401 Germanic Baby Names With Meanings

germanic-baby-names-with-meanings

Germany has a deep cultural history and is a source of many Germanic baby names. These names also derive from Northern European traditions and have a special appeal for modern parents looking for a timeless and charming name for their baby. Selecting an appropriate baby name is a huge responsibility, especially if you're a first-time parent. There are so many factors and options to consider that it may sometimes feel overwhelming. Should you go for something new or a tried and tested family name? Or a name based on heritage or characteristics? How about picking something entirely unconventional, like a Germanic baby name? Germanic names originated centuries ago among Northern European residents and Germanic tribes, such as Saxons, Angles, Vandals, Goths, Franks, and other Teutonic speakers, are still heard in specific regions of Germany and Europe.

Naming customs in Germany are quite similar to those in Anglo-Australian cultures. People usually receive three names: a first name, a middle name, and a last name (also called a family name). The last name is often passed down from the father's family, and the middle names are usually of the child's grandparents, but this practice has diminished over time. Today, parents can choose first and middle names, typically opting for names matching the child's gender. However, most Germanic first names are composed of two parts. This allowed people to create new names by combining parts from different names. Germanic people also used names from saints and Latin. Although last names weren't used earlier, they came into play in German-speaking Europe during the late middle ages. From the cultural heritage of Germania, Germanic mythology, and tribal groups of combatants, we bring you the names that gave rise to English, the most widely spoken language in the world. For complete details on the name, such as its origin, meaning, and history, just click the specific name link.

NameGenderMeaning
heart image Achard Baby Boy Sign Boy Medieval Norman form of Ekkehard. It means brave and hardy
heart image Aide Baby Girl Sign Girl honorable; Noble; Helpful
heart image Ailish Baby Girl Sign Girl Variant of Alice
heart image Aimeric Baby Boy Sign Boy Hard working
heart image Aimory Baby Boy Sign Boy Brilliant
heart image Aindhadi Baby Boy Sign Boy Famous star
heart image Ainhoa Baby Girl Sign Girl Virgin Mary
heart image Ainslee Baby Girl Sign Girl Only hermitage wood; Only clearing
heart image Ansen Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Son of Ann; God's gracious gift
heart image Archambault Baby Boy Sign Boy Genuine; Bold; Brave
heart image Ashman Baby Boy Sign Boy Seaman; Pirate; One who travelled in an ash wood boat; Boatman
heart image Aymeric Baby Boy Sign Boy King of work; A variant of the name Aimery
heart image Beorhthere Baby Boy Sign Boy An army of light
heart image Beorhtirc Baby Boy Sign Boy He who is the ruler of light
heart image Beorhtmaer Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is famous for his brightness
heart image Beorhtmund Baby Boy Sign Boy He is a protector of light
heart image Beorhtnoth Baby Boy Sign Boy One who has the courage of the light
heart image Beorhtric Baby Boy Sign Boy He who is the King of the light
heart image Beorhtsige Baby Boy Sign Boy The victory of light over the darkness
heart image Beorhtstan Baby Boy Sign Boy The light of the stone
heart image Beorhtwig Baby Boy Sign Boy The battle of the light
heart image Beorhtwine Baby Boy Sign Boy He is a friend of the light
heart image Beorhtwulf Baby Boy Sign Boy To have the light and brightness of a wolf
heart image Beorhtwynn Baby Boy Sign Boy The joy the light brings
heart image Beorna Baby Boy Sign Boy A woman who is as strong as a bear
heart image Beornfred Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is the protector of the bears
heart image Beornfrith Baby Boy Sign Boy A man who is protective like a bear
heart image Beornhelm Baby Boy Sign Boy One who lives near the place inhabited by bears
heart image Beornmod Baby Boy Sign Boy He who guards and protects like a bear
heart image Beornmund Baby Boy Sign Boy He who is protective like a bear
heart image Beornnoth Baby Boy Sign Boy To have the courage of a bear
heart image Beornoth Baby Boy Sign Boy To be brave like a bear
heart image Beornred Baby Boy Sign Boy He who is like a red bear
heart image Beornric Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is the Bear King
heart image Beornstan Baby Boy Sign Boy He who comes from the Bear stone
heart image Beornwald Baby Boy Sign Boy He is powerful like a bear
heart image Beornward Baby Boy Sign Boy He who guards like a bear
heart image Beornwynn Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is a friend of bears
heart image Beorthelm Baby Boy Sign Boy He who is a bear protector
heart image Beorthmaer Baby Boy Sign Boy He who is a famous bear
heart image Beorthwulf Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is like a bear and a wolf
heart image Beorward Baby Boy Sign Boy He who has the Bear's Power
heart image Berad Baby Boy Sign Boy He who is bright
heart image Beran Baby Boy Sign Boy He who has the strength and bravery of a bear
heart image Berat Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is bright
heart image Berchthild Baby Boy Sign Boy The war of the bright men
heart image Bercta Baby Girl Sign Girl An illustrious woman who shines brightly
heart image Bercthun Baby Boy Sign Boy A man who shines brightly
heart image Berenwald Baby Boy Sign Boy He who has the power of a bear
heart image Berhtric Baby Boy Sign Boy He who is the King of the Light
heart image Berhtwald Baby Boy Sign Boy To have the power of the light
heart image Berhtwulf Baby Boy Sign Boy He is the wolf of the light
heart image Bermund Baby Boy Sign Boy He who has a bear's protectiveness
heart image Bernulf Baby Boy Sign Boy He who is like a wolf and a bear
heart image Bernwini Baby Boy Sign Boy He who is a friend of a bear
heart image Berthelm Baby Boy Sign Boy Having bright power
heart image Berthguin Baby Boy Sign Boy A shining one
heart image Berthun Baby Boy Sign Boy A person who is bright
heart image Bertilak Baby Boy Sign Boy The playful dance of the light
heart image Bertred Baby Boy Sign Boy Red colored light
heart image Bertulf Baby Boy Sign Boy To be like a wolf and bear
heart image Bertwald Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is a powerful bear
heart image Billa Baby Girl Sign Girl Beautiful; Will; Desire; A variant of name Billie
heart image Bodo Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is messenger and a leader
heart image Emerico Baby Boy Sign Boy The power of work
heart image Emric Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Powerful ruler
heart image Faramundo Baby Boy Sign Boy The one who travels with protection and shelter
heart image Frideriki Baby Boy Sign Boy A friend who is very honest in relationship
heart image Garreck Baby Boy Sign Boy A very long ponted rod used as a tool or weapon; Spear
heart image Garrik Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is an expert at javelin throw
heart image Garvyn Baby Boy Sign Boy Close mate who is in the midst of problems and difficulties
heart image Gatien Baby Boy Sign Boy Greeting, Receiving
heart image Gaulterio Baby Boy Sign Boy The head of the military
heart image Gearalt Baby Boy Sign Boy Power of the spear
heart image Gebhard Baby Boy Sign Boy Gift of bold or valiant; Powerful
heart image Gedel Baby Boy Sign Boy A good God
heart image Geiger Baby Boy Sign Boy The one who plays violin very well
heart image Gen Baby Girl Sign Girl The lady of the congregation
heart image Geneva Baby Girl Sign Girl Juniper shrub
heart image Geneve Baby Girl Sign Girl Woman who is engaging in running
heart image Genovefa Baby Girl Sign Girl The one who is mild, gentle and pleasant
heart image Ghost Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Mysterious and elusive entity
heart image Gildardo Baby Boy Sign Boy God
heart image Gilen Baby Boy Sign Boy Hostage; Vow
heart image Ginette Baby Girl Sign Girl The race of women
heart image Gipe Baby Boy Sign Boy Dirt of grime
heart image Girard Baby Boy Sign Boy Brave with the spear
heart image Girardus Baby Boy Sign Boy Firm spear
heart image Giraud Baby Boy Sign Boy The spear ruler; Spear brave
heart image Girauld Baby Boy Sign Boy Commands with a spear
heart image Gisela Baby Girl Sign Girl Pledge
heart image Gisele Baby Girl Sign Girl Pledge or hostage
heart image Gisella Baby Girl Sign Girl Pledge; Hostage
heart image Gisselle Baby Girl Sign Girl Pledge; Hostage
heart image Gistin Baby Boy Sign Boy Just
heart image Godeheard Baby Boy Sign Boy A person who receives power and solidity as a gift from God
heart image Godoired Baby Boy Sign Boy God's peaceful ruler; A variant of Godfrey
heart image Godyf Baby Boy Sign Boy God's peace
heart image Gofried Baby Boy Sign Boy God's peace
heart image Grey Baby Boy Sign Boy Gray-haired; Pleasing; Welcome; Brindled coloration
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Germanic baby names serve as an excellent link to Northern European heritage. Blending ancient roots, culture, and creativity, these names charm modern parents in search of a title with a classic essence and lasting meaning. Emerging from Germanic myths, tribal tales, and folklore, these names have impacted global languages. From simple choices like Aide to popular ones like Raymond, these names suit various preferences. Just as naming mirrors parental responsibility, these names embody heritage and future aspirations.

Infographic: Elegant Germanic Baby Names

German baby names have deep meanings that mirror the culture and history of Germany. These names strongly connect to the language's rich heritage and hold special meanings. These handpicked names represent qualities such as strength, nobility, and devotion. Explore and find the ideal name for your child through this infographic and embrace the beauty of German heritage.

Delightful Germanic Names For Your Little One (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some gender-neutral Germanic baby names?

Some gender-neutral Germanic baby names are Kai, with its persistent essence, embodies the spirit of a warrior; Alex, a timeless choice, symbolizes the noble role of defending humanity; and Riley, evoking the tranquility of a peaceful wood clearing, brings a sense of harmony and natural beauty.

2. What are some cultural or historical references in Germanic baby names?

Germanic baby names frequently encompass cultural or historical allusions. For instance, the masculine name Siegfried may be traced back to the German prince who, according to a legend, became invincible after bathing with the blood of the dragon he slayed (1). Similarly, names like Friedrich and Wilhelm pay tribute to esteemed historical figures, including German emperors and leaders. These names embody the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Germanic tradition.

3. What are some Germanic baby names with religious significance?

Hilda, derived from the Germanic goddess associated with warfare, reflects the theme of combat, and Engelbert, meaning bright angel, signifies a connection to celestial beings. Additionally, Gottfried, meaning God's peace, emphasizes the divine concept of harmony.

4. What Germanic name means lion?

Names such as Leopold, Leonhard, and Lionel encompass the essence of bravery and majesty linked to the lion. These names evoke the courageous and regal qualities that are often associated with the king of the animal kingdom.

5. How are Germanic baby names traditionally chosen, and what is their significance?

Germanic baby names are traditionally formed by combining a prefix and a suffix, creating meaningful dithematic names with rich symbolism. For example, King Æþelred's name combines 'æþele' (noble) and 'ræd' (counsel) to highlight his noble and wise qualities.

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. The exciting legend of Siegfried the dragon slayer!
    https://ukgermanconnection.org/kids/find-out-en/siegfried/#:~:text=Siegfried%20was%20a%20prince%20and
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