless” |
15 | Theo | Greek origin, meaning “God” |
16 | Maximilian | Latin origin, meaning “greatest” |
17 | Jakob | Hebrew origin, meaning “supplanter” |
18 | Alexander | Greek origin, meaning “defender of men” |
19 | Samuel | Hebrew origin, meaning “heard by God” |
20 | David | Hebrew origin, meaning “beloved” |
21 | Julian | Latin origin, meaning “youthful” |
22 | Oskar | Germanic origin, meaning “divine spear” |
23 | Leo | Latin origin, meaning “lion” |
24 | Carl | Germanic origin, meaning “free man” |
25 | Moritz | Latin origin, meaning “dark-skinned” |
26 | Jonathan | Hebrew origin, meaning “gift of Jehovah” |
27 | Milan | Slavic origin, meaning “gracious” or “dear” |
28 | Benjamin | Hebrew origin, meaning “son of the right hand” |
29 | Adrian | Latin origin, meaning “from Hadria” |
30 | Friedrich | Germanic origin, meaning “peaceful ruler” |
Girls Names
Rank | Name | Meaning/Origin |
---|---|---|
1 | Emma | Germanic origin, meaning “whole” or “universal” |
2 | Hannah | Hebrew origin, meaning “grace” or “favor” |
3 | Mia | Various origins, meaning “mine” or “bitter” |
4 | Sophia | Greek origin, meaning “wisdom” |
5 | Emilia | Latin origin, meaning “rival” or “eager” |
6 | Lina | Various origins, often short for names ending in -lina |
7 | Ella | Germanic origin, meaning “all” or “other” |
8 | Clara | Latin origin, meaning “bright” or “clear” |
9 | Marie | Hebrew origin, meaning “bitter” or “beloved” |
10 | Lea | Hebrew origin, meaning “weary” |
11 | Anna | Hebrew origin, meaning “grace” |
12 | Leni | Germanic origin, short for Helena, meaning “light” |
13 | Luisa | Germanic origin, meaning “famous warrior” |
14 | Lia | Hebrew origin, meaning “weary” |
15 | Amelie | Germanic origin, meaning “work” |
16 | Lara | Latin origin, meaning “cheerful” |
17 | Luna | Latin origin, meaning “moon” |
18 | Nora | Various origins, meaning “honor” or “light” |
19 | Mathilda | Germanic origin, meaning “mighty in battle” |
20 | Ida | Germanic origin, meaning “work” or “labor” |
21 | Johanna | Hebrew origin, meaning “God is gracious” |
22 | Frieda | Germanic origin, meaning “peace” |
23 | Paula | Latin origin, meaning “small” |
24 | Laura | Latin origin, meaning “laurel” |
25 | Elena | Greek origin, meaning “light” |
26 | Mila | Slavic origin, meaning “gracious” or “dear” |
27 | Charlotte | Germanic origin, meaning “free woman” |
28 | Greta | Germanic origin, short for Margarete, meaning “pearl” |
29 | Zoe | Greek origin, meaning “life” |
30 | Elsa | Germanic origin, short for Elisabeth, meaning “God is my oath” |