434 Old German Baby Names With Historical Roots

No culture is an island, and this holds true for German culture as well. German names have witnessed several transformations and adaptations over the centuries, but Old German baby names have a charm of their own, evident from timeless names such as Charles, Elina, and Aya that have consistently ranked among the top names (1). The Old Germans followed a naming pattern wherein the first son was named after the father’s father, the second son was named after the mother’s father, and the third child was named after the father. In the case of daughters, the first daughter was named after the mother’s mother, the second daughter was named after the father’s mother, and the third daughter was named after the mother (2). This naming convention was originally inspired by the Dutch and was used by some families who lived close to the Netherlands.

In the Middle Ages, German children were given two or more names when they were baptized. Boys of the same family were often baptized with the same first name, such as Johannes, and girls were baptized with first names such as Anna or Maria. The second name, known as the Rufname, had more significance than the first name and was used as the real identifier in daily life and official records.

In the late 19th century, German emigrants moved away from the traditional naming patterns and began to adopt American naming customs. Thus, after 1875, there were more Marys than Marias and Henrys than Heinrichs. Keep scrolling as we provide you with a collection of vintage Old German names with their meanings.

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Browse Baby Names By Gender

Browse Baby Names By Alphabet

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NameGenderMeaning
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Everett
Baby Boy Sign Boy Brave boar
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Adeline
Baby Girl Sign Girl Noble; Kind; Nobility
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Aubree
Baby Girl Sign Girl Elf ruler; King of the elves
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Abel
Baby Boy Sign Boy Breath; Vapor; Son; Noble; Strength; Fortitude
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Ricardo
Baby Boy Sign Boy Powerful ruler
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Charli
Baby Girl Sign Girl One with a free spirit
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Garrett
Baby Boy Sign Boy Spear; Little spear; Strength of the spear; Warrior
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Adelina
Baby Girl Sign Girl Noble; Nobility
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Frederick
Baby Boy Sign Boy Peaceful ruler
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Armando
Baby Boy Sign Boy Soldier; Army man
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Rodrigo
Baby Boy Sign Boy Famous ruler
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Anne
Baby Girl Sign Girl Grace; Favor; Eagle
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Roland
Baby Boy Sign Boy Famous land; Glorious territory; From the famous land
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Ricky
Baby Boy Sign Boy Brave ruler; Famous ruler; Peaceful ruler; Ruler of the people; Home ruler; Nobleman
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Aubrie
Baby Girl Sign Girl Elf ruler; God is my strength
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Aubrey
Baby Boy Sign Boy Ruler of elves; King of elves
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Rosalyn
Baby Girl Sign Girl Beautiful rose; Gentle horse; Famous and mild
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Aubrielle
Baby Girl Sign Girl Elf ruler; God is my strength
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Arleth
Baby Girl Sign Girl Army remnant; Army legacy
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Frida
Baby Girl Sign Girl Peace; Beautiful; Beloved
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Koen
Baby Boy Sign Boy Brave counsel; Brave advisor
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Coen
Baby Boy Sign Boy Brave counsel; Advice
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Rosalina
Baby Girl Sign Girl Beautiful rose; Gentle horse
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Joselyn
Baby Girl Sign Girl Member of the Gauts tribe; Joyous
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Rolando
Baby Boy Sign Boy Famous land; Glorious territory; From the famous land
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Adela
Baby Girl Sign Girl Noble; Gentle; Serene
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Gilbert
Baby Boy Sign Boy Bright pledge
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Rosalind
Baby Girl Sign Girl Beautiful rose; Gentle horse
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Warner
Baby Boy Sign Boy Cautious army; Defender
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Gilberto
Baby Boy Sign Boy Bright pledge
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Roselynn
Baby Girl Sign Girl Horse; Soft; Flexible; Rose
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Joslyn
Baby Girl Sign Girl A member of the Gauts tribe; From the land of flowing water; Joyful
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Aubri
Baby Girl Sign Girl Elf ruler's grace; Elf ruler's favor
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Fredrick
Baby Boy Sign Boy Peaceful ruler
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Odette
Baby Girl Sign Girl Wealth; Fortune; Heritage
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Roan
Baby Boy Sign Boy A raven; Red-haired; From the rowan tree
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Rico
Baby Boy Sign Boy Brave commander; Powerful leader
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Rosalynn
Baby Girl Sign Girl Gentle horse; Rose lake
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Gerard
Baby Boy Sign Boy Brave spear
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Zelie
Baby Girl Sign Girl Nobleness
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Charlize
Baby Girl Sign Girl Feminine form of Charles; Free woman
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Roderick
Baby Boy Sign Boy Famous ruler
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Fredy
Baby Boy Sign Boy Wise counsel; Peaceful ruler
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Arvin
Baby Boy Sign Boy Copious; Abundant; Rich; Eagle friend
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Everette
Baby Boy Sign Boy Brave boar
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Gisselle
Baby Girl Sign Girl Pledge; Hostage
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Cai
Baby Boy Sign Boy People's victory; Hard spear; Horn; To rejoice
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Ervin
Baby Boy Sign Boy Army friend; Boar friend
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Rosalinda
Baby Girl Sign Girl Beautiful rose; Gentle horse
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Riker
Baby Boy Sign Boy Brave ruler
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Bruin
Baby Boy Sign Boy A person with brown hair or skin; The brown; Brown bear; Armor
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Charleston
Baby Boy Sign Boy Son of Charles
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Abriella
Baby Girl Sign Girl Elf king or ruler; God is my strong man
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Rickey
Baby Boy Sign Boy Brave ruler
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Aubrianna
Baby Girl Sign Girl Elf king; Ruler of the elves
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Richie
Baby Boy Sign Boy Brave ruler
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Gisele
Baby Girl Sign Girl Pledge; Hostage
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Charly
Baby Boy Sign Boy Free man; Army
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Fritz
Baby Boy Sign Boy Peaceful ruler
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Everardo
Baby Boy Sign Boy Brave boar
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Abelardo
Baby Boy Sign Boy Noble; Strong; Generous; Noble strength; Resolute
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Erwin
Baby Boy Sign Boy Army friend; Boar friend
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Aubriana
Baby Girl Sign Girl Elf ruler; Powerful; Graceful
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Averee
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Elf ruler; Elf counsel
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Rick
Baby Boy Sign Boy Brave ruler; Stack of hay or straw
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Rosaline
Baby Girl Sign Girl Beautiful rose; Gentle horse
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Roel
Baby Boy Sign Boy Famous land; Famous wolf; Famous ruler
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Armand
Baby Boy Sign Boy Army person
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Oberon
Baby Boy Sign Boy Elf ruler; King of elves; Royal bear
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Josselyn
Baby Girl Sign Girl A member of the Gauts tribe; Joyful
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Rich
Baby Boy Sign Boy Brave ruler; Brave king
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Abrianna
Baby Girl Sign Girl Elf ruler or king; Powerful elf; Might; Mother of many; High; Exalted; Noble
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Rodrick
Baby Boy Sign Boy Famous ruler
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Arlett
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Army legacy
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Josslyn
Baby Girl Sign Girl A member of the Gauts tribe; Joyful
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Garett
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Power of the spear
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Garret
Baby Boy Sign Boy Spear; Power of spear; Warrior; Strong spear
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Joseline
Baby Girl Sign Girl Member of the Gauts tribe; Joyous
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Friedrich
Baby Boy Sign Boy Peaceful ruler
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Odelia
Baby Girl Sign Girl Heritage; Wealth; I will thank Yahweh
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Rickie
Baby Boy Sign Boy Brave ruler
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Rider
Baby Boy Sign Boy Horse rider; Horseman; Knight; To clear out; A small stream
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Ritchie
Baby Boy Sign Boy Brave ruler
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Imelda
Baby Girl Sign Girl Great battle
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Frieda
Baby Girl Sign Girl Peace; Powerful ruler
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Charolette
Baby Girl Sign Girl Free woman
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Garry
Baby Boy Sign Boy Spear; Spear king; Mighty
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Rowena
Baby Girl Sign Girl Peaceful; White spear; Famous friend; Fame and happiness
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Adelle
Baby Girl Sign Girl Noble; Kind
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Rollin
Baby Boy Sign Boy Renowned land; Famous throughout the land
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Adi
Baby Boy Sign Boy Jewel; Ornament; First; Noble wolf; From Hadria
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Joselin
Baby Girl Sign Girl Member of the Gauts tribe; Joyous
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Roi
Baby Boy Sign Boy Famous ruler; My shepherd
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Adelita
Baby Girl Sign Girl Noble; Kind
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Gisela
Baby Girl Sign Girl Pledge
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Rolland
Baby Boy Sign Boy Famous land
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Aubery
Baby Boy Sign Boy Ruler of elves; King of elves
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Gertrude
Baby Girl Sign Girl Spear of strength
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Ricki
Baby Girl Sign Girl Brave ruler
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Armond
Baby Boy Sign Boy Army man; Palace; Castle
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Parents are drawn to names that have a rich cultural background. Over the years, as society changed, so did the names, reflecting the shifts in culture and lifestyle. German parents who want to reconnect with their heritage and give their children a sense of history and belonging may choose these Old German names. These names honor the past and preserve family traditions. Bestow these to your children to let them carry forward their cultural identity, thus preserving the values and traditions associated with their roots.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How are Old German names different from modern German names?

Old and modern German names differ significantly in their origins, meanings, and usage. Many Old German names have roots in ancient Germanic tribes, mythology, and medieval history. They often reflect qualities valued in those times, such as bravery, strength, and nobility. For instance, Freodhoric, meaning ‘peaceful ruler,’ or Gesa, meaning ‘strength.’ Old German names frequently consist of compound elements, or; for example, the name Adalbert combines adal, meaning ‘noble’ and berht,’ meaning ‘bright or famous.’ Modern names tend to be simpler and less descriptive. They often drop the compound structure in favor of shorter, easier-to-pronounce names. Global naming trends influence modern German names.  Names like Luca and Mia have become popular, reflecting broader European and international influences.

2. Can Old German names be used as middle names?

Old German names can be used as middle names, adding a touch of historical and cultural depth. For instance, names like Adalbert, meaning ‘noble and bright,’ or Gertrude, meaning ‘spear of strength,’ can complement modern first names beautifully. Combining a contemporary first name like Emily with an Old German middle name such as Adelheid, which means ‘noble kind,’ creates a unique and meaningful full name.

3. Who are some famous historical figures with Old German names?

Several famous historical figures bore Old German names, reflecting their heritage and living times. For example, Adalbert refers to Adalbert of Prague, a tenth-century bishop and martyr. Similarly, the Old Germanic name Hildegard refers to Hildegard of Bingen, a 12th-century abbess, writer, composer, and mystic.

Infographic: Strong And Powerful Old German Baby Names

Old German names often symbolize qualities like strength, wisdom, and power. They carry a sense of heritage and individuality that parents value and are perfect for inspiring your child. This infographic features Old German names that embody these powerful traits. Explore it to uncover their meanings.

old german baby names that symbolize strength and power (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

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. Charles, Elin, and Aya.
    https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/
  2. Germany Naming Customs.
    https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Germany_Naming_Customs
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