Looking for names for boys? Here’s a big list of 170 German names! German names are known for their strong sounds and rich meanings. Many of these names have been around for a long time, reflecting the history and culture of German-speaking countries.
Some names, like Maximilian and Felix, are classic favorites, while others, like Leon and Noah, are trendy and modern. Each name has its own special meaning, often linked to qualities like bravery, kindness, and wisdom. Parents choose these names because they want their kids to have strong and positive qualities as they grow up.
170 Meaningful German Names for Boys You’ll Love
Unique German Names Male
This selection of unique German male names that stand out with their rich meanings and cultural significance. These names reflect traditional German heritage while offering a distinct flair.
1) Anselm
Meaning: Divine protection
Origin: Derived from the Old High German elements ans (god) and helm (protection).
2) Engel
Meaning: Angel
Origin: From the Old High German word engil, meaning “angel” or “messenger.”
3) Ingomar
Meaning: Famous through Ing
Origin: From the Germanic elements ing (a god) and mar (famous).
4) Ludolf
Meaning: Famous wolf
Origin: From the Germanic elements hlud (famous) and wulf (wolf).
5) Arnfried
Meaning: Eagle peace
Origin: From the Germanic elements arn (eagle) and fried (peace).
6) Rainer
Meaning: Wise army
Origin: From the Germanic elements ragin (counsel) and heri (army).
7) Tihalt
Meaning: People’s ruler
Origin: From the Germanic elements diot (people) and halda (ruler).
8) Ulbrecht
Meaning: Noble brightness
Origin: From the Germanic elements adal (noble) and beraht (bright).
9) Aelbehrt
Meaning: Noble and bright
Origin: Derived from the Old High German elements adal (noble) and beraht (bright).
10) Ambros
Meaning: Immortal
Origin: Derived from the Greek Ambrosios, meaning “immortal.”
11) Theobald
Meaning: Bold people
Origin: From the Germanic elements diot (people) and bald (bold).
12) Valentin
Meaning: Strong, healthy
Origin: From the Latin Valentinus, meaning “strong” or “healthy.”
13) Wieland
Meaning: Skillful or cunning
Origin: From the Germanic elements wig (battle) and land (land).
14) Erdmann
Meaning: Earth man
Origin: From the Germanic elements erd (earth) and man (man).
15) Gebhard
Meaning: Bright pledge
Origin: From the Germanic elements geba (gift) and hard (brave).
16) Hartmut
Meaning: Strong spirit
Origin: From the Germanic elements hart (hard) and muot (spirit).
17) Gernot
Meaning: Brave warrior
Origin: From the Germanic element gern (willing) and not (brave).
18) Wilhelm
Meaning: Strong will or resolute protector
Origin: From the Germanic elements wil (will) and helm (protection).
These names have a unique charm and can stand out while still reflecting German heritage.
Old-Fashioned German Boy Names
Old-fashioned German boy names have a special charm and connect us to history and tradition. These names often have meaningful stories behind them and reflect German culture. If you’re looking for classic names that are strong and timeless, this list has some great options!
1) Adalbert
Meaning: Noble and bright
Origin: Derived from the Old High German elements adal (noble) and beraht (bright).
2) Benedikt
Meaning: Blessed
Origin: Derived from the Latin Benedictus, meaning “the blessed one.”
3) Clemens
Meaning: Merciful or gentle
Origin: From the Latin Clemens, meaning “mild” or “gentle.”
4) Eberhard
Meaning: Strong as a boar
Origin: From the Germanic elements eber (boar) and hard (strong).
5) Friedrich
Meaning: Peaceful ruler
Origin: From the Old High German fridu (peace) and ric (ruler).
6) Gottlieb
Meaning: God’s love
Origin: From the Germanic elements gott (God) and liebe (love).
7) Hermann
Meaning: Man of the army
Origin: Derived from the Germanic elements heri (army) and man (man).
8) Julius
Meaning: Youthful or downy
Origin: From the Latin Julius, a family name of ancient Rome.
9) Leopold
Meaning: Bold people
Origin: From the Germanic elements leod (people) and bald (bold).
10) Maximilian
Meaning: Greatest
Origin: From the Latin Maximus, meaning “the greatest.”
11) Otto
Meaning: Wealthy
Origin: Derived from the Old High German odo meaning “wealth.”
12) Rudolf
Meaning: Famous wolf
Origin: From the Germanic elements hruod (fame) and wulf (wolf).
13) Sebastian
Meaning: Venerable or revered
Origin: From the Greek Sebastos, meaning “venerable.”
14) Theobald
Meaning: Bold people
Origin: From the Germanic elements diot (people) and bald (bold).
15) Wilhelm
Meaning: Strong will or resolute protector
Origin: From the Germanic elements wil (will) and helm (protection).
16) Zacharias
Meaning: The Lord has remembered
Origin: From the Hebrew name Zechariah, meaning “Yahweh remembers.”
17) Eugen
Meaning: Well-born
Origin: From the Greek Eugenios, meaning “noble.”
18) Alfred
Meaning: Elf counsel
Origin: From the Old English Aelfraed, combining aelf (elf) and raed (counsel).
19) Emil
Meaning: Rival
Origin: From the Latin Aemilius, meaning “rival.”
20) Rainer
Meaning: Wise army
Origin: From the Germanic elements ragin (counsel) and heri (army).
Old German Male Names 1800
Old German male names from the 1800s carry a sense of history and tradition. Many of these names are strong and have unique meanings. This collection highlights some of the most notable names that were popular during the 18th century in Germany.
1) Aelbehrt
Meaning: Noble and bright
Origin: Derived from Old High German elements adal (noble) and beraht (bright)
2) Ambros
Meaning: Immortal
Origin: From the Greek ambrosios, meaning “divine” or “immortal”
3) Anselm
Meaning: God’s protection
Origin: From the Germanic elements ans (god) and helm (helmet, protection)
4) Berchtwald
Meaning: Bright forest
Origin: From the Germanic elements berht (bright) and wald (forest)
5) Berhtram
Meaning: Bright raven
Origin: From the Germanic elements berht (bright) and hram (raven)
6) Erasmus
Meaning: Beloved
Origin: Derived from Greek erasmos, meaning “beloved” or “desired”
7) Frideric
Meaning: Peaceful ruler
Origin: Derived from Old High German fridu (peace) and ric (ruler)
8) Gerd
Meaning: Protected or safe
Origin: From Old Norse geir (spear), used as a short form of various names
9) Quirin
Meaning: Spear
Origin: Derived from Latin Quirinus, the name of an ancient Roman god associated with war
10) Pankraz
Meaning: All-powerful
Origin: From the Greek pan (all) and kratos (power)
11) Adelhard
Meaning: Noble strength
Origin: From the Germanic elements adal (noble) and hard (hardy, strong)
12) Albrecht
Meaning: Bright nobility
Origin: From the Germanic elements adal (noble) and beraht (bright)
13) Aldo
Meaning: Old or wise
Origin: Derived from Old High German ald (old)
14) Baldemar
Meaning: Bold and famous
Origin: From the Germanic elements bald (bold) and mar (famous)
15) Diethelm
Meaning: People’s protector
Origin: From the Germanic elements diot (people) and helm (protection)
16) Eberhard
Meaning: Strong as a wild boar
Origin: From the Germanic elements eber (wild boar) and hard (strong)
17) Engelbert
Meaning: Bright angel
Origin: From the Germanic elements engel (angel) and beraht (bright)
18) Gottlieb
Meaning: God’s love
Origin: From the Germanic elements gott (God) and liebe (love)
19) Hermannus
Meaning: Soldier or warrior
Origin: From the Germanic elements her (army) and man (man)
20) Sigismund
Meaning: Victory and protection
Origin: From the Germanic elements sigi (victory) and mund (protection)
Old German Male Names 1960
Old German male names from the 1960s reflect a mix of tradition and modernity. These names were popular during a time of change in Germany, yet many have roots that go back for centuries.
1) Adelbert
Meaning: Famous for nobility
Origin: Derived from the Germanic elements adal (noble) and beraht (bright)
2) Alaric
Meaning: Noble ruler
Origin: From the Germanic elements ala (all) and ric (ruler)
3) Conrad
Meaning: Brave counsel
Origin: From the Germanic elements kuoni (bold) and rad (counsel)
4) Dietrich
Meaning: Ever-powerful ruler
Origin: From the Germanic elements diot (people) and ric (ruler)
5) Ernst
Meaning: Vigorous
Origin: Derived from the Old High German ernust meaning “serious”
6) Ferdinand
Meaning: Courageous traveler
Origin: From the Germanic elements far (journey) and nanth (daring)
7) Franz
Meaning: Free man
Origin: Derived from the Latin Franciscus
8) Gottlieb
Meaning: God’s love
Origin: From the Germanic elements gott (God) and liebe (love)
9) Heinrich
Meaning: Ruler of the home
Origin: From the Old High German heim (home) and rihhi (ruler)
10) Johann
Meaning: God is gracious
Origin: Derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan
11) Karl
Meaning: Free man
Origin: From the Germanic karla meaning “man” or “freeman”
12) Leopold
Meaning: Bold leader
Origin: From the Germanic elements leod (people) and bald (bold)
13) Otto
Meaning: Wealthy
Origin: Derived from the Old High German odo meaning “wealth”
14) Wolfgang
Meaning: Traveling wolf
Origin: From the Germanic elements wulf (wolf) and gang (path or journey)
Popular Old German Male Names 1960
In the 1960s, many Old German male names were popular and held a strong connection to tradition. These names often reflect values like bravery, nobility, and strength.
1) Kurt
Meaning: Short or courageous
Origin: A short form of Konrad, from kuoni (bold) and rad (counsel)
2) Manfred
Meaning: Peace-protecting
Origin: From the Germanic elements man (man) and fred (peace)
3) Egon
Meaning: Sharp or pointed
Origin: Derived from the Germanic element eg (edge)
4) Ekkehard
Meaning: Strong warrior
Origin: From the Germanic elements ekka (edge) and hard (strong)
5) Erich
Meaning: Ruler or strong
Origin: From the Germanic elements eri (eternal) and ric (ruler)
6) Ernst
Meaning: Serious or earnest
Origin: Derived from the Old High German ernust
7) Erwin
Meaning: Friend of the earth
Origin: From the Germanic elements heri (army) and wini (friend)
8) Franz
Meaning: Free man
Origin: Derived from the Latin Franciscus
9) Friedrich
Meaning: Peaceful ruler
Origin: From the Old High German fridu (peace) and ric (ruler)
10) Georg
Meaning: Farmer or earth worker
Origin: Derived from the Greek georgos meaning “farmer”
11) Gerhard
Meaning: Brave spear
Origin: From the Germanic elements ger (spear) and hard (brave)
12) Günther
Meaning: War or battle
Origin: From the Germanic elements gund (battle) and heri (army)
13) Hans
Meaning: God is gracious
Origin: A form of Johannes, derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan
14) Harald
Meaning: Army ruler
Origin: From the Old Norse Haraldr, meaning “army” and “ruler”
15) Heinrich
Meaning: Ruler of the home
Origin: From the Old High German heim (home) and rihhi (ruler)
16) Helmut
Meaning: Helmet or protection
Origin: From the Germanic elements helm (helmet) and muot (spirit)
17) Roland
Meaning: Fame of the land
Origin: From the Germanic elements hruod (fame) and land (land)
18) Rudolf
Meaning: Famous wolf
Origin: From the elements hruod (fame) and wulf (wolf)
19) Siegfried
Meaning: Victorious peace
Origin: From the Germanic elements sigi (victory) and frid (peace)
20) Ulrich
Meaning: Ruler of the wolf
Origin: From the Germanic elements wulf (wolf) and ric (ruler)
21) Walter
Meaning: Ruler of the army
Origin: From the Germanic elements wald (to rule) and heri (army)
22) Wilhelm
Meaning: Strong will or resolute protector
Origin: From the Germanic elements wil (will) and helm (protection)
23) Wolfgang
Meaning: Wolf journey
Origin: From the Germanic elements wulf (wolf) and gang (journey)
Germany Male Names
Here’s a list of the top 50 popular German male names, along with their meanings.
1) Maximilian
Meaning: Greatest
A classic name symbolizing greatness and strength, often associated with leadership.
2) Felix
Meaning: Happy or fortunate
A cheerful name that conveys positivity and good fortune.
3) Lukas
Meaning: Light-giving
A name that represents brightness and clarity, often linked to enlightenment.
4) Leon
Meaning: Lion
Symbolizing courage and strength, this name is both powerful and noble.
5) Noah
Meaning: Rest or comfort
A gentle name that reflects peace and tranquility.
6) Jonas
Meaning: Dove
A name representing peace and hope, often associated with serenity.
7) Oskar
Meaning: God spear
A strong name with a warrior-like essence, indicating protection.
8) Tobias
Meaning: God is good
A name reflecting faith and positivity, suggesting divine goodness.
9) David
Meaning: Beloved
A timeless name that conveys love and affection, rooted in history.
10) Jakob
Meaning: Supplanter
A classic biblical name with a sense of determination and resilience.
11) Finn
Meaning: Fair or white
A fresh and trendy name associated with purity and brightness.
12) Samuel
Meaning: God has heard
A name reflecting faith, often linked to being answered by God.
13) Hannes
Meaning: God is gracious
A modern variant of Johannes, symbolizing grace and kindness.
14) Leonard
Meaning: Brave lion
Combining bravery and strength, this name is bold and distinguished.
15) Nico
Meaning: Victory of the people
A modern name that represents triumph and success.
16) Daniel
Meaning: God is my judge
A name reflecting faith and wisdom, often associated with justice.
17) Max
Meaning: The greatest
A short and strong name, often used as a standalone or a nickname.
18) Paul
Meaning: Small or humble
A classic name that signifies humility and simplicity.
19) Tim
Meaning: To honor God
A modern and friendly name that represents respect and reverence.
20) Robert
Meaning: Bright fame
A traditional name that combines brightness and renown.
21) Matthias
Meaning: Gift of God
A name that reflects blessings and divine favor.
22) Simon
Meaning: He has heard
A classic name suggesting responsiveness and attentiveness.
23) Timo
Meaning: Honoring God
A modern name with a strong spiritual connection.
24) Milo
Meaning: Merciful
A friendly and modern name reflecting compassion and kindness.
25) Benedikt
Meaning: Blessed
A name that conveys a sense of being favored and blessed.
26) Johannes
Meaning: God is gracious
A timeless name with deep religious significance.
27) Gunnar
Meaning: Brave warrior
A strong name suggesting courage and a fighting spirit.
28) Ruben
Meaning: Behold, a son
A biblical name that emphasizes the importance of family.
29) Julian
Meaning: Youthful
A name that represents vitality and a sense of youthfulness.
30) Arne
Meaning: Eagle
A name symbolizing strength and freedom.
31) Emil
Meaning: Rival
A classic name reflecting competition and ambition.
32) Klaus
Meaning: Victory of the people
A strong name with a sense of leadership and triumph.
33) Ralph
Meaning: Wolf counselor
A name combining wisdom and strength, often linked to guidance.
34) Stefan
Meaning: Crowned
A regal name that signifies honor and achievement.
35) Arvid
Meaning: Eagle tree
A unique name that combines nature and strength.
36) Lothar
Meaning: Famous army
A powerful name suggesting leadership and valor.
37) Marius
Meaning: Male, manly
A classic name that reflects masculinity and strength.
38) Kurt
Meaning: Brave
A short and bold name that conveys courage.
39) Harald
Meaning: Army ruler
A strong name suggesting leadership and authority.
40) Rainer
Meaning: Wise army
A name reflecting intelligence and strength in leadership.
41) Wenzel
Meaning: A form of Vincent; conquering
A unique name with a powerful meaning of victory.
42) Hendrik
Meaning: Ruler of the home
A strong name associated with leadership and family.
43) Arnold
Meaning: Eagle power
A name symbolizing strength and high aspirations.
44) Sigmund
Meaning: Protection through victory
A powerful name reflecting triumph and safety.
45) Willi
Meaning: Resolute protector
A friendly, diminutive form of Wilhelm that conveys strength.
46) Uwe
Meaning: Inheritance
A strong name suggesting legacy and family ties.
47) Bernd
Meaning: Brave as a bear
A powerful name that combines strength and courage.
48) Gottfried
Meaning: God’s peace
A name that reflects tranquility and divine favor.
49) Wilhelm
Meaning: Strong will
A classic name that represents determination and resilience.
50) Elias
Meaning: My God is Yahweh
A name reflecting deep faith and spiritual connection.
This list includes a mix of traditional and modern names, each with its own unique meaning and significance.
Powerful German Boy Names
Powerful German boy names have strong meanings and show qualities like bravery and strength. These names are great choices for parents who want a name that sounds strong and confident. This list features some of the most powerful German names that reflect these qualities.
1) Gerhard
Meaning: Brave spear
Origin: Derived from the Germanic elements ger (spear) and hard (brave).
2) Lothar
Meaning: Famous army
Origin: From the Germanic elements hlod (fame) and heri (army).
3) Siegfried
Meaning: Victory and peace
Origin: From the Germanic elements sige (victory) and frid (peace), also a legendary hero in Norse mythology.
4) Ansgar
Meaning: God’s spear
Origin: Derived from the Old Norse name Ásgeirr, combining ás (God) and geirr (spear).
5) Arnold
Meaning: Eagle power
Origin: From the Germanic elements arn (eagle) and wald (power).
6) Günther
Meaning: War or battle
Origin: From the Germanic elements gund (battle) and heri (army).
7) Harald
Meaning: Army ruler
Origin: From the Old Norse Haraldr, combining her (army) and valdr (ruler).
8) Hermann
Meaning: Man of the army
Origin: Derived from the Germanic elements heri (army) and man (man).
9) Reinhard
Meaning: Strong and brave
Origin: From the Germanic elements ragin (counsel) and hard (brave).
10) Rainer
Meaning: Wise warrior
Origin: From the Germanic elements ragin (counsel) and heri (army).
11) Ulrich
Meaning: Ruler of the wolf
Origin: From the Germanic elements wulf (wolf) and ric (ruler).
12) Wilhelm
Meaning: Strong will or resolute protector
Origin: From the Germanic elements wil (will) and helm (protection).
13) Walter
Meaning: Ruler of the army
Origin: From the Germanic elements wald (to rule) and heri (army).
14) Werner
Meaning: Protector of the army
Origin: From the Germanic elements wer (man) and heri (army).
15) Ebbe
Meaning: Divine bear; strong boar
Origin: Derived from the Germanic word for bear.
16) Enno
Meaning: Edge of the sword; strong
Origin: From the Old High German enno, meaning “strong.”
17) Gabi
Meaning: Strong man
Origin: A diminutive form of Gabriel, meaning “God is my strength.”
18) Gun
Meaning: Strong; warrior
Origin: Derived from the Old High German word for war.
19) Ric
Meaning: Strong ruler; variant of Richard
Origin: From the Germanic ric (ruler).
20) Val
Meaning: Power; strong; healthy
Origin: A short form derived from various names meaning “strong.”
21) Berk
Meaning: Man of strength
Origin: Derived from the Old German word for “mountain.”
22) Egon
Meaning: Strong warrior
Origin: From the Germanic element eg (edge).
23) Baldemar
Meaning: Brave and famous
Origin: From the Germanic elements bald (bold) and meri (famous).
24) Dietrich
Meaning: People’s ruler or powerful ruler
Origin: From the Germanic elements diot (people) and ric (ruler).
25) Sigismund
Meaning: Protection through victory
Origin: From the Germanic elements sigi (victory) and mund (protection).
26) Baldwin
Meaning: Brave, bold friend
Origin: From the Germanic elements bald (bold) and wini (friend).
27) Burkhart
Meaning: Hardy, brave, and strong
Origin: From the Germanic elements burg (fortress) and hard (brave).
28) Leon
Meaning: Brave as a lion
Origin: From the Latin word for “lion.”
29) Martin
Meaning: Warlike or dedicated to Mars
Origin: Derived from the Latin name Martinus.
