1512 German Baby Boy Names With Meanings

Germany is home to a rich cultural heritage, which is evident through the vast archive of German boy names it boasts of. Whether you prefer a rooted and traditional name from the illustrious pages of Germanic history or seek a more chic and modern name that is in sync with the ever-evolving world, this wealthy collection has something for every parent-to-be.

Germans practice naming traditions that are similar to those of Anglo-Australians. Typically, most Germans are given two gender-specific personal names by their parents. One serves as the first name and the other as a middle name, and then they are followed by a family name passed on from the paternal side of family. While it was once customary to name children after their grandparents, this tradition is gradually waning.

Traditional German names often have Biblical origins, such as Johann/Hans (John), Georg/Jörg (George), Jakob (Jacob), Anna, Maria, and Christina. Families often adopt the same saint's name for multiple children's first names. For instance, John and George were the favored choices for boys tracing back to St. John and St. George. Furthermore, the naming pattern for German children often follows a tradition where the first son is named after the paternal grandfather, the second son is named after the maternal grandfather, and the third son is named after the father (1).

With modernization, the German naming patterns have drifted, and as German emigrants who settled in America anglicized their names, American versions of German names could be seen. For example, there were more ‘Henrys’ than ‘Heinrichs’ and ‘Marys’ than ‘Marias.’ German naming tradition had a unique feature that was often disrupted by circumstances. So when there was a duplicate name in the pattern, the next name in the pattern was automatically used. Also, if a child died in infancy, his or her name was reused for the next child of the same gender. Similarly, the names were repeated if a spouse died and the surviving spouse remarried and had more children. This way, half the siblings were with the same names. Momjunction enlists unique and interesting German names for your baby boy in the list below.

Name		Gender	Meaning
Joachim		Boy	Raised by God
Joah		Boy	The one with passionate soul and reserved nature. Will keep calm. Is strict and ambitious throughout their life
Joakim		Boy	Sensitive, communicative, and adaptable
Johan		Boy	God is gracious
Joram		Boy	God is gracious; Gift from God
Joseph		Boy	He will add; Praise
Juanito		Boy	God is gracious; Gift from God
Jubel		Unisex	Jubilation; Joyful celebration
Jukka		Boy	Estonian form of Richard; Strong ruler
Juku		Boy	A form of Richard; Strong ruler
Julius		Boy	Downy-bearded; Jove's child; Devoted to Jove
Kabel		Unisex	Strength and connection
Kailer		Unisex	Mighty warrior; Might of the tribe
Kaim		Unisex	Narrow strip of land
Kaiser		Boy	Emperor
Kaizer		Boy	The one who leads others
Kajetan		Boy	From the town of Gaetano
Kari		Unisex	Black-haired one; Free woman; Strong; Tremendous
Karri		Boy	Pure
Karsin		Unisex	Compassionate; Attractive personality
Kasten		Unisex	Strong; Determined; Leader
Kathe		Unisex	Pure; Blessed; Noble
Kathrin		Unisex	Pure, chaste
Kauzlarich		Boy	Screeching owl
Keilen		Unisex	Strong and loyal
Keiser		Boy	Emperor or ruler
Kennen		Boy	He posseses knowledge
Kenzel		Unisex	Royal valley; Small king
Kersten		Unisex	Christian; Christ follower
Kerstin		Boy	Watercress island
Kesler		Boy	One who is a coppersmith by profession
Kettil		Boy	Cauldron or kettle
Kiefer		Boy	Pine Tree
Kieffer		Unisex	Child of the sea
Kiker		Boy	An altered spelling of German Giger; Habitational name for someone from Kieck
Kinchen		Boy	Child
Kinder		Unisex	Children
Kirstein		Unisex	Follower of Christ
Klein		Unisex	Small or short in German
Kline		Unisex	Bold; Courageous; Determined
Knut		Boy	To tie a knot
Knute		Boy	The knot is tied
Koben		Unisex	Courageous
Koehn		Boy	Bold, resilient, leader
Kolson		Unisex	Strong and confident
Kolten		Boy	Coal town; A variation of the name Colton
Kolter		Unisex	A person who herds young horses
Kord		Boy	One who advises wisely
Kroy		Unisex	Cross
Kruze		Unisex	Cross
Kuhle		Unisex	Be beautiful; be good
Kurt		Boy	Honest advisor; Courteous
Kurtis		Boy	Polite one
Kyzer		Unisex	Emperor; King
Lando		Boy	Someone who is famous throughout the land; Bright Sun
Landri		Boy	Ruler of the land
Lathe		Unisex	Woodworking machine
Lauris		Boy	One from Laurentum; A variant of Lawrence
Laverick		Boy	Bright and cheery individual
Leafar		Unisex	Wise beyond his years
Leica		Boy	A Germanic name; Name of a popular camera brand
Lekso		Boy	Defender of men; A variant of Leksik
Leni		Boy	Person who is devoted to God
Lennerd		Boy	Brave Lion
Lenni		Unisex	Brave as a lion
Lenny		Boy	Short for Leonard; Brave like a lion
Lenya		Boy	Lion
Lenz		Unisex	Lens or looking glass
Leoben		Boy	Lion-like, charismatic
Leonhards		Boy	Lion; Latvian form of Leonard
Leopoldo		Boy	He who has the bravery of the people
Leorad		Boy	A ruler who is bold and brave for his people
Lieb		Boy	The one who is loved the most
Lilo		Unisex	Generous one; God is my oath
Lind		Boy	Linden tree
Lindburg		Boy	A person living near a hill
Lindsai		Unisex	From Lincoln Island, an island of lime trees
Lindsay		Unisex	Island of linden trees
Linfred		Boy	A peaceful individual with a peaceful personality
Liudolf		Boy	A famous wolf; Germanic word Hludwolf
Lizel		Unisex	God's promise
Loewe		Unisex	Lion
Lorencz		Boy	He who is from ancient Laurentum region
Lorentz		Boy	A variant of Lorenz; A German form of Laurence
Lorenz		Boy	Place name; An Italian city, Laurentum
Lorne		Boy	The name of an early Scottish chieftain and a place name
Lotte		Boy	Man who has his freedom
Lou		Boy	Famous warrior; Good soldier
Luca		Boy	Bringer of light
Ludwig		Boy	Famous in battle
Lueis		Boy	A renowned fighter
Luis		Boy	Famous in battle
Lydon		Boy	One from the linden tree hill
Lynde		Unisex	A gentle person
Lynsai		Boy	From the island of the snakes
Lyo		Boy	Brave and strong like a lion
Magdalena		Boy	Of Magdala
Mailin		Unisex	High tower; Strong warrior
Maiti		Boy	Mighty in battle; Strong battle maiden; A variant of Matilda
Maizel		Unisex	Unique and uncommon

Infographic: Inspirational German Names For Your Little Warrior

Do you want a genuinely unique-sounding name for your little one? Well, look no further than those belonging to the German language. They have a hard consonant sound with influences from various European languages. The names are equally modern and traditional. So check out the infographic and pick the one that best suits your little one.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team