It’s a common practice worldwide that when you meet someone for the first time, the first thing you ask about is their name, and it’s no different in Germany.
Since a person’s name shapes your first impression of them, it is very important to pick an appealing name for your child.
Choosing German girl names can be an overwhelming task, and it not only has to do with the reason above. In Germany, some specific requirements and restrictions determine the kind of name you choose for your child.
Before obtaining a birth certificate, you must submit your name choice to the civil registration office (Standesamnt) for approval.
The agency will then run the name across a long list of approved names and also consult with foreign embassies for foreign names.
If a name is rejected, you can appeal or submit a new entry that commands a fee per name.
Restrictions on German Girl Names
The following conditions must also be considered when choosing a German name.
- An ideal German name must be recognized as a proper name and shouldn’t be too weird or degrade the child.
- It should not be deemed religiously insensitive (e.g., Jesus or Christus)
- It should not be associated with anything evil (e.g., Lucifer or Satan).
- German names have to be gender-specific. Any gender-neutral name must be followed by a second name indicating the baby’s gender.
- It must not be a name of a place, a brand, a surname, or an object.
The good part is that you have many cute and lovely German baby names to choose from. These regulations only apply to parents who had their child on German soil.
Popular and Unique German Girl Names
You don’t have to worry about the legalities in the whole child naming process. Just focus on picking the perfect name that your little prince will come to love and cherish as she grows.
Adelaide
Adelaide means ‘the noble one.’ It’s a dazzling name from the German Adelheidis that you can consider as a unique option for your pretty damsel. Other variations include Ada, Addie, Adele, Dell, or Lady.
Adolfa
Adlofa is the feminine variation of Adolf, meaning ‘the noble wolf.’ You can also try other spellings like Adolpha or Adolphina
Anike
Annike has managed to maintain a high rank even after peaking in 2003. It means ‘mercy, gracious, or grace.’
Alviria
This is one of the german girl names that sound delightful to the ears. It means ‘fair one’ with alternate spellings like Ally, Vera, Ria.
Betty
Betty has tons of variations that you can consider if you want a break from this popular spelling, including Bertina, Bessy, Bettie, Betsy, Beth, and Bethany. It means ‘consecrated to the Lord.’
Carla
Carla is a gorgeous entry on our German girl names list that means ‘free woman.’ It’s just the right name for your child as she may grow to enjoy its meaning in every aspect of her life.
Dorothea
If you believe that your child is a gift from God, then you need to choose this name for her as it literally means ‘gift of God.’ It’s also of Greek origin.
Emery
Although Emery is a popular girl’s name in the U.S., it can be used for both sexes. Emery means industrious, and it’s a bold alternative to the super-popular alliterations Emily, Emilia, and Emma.
Emma
This is arguably one of the most famous names in the world. Ironically, Emma means ‘universal’ and is right at the top list in many countries, including Belgium and Austria. You can spice up the name a bit by going for a more traditional alternate spelling like Hemma or use it as a nickname for Emmalyn and Emerson.
Elke
Elke isn’t a popular name in the U.S., but it’s one you may want to consider because it’s unique and has a royal meaning. It directly translates as ‘of noble birth’ with other spellings such as Elka, Elkie, and Alke.
Edith
If you want your daughter to grow up to become a strong and powerful lady, then this is the name to choose. Edith means ‘prosperous in war,’ and Edie or Editha are worthy variations.
Florentia
This is another gorgeous german girl name with a positive meaning. Florentia means ‘to bloom’ with spellings Florentina, Florentine, Florence, all of which are still fashionable.
Fenya
Fenya is an exotic name with delightful meanings. The name can also be spelled as Fenja, with the meaning peace, safety, and calmness. Fenya will surely bring good tidings and protection to whoever bears the name.
Gisele
Gisele is of both French and German roots with meaning ‘bright pledge.’ It was most popular during the 50s but has since lost traction.
Heidi
Heidi is a more traditional alliteration of the name Adelheid and is very trendy in the Alpine regions. It means ‘born of noble birth,’ and Heidi Klum is a famous bearer.
Ilse
A derivative of Elisabeth, this name isn’t as popular in the U.S. as its variation Elsa. Ilse means ‘consecrated to God.’
Ida
If you’re looking for a strong name with a feminine touch that is also easy to spell and pronounce, then Ida is a great choice. Ida means ‘industrious.’
Johanna
This female derivative of the Hebrew boy name John has been a popular name for a really long time. It means ‘God is gracious,’ and it currently owns a spot on the top 1,000 baby names.
Juliane
This is a lovely German name that means ‘youthful.’ It also represents the month of July when flowers are in full bloom. Diminutives include Juliana and Julie.
Jutta
Jutta means descendant, child, and is most popular in German-speaking regions. Although it hasn’t ranked in the top 1,000 girls’ names in the U.S., its variations like Judith, Judy, and Jude have been relatively popular in other areas.
Katharina
Although this name doesn’t have a known meaning, it is usually linked with the Greek word for ‘pure.’ Katharina has been a popular name for centuries, as well as other variations like Catherine, Katarina, Kate, Katja, etc.
Klara
Klara is of Latin and German origins with the meanings ‘clear, bright, or famous.’ This variation of the names hasn’t been a popular entry in the U.S., but the spelling “Clara.” has been more widespread. It was in the 95th position on the 2019 list of most popular girl’s names.
Lotte
Although this name might sound feminine, it actually means ‘strong,’ ‘masculine,’ and ‘vigorous.’ Lotte and its spelling Lotta are a top pick in Germany and other german-speaking countries today. One unique side to this name is that it lends itself as a nickname for longer names like Carlotta or Charlotte, plus, it can take on a modern edge when spelled Lottie.
Louisa
Meaning ‘famous warrior’ Louisa was a popular entry on German girl names lists in the 1880s. Its roots can be traced to German and French origins. Other variations include Luisa, Luise, Loulou, Eloise.
Luana
If you’re looking for a name that truly embodies the spirit of girl power, then Luana is what you’ve been searching for. This daring name is a top pick in Germany, and it means ‘graceful warrior.
Marlene
This beautiful name is a combination of Maria and Magdalene and has been a well-established choice in Germany. It was first introduced by German actress Marlene Dietrich and is pronounced mar-layn-uh.
Matilda
Meaning ‘mighty in battle,’ Matilda is the modern variation of the Old German name Mathilda, which can be re-shortened to Tilda. This sweet and strong name is popular for little girls in Germany and is just the right moniker for your precious jewel.
Nadia
This name’s early roots can be traced to Ancient Greek Origins, but it has been popular in German-speaking regions. Nadia means ‘hope’ and is a healthy choice for parents looking for uplifting and positive names.
Robyn
Your little girl is sure to shine with this natural name that means “famous.” This name is popular in the U.K. and is a more classic variation with a modern twist of the more common Robin.
Renate
This beautiful and sweet-sounding name means ‘to be born again,’ with German and Latin roots. This name has been a popular feature in the U.S. since it burst into the scene in the 1970s. Other diminutives include Renata, Renita, Renee.
Rosamund
A longer form of the name Rose, Rosamund makes a powerful baby girl name as it means ‘protector of the horses.’ It hasn’t reached the top 1,000 German names for girls yet.
Sabine
This name is originally from Italian roots, but it has been trendy in Germany and even rose to number one in the 1960s. It used to refer to women of the Sabine people with variations Sabina, Sabrina.
Stark
This name became prominent thanks partly to its use in the Game of Thrones series. It’s more popular as a boy’s name, but it’s a unique option for your baby girl that’ll make her stand out from her friends. It means ‘plain’ or ‘severe.’
Stefanie
Meaning ‘crown’ this German girl name and its diminutives have been popular features in different baby name lists. Its diminutives include Steffi, Steph, Steffany, Stephanie.
