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.

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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

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

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Authors

Emily Longman WallDigital Content Producer

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.

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