200+ German Baby Girl Names Making a Comeback (2026)

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For a long stretch, German girl names got filed away under “your great-aunt’s name” — the kind of thing you’d find embroidered on a handkerchief in a cedar chest. Helga. Gertrude. Brunhilde. Names that sound less like a baby and more like a stern librarian who is about to ask you to keep your voice down. So when the vintage-revival wave swept through English-speaking nurseries — Hazel, Mabel, Cora, June — German names mostly sat it out.

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Popularity below is calculated from Social Security Administration data through 2024, the most recent year on record.

Here’s what’s in store –

Soft Vintage Picks That Fit Right Into the Current Naming Trend

Names Honoring a German Grandmother (Without Sounding Like One)

Frisian and Low German Picks With a Coastal, Windswept Feel

Long, Romantic Names That Yield Beautiful Nicknames

Nature-Inspired German Girl Names

Names With Religious or Saintly Roots

Short, Crisp One-and-Two-Syllable Names

Bavarian and Alpine Picks With a Mountain-Folk Feel

Cool, Modern German Girl Names From the Current German Charts

That’s changing, and quickly. Greta is climbing again. Liesel is showing up on birth announcements next to Eloise and Margot. Anke, Marlene, Annika — names that felt locked behind a heavy wooden door — are turning out to be exactly the soft, slightly unusual, deeply pretty options that today’s parents are hunting for. They share a sound family with Scandi names (which have already had their moment) but bring something earthier and a little more romantic.

What I love about the current crop of German girl names is that they’re not trying. They don’t sound performatively vintage or self-consciously cool. They sound like a name a real person would actually have — a slightly bookish, slightly creative, very loved person. They wear well from a chubby toddler all the way through a CV.

If you’re working with a German last name, honoring a grandmother, or just drawn to the soft consonants and pretty vowels, this list is for you. I’ve pulled together more than 200 names below — sorted by feel rather than alphabet, because the way a name sounds in your mouth matters more than where it falls in the dictionary.

Soft Vintage Picks That Fit Right Into the Current Naming Trend

These are the names doing the heavy lifting in the German revival. They sit comfortably next to current favorites like Hazel, Margot, Frances, and Eloise. If you want a name that feels of-the-moment without sounding made-up, start here.

Greta

Origin: German/Swedish (contraction of Margareta)
Pronunciation: GRET-ah · ˈɡrɛtə
Meaning: pearl (via Margaret)
Popularity: #855 and rising (#936 → #855, 2024)

Already climbing thanks to Greta Gerwig and Greta Thunberg; reads creative and a little fearless.

Liesel

Origin: German
Pronunciation: LEE-zel · ˈliːzəl
Meaning: form of Elisabeth (God is my oath)
Popularity: #5,700 and falling (#5,196 → #5,700, 2024)

Anke

Origin: Low German/Frisian, pet form of Anna
Pronunciation: AHN-kuh · ˈɑːŋkə
Meaning: a pet form of Anna, meaning ‘grace’
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Marlene

Origin: German
Pronunciation: mar-LEEN · mɑrˈliːn
Meaning: blend of Maria and Magdalene
Popularity: #1,551 and falling (#1,351 → #1,551, 2024)

Carries old-Hollywood glamour via Marlene Dietrich without feeling costumed.

Annika

Origin: Swedish (diminutive of Anna)
Pronunciation: AN-ih-kah · ˈænɪkə
Meaning: grace
Popularity: #962 and falling (#957 → #962, 2024)

The kind of name that sounds equally at home on a CEO or a toddler in overalls.

Heidi

Origin: German (Swiss pet form)
Pronunciation: HY-dee · ˈhaɪdi
Meaning: noble one (pet form of Adelheid)
Popularity: #345 and rising (#352 → #345, 2024)

Lost the kitsch and gained quiet charm — feels mountain-fresh again.

Lotte

Origin: German (short form of Charlotte)
Pronunciation: LOT-ee · ˈlɑːti
Meaning: free man (via Charlotte)
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Mila

Origin: Slavic
Pronunciation: MEE-lah · ˈmiːlə
Meaning: gracious, dear one
Popularity: #33 and falling (#28 → #33, 2024)

Frieda

Origin: German
Pronunciation: FREE-dah · ˈfriːdə
Meaning: peace
Popularity: #3,983 and rising (#4,134 → #3,983, 2024)

Vintage in the very best way — pairs gorgeously with literary middle names.

Elke

Origin: German (disputed)
Pronunciation: EL-kuh · ˈɛlkə
Meaning: noble (diminutive of Adelheid); disputed
Popularity: #11,347 and rising (#15,850 → #11,347, 2024)

Crisp, two syllables, almost no other kids will share it.

Romy

Origin: French/German (diminutive of multiple names)
Pronunciation: ROH-mee · ˈroʊmi
Meaning: ambiguous (diminutive of Rosemary, Romana, Roman, Romeo, etc.)
Popularity: #926 and rising (#1,283 → #926, 2024)

Soft and a little French-sounding; brought to life by Romy Schneider.

Ida

Origin: Germanic
Pronunciation: EYE-dah · ˈaɪdə
Meaning: from a Germanic word for ‘work’; industrious
Popularity: #1,143 and rising (#1,189 → #1,143, 2024)

Tiny, tidy, and already adopted by stylish parents everywhere.

Hilde

Origin: Old Norse/Germanic (variant of Hild/Hilda)
Pronunciation: HIL-duh · ˈhɪldə
Meaning: battle
Popularity: #7,712 and rising (#8,650 → #7,712, 2024)

Has the same vintage muscle as Mabel or Pearl.

Nele

Origin: German/Low German (pet form of Cornelia)
Pronunciation: NAY-luh · ˈneːlə
Meaning: traditionally tied to Latin cornu (“horn”) via Cornelia, though Cornelius/Cornelia’s own root is debated
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Hugely popular in modern Germany; reads soft and modern abroad.

Lena

Origin: Scandinavian/German/Russian (pet form of Helena, Magdalena, or Yelena)
Pronunciation: LEE-nah · ˈliːnə
Meaning: short/pet form of Helena, Magdalena, or Yelena
Popularity: #263 and rising (#270 → #263, 2024)

Quietly classic, never trendy enough to date.

Mareike

Origin: Frisian/Low German (pet form of Maria)
Pronunciation: mah-RYE-kuh · maˈʁaɪkə
Meaning: uncertain; ultimately from Hebrew Miriam, whose original meaning is genuinely disputed among scholars
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Adds rhythm and air to the Maria family.

Tilda

Origin: Germanic (short form of Matilda)
Pronunciation: TIL-duh · ˈtɪldə
Meaning: mighty in battle
Popularity: #8,359 and falling (#6,135 → #8,359, 2024)

Owes much to Tilda Swinton; reads cool and a little artsy.

Elsa

Origin: German contraction of Elisabeth (ultimately Hebrew)
Pronunciation: EL-sah · ˈɛlsə
Meaning: pledged to God / God is my oath (via Elisabeth)
Popularity: #938 and rising (#1,030 → #938, 2024)

The Disney decade is over, and the name is finally just lovely again.

Hanna

Origin: Hebrew (variant of Hannah); rare Irish surname origin also noted
Pronunciation: HAH-nah · ˈhɑːnə
Meaning: grace, favor (via Hannah)
Popularity: #504 and rising (#524 → #504, 2024)

The German spelling looks a little more European, a little more grown-up.

Pia

Origin: Latin/Italian
Pronunciation: PEE-uh · ˈpiːə
Meaning: pious, devout
Popularity: #1,411 and rising (#1,460 → #1,411, 2024)

Names Honoring a German Grandmother (Without Sounding Like One)

If you want to nod toward family history but don’t want your daughter answering to a name from a 1920s ledger, these are the softer, wearable versions of classic German grandma names. They’re vintage, but they breathe.

Trudy

Origin: German
Pronunciation: TROO-dee · ˈtruːdi
Meaning: spear strength (via Gertrude)
Popularity: #4,751 and rising (#5,367 → #4,751, 2024)

Gertrude is heavy; Trudy is a sunbeam.

Hilda

Origin: Germanic
Pronunciation: HIL-dah · ˈhɪldə
Meaning: battle
Popularity: #3,053 and falling (#2,989 → #3,053, 2024)

Has the same energy as Pearl or Mabel — sturdy and sweet.

Wilma

Origin: German (contraction of Wilhelmina)
Pronunciation: WIL-mah · ˈwɪlmə
Meaning: will + protection — ‘resolute protector,’ via Wilhelmina
Popularity: #4,100 and rising (#4,354 → #4,100, 2024)

Quiet and a little tomboyish in the best way.

Else

Origin: German/Scandinavian (short form of Elisabeth)
Pronunciation: EL-zuh
Meaning: short form of Elisabeth, ‘God is my oath’
Popularity: #15,797 as of 2020 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Shorter and less Frozen-adjacent than Elsa.

Magda

Origin: German (short form of Magdalena, ultimately an Aramaic place name)
Pronunciation: MAG-duh · ˈmæɡdə
Meaning: referring to Magdala, a town whose name meant roughly “tower”
Popularity: #6,802 and falling (#6,561 → #6,802, 2024)

Striking and grown-up — works for a serious-eyed baby.

Helga

Origin: Old Norse
Pronunciation: HEL-gah · ˈhɛlgə
Meaning: holy, blessed
Popularity: #15,995 as of 2020 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Yes, really — say it slowly and it’s actually beautiful.

Erna

Origin: Germanic (short form of Ernestine/Ernst)
Pronunciation: ER-nuh · ˈɜːrnə
Meaning: earnest, serious-minded
Popularity: #14,012 as of 2021 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

One of those names so old it loops back around to fresh.

Berta

Origin: Germanic
Pronunciation: BAIR-tah · ˈbɛrtə
Meaning: bright
Popularity: #10,373 and rising (#13,709 → #10,373, 2024)

Drop the H and Bertha softens into something lovely.

Käthe

Origin: German (short form of Katharina)
Pronunciation: KAY-tuh · ˈkɛːtə
Meaning: Pure
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Painter Käthe Kollwitz gives it artistic weight.

Lore

Origin: Basque or French (disputed)
Pronunciation: LOR-eh · ˈlɔːrɛ
Meaning: Laurel
Popularity: #9,937 and rising (#10,810 → #9,937, 2024)

Two letters short of becoming a verb; quietly poetic.

Inge

Origin: Old Norse/Germanic
Pronunciation: ING-uh · ˈɪŋə
Meaning: of Ing (a Norse fertility god)
Popularity: #16,173 as of 2021 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Tight, two-syllable, and quietly powerful.

Ilse

Origin: German
Pronunciation: IL-suh · ˈɪlsə
Meaning: form of Elisabeth: God is my oath
Popularity: #4,929 and falling (#4,790 → #4,929, 2024)

Has the soft hush of a library; deeply pretty.

Edda

Origin: Old Norse
Pronunciation: ED-ah · ˈɛdə
Meaning: great-grandmother; also the name of an old Norse collection of poems and tales
Popularity: #6,681 and rising (#8,170 → #6,681, 2024)

Bookish, mythic, perfect for a literary family.

Ulla

Origin: Scandinavian (short form of Ulrika, later also of Ursula and Hulda)
Pronunciation: OOL-lah · ˈʊla
Meaning: inherited from Ulrika — not an independent word with its own separate root
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Plays nicely with current names like Nora and Stella.

Mathilde

Origin: French (Germanic, form of Matilda)
Pronunciation: mah-TEELD · mɑˈtiːld
Meaning: mighty in battle
Popularity: #7,806 and falling (#4,826 → #7,806, 2024)

Spelled the French way it feels chic; spelled the German way, ancestral.

Wilhelmina

Origin: Germanic (Dutch/German feminine form of Wilhelm)
Pronunciation: wil-hel-MEE-nah · ˌwɪlhɛlˈmiːnə
Meaning: will/desire joined with helmet, i.e. resolute protector
Popularity: #1,817 and falling (#1,541 → #1,817, 2024)

A whole-sentence kind of name with a hundred nickname options.

Adelheid

Origin: German (Old High German)
Pronunciation: AH-del-hyte · ˈaːdl̩haɪt
Meaning: of a noble sort
Popularity: #6,147 and rising (#8,483 → #6,147, 2024)

The full name is heavy, but yields Heidi, Adele, Heida.

Gisela

Origin: Germanic (Old High German)
Pronunciation: GEE-zeh-lah
Meaning: pledge, hostage
Popularity: #4,302 and falling (#3,791 → #4,302, 2024)

Hedwig

Origin: German
Pronunciation: HED-vig · ˈhɛdvɪg
Meaning: battle, combat (from two related Germanic ‘battle’ elements)
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Yes, Harry Potter’s owl — but also a saintly, soulful old name.

Sieglinde

Origin: German (Old High German compound)
Pronunciation: seeg-LIN-duh · siːɡˈlɪndə
Meaning: victory and gentleness
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Wagner-coded, but Linde alone is a fresh-sounding nickname.

Frisian and Low German Picks With a Coastal, Windswept Feel

These come from northern Germany, the Frisian Islands, and the Low German dialects — they share DNA with Dutch and Scandinavian names and have that same airy, water-and-pine quality.

Tjorven

Origin: Swedish (modern coinage, popularized by Astrid Lindgren)
Pronunciation: SHOR-ven · ˈɕɔr.vɛn
Meaning: Thor
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Genuinely unusual; soft Tj sound is gorgeous.

Imke

Origin: West Frisian (Germanic, from element “irmin” — whole/universal)
Pronunciation: IM-kuh · ˈɪmkə
Meaning: whole, universal
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Two syllables, very pretty, never overheard.

Femke

Origin: Frisian/Dutch (pet form of Fem/Femme)
Pronunciation: FEM-kuh · ˈfɛmkə
Meaning: Little girl
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Soft and sweet without being saccharine.

Sieta

Origin: Frisian (short form of a Germanic name)
Pronunciation: SEE-tuh · ˈsiːtə
Meaning: likely carries the ‘victory’ element from a longer underlying name
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Reads like Sita with a German lean.

Wiebke

Origin: Frisian / Low German
Pronunciation: VEEP-kuh · ˈviːpkə
Meaning: battle
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Striking on paper, soft to say (VEEB-kuh).

Maike

Origin: Frisian/Low German (pet form, base name debated)
Pronunciation: MY-kuh · ˈmaɪkə
Meaning: Pearl
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

The Frisian Margaret — light and saltwater-fresh.

Frauke

Origin: Low German (origin uncertain)
Pronunciation: FROW-kuh · ˈfraʊkə
Meaning: Little lady
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Frau as a nickname, full of dignity.

Janneke

Origin: Dutch (diminutive of Johanna)
Pronunciation: YAH-nuh-kuh · ˈjɑːnəkə
Meaning: God is gracious (Dutch pet form of Johanna)
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Has the bouncy charm of Annika with a Dutch twist.

Tilde

Origin: German/Scandinavian (short form of Mathilde/Matilda)
Pronunciation: TIL-deh · ˈtɪldə
Meaning: mighty in battle
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Tilde-with-an-E feels Scandi-fresh.

Antje

Origin: Dutch
Pronunciation: AHN-tyuh · ˈɑntjə
Meaning: favor or grace
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Gentler than Anne, with a soft “tcha” sound.

Jorinde

Origin: German (literary coinage, character name from the Brothers Grimm)
Pronunciation: yoh-RIN-duh · joʊˈrɪndə
Meaning: A heroine from the Grimms
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Storybook origin without the obvious princess vibe.

Sönke

Origin: North Frisian/Low German (short form of Søren/Severin)
Pronunciation: ZERN-keh · ˈzœŋkə
Meaning: Son’s victory
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Often male, but increasingly used unisex.

Hedda

Origin: Scandinavian/German
Pronunciation: HED-ah · ˈhɛdə
Meaning: battle (via Hedwig)
Popularity: #16,204 as of 2007 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Has the same shape as Hazel — vintage and current at once.

Birte

Origin: Scandinavian
Pronunciation: BEER-teh · ˈbɪrtə
Meaning: variant of Birthe/Birgitta, traditionally ‘the exalted one’
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Crisp and a little Scandi.

Sigrun

Origin: Old Norse
Meaning: victory secret
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Mythic, gorgeous, very rare outside Scandinavia.

Hauke

Origin: Frisian / Low German (uncertain)
Pronunciation: HOW-kə · ˈhaʊkə
Meaning: High one
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Mostly male, but used quietly for girls in northern Germany.

Almut

Origin: Old High German
Pronunciation: AHL-moot · ˈɑːlmuːt
Meaning: noble mind or spirit
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

All-MOOT — distinctive without being difficult.

Helma

Origin: German (short form of names containing “helm, ” e.g. Wilhelmine)
Pronunciation: HEL-mah · ˈhɛlmə
Meaning: helmet, protection
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Tight and modern-feeling.

Reike

Origin: Frisian (short form, e.g. of Hendrike)
Pronunciation: RYE-kuh · ˈraɪkə
Meaning: carries the ‘-ric’ element meaning ‘power/rule’ from a longer name
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

One syllable away from Reiki, in a good way.

Long, Romantic Names That Yield Beautiful Nicknames

If you love a name with stretch — full romantic length for the birth certificate, and a soft nickname for everyday — these German classics give you both. Most have three or four nickname options built in.

Annelise

Origin: German
Pronunciation: AN-uh-lees · ˈæn.ə.liːs
Meaning: grace and God is my oath
Popularity: #1,321 and rising (#1,471 → #1,321, 2024)

Yields Annie, Lise, Liese, Anneli.

Friederike

Origin: Germanic (feminine form of Friedrich)
Pronunciation: free-duh-REE-kuh · ˌfriːdəˈriːkə
Meaning: peaceful ruler
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Friede, Frieda, Rike, Riki — pick your favorite.

Henriette

Origin: Germanic (French feminine form of Henri/Henry, coined 17th century)
Pronunciation: hen-ree-ET · ˌhɛnriˈɛt
Meaning: home ruler (elements “home/estate” + “ruler”)
Popularity: #14,059 and falling (#12,620 → #14,059, 2024)

Henni, Etta, Yetta, Riette.

Charlotte

Origin: French
Pronunciation: SHAR-lut · ˈʃɑːrlət
Meaning: feminine diminutive of Charles, sharing its root meaning ‘free man’ (popularly softened to ‘free woman’)
Popularity: #4 and falling (#3 → #4, 2024)

Charli, Lotte, Lotti, Charlie.

Katharina

Origin: Greek (from Aikaterine, ultimate root disputed/uncertain)
Pronunciation: kat-uh-REE-nuh · ˌkætəˈriːnə
Meaning: Pure
Popularity: #7,389 and rising (#9,290 → #7,389, 2024)

Käthe, Kati, Karin, Trine.

Magdalena

Origin: Hebrew (via Aramaic/Greek Magdala)
Pronunciation: mag-duh-LAY-nah · mægdəˈleɪnə
Meaning: woman from Magdala (a town whose name means ‘tower’)
Popularity: #838 and rising (#902 → #838, 2024)

Cornelia

Origin: Latin (feminine form of Cornelius)
Pronunciation: kor-NEEL-yuh · kɔːrˈniːljə
Meaning: horn
Popularity: #3,824 and falling (#3,103 → #3,824, 2024)

Conny, Nele, Lia.

Theresia

Origin: German (form of Theresa/Therese); ultimate root disputed
Pronunciation: tay-RAY-zee-uh · teˈreːziə
Meaning: uncertain — possibly ‘harvester’ (Greek therizein) or linked to the Greek island Thera/Therasia
Popularity: #15,351 as of 2007 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Resi, Reza, Tess, Thea.

Ottilie

Origin: Germanic (via German, form of Odilia/Odile)
Pronunciation: AH-tuh-lee · ˈɑːtəli
Meaning: uncertain — likely ‘wealth’ or ‘homeland’ (Germanic aud-/odal- roots), not clearly tied to battle
Popularity: #2,315 and rising (#2,636 → #2,315, 2024)

Tilly, Ottie, Lia — fast becoming a stylish pick.

Wilhelmine

Origin: German (feminine form of Wilhelm)
Pronunciation: vil-hel-MEE-nuh · vɪlhɛlˈmiːnə
Meaning: determined protector
Popularity: #15,062 as of 2023 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Mina, Minka, Helmi, Willa.

Helena

Origin: Greek (Latinized form of Helen)
Pronunciation: HEL-uh-nah · ˈhɛlənə
Meaning: Light, torch
Popularity: #414 and rising (#457 → #414, 2024)

Lena, Heli, Leni.

Rosamunde

Origin: Germanic, with a later Latin folk-reinterpretation
Pronunciation: roh-zuh-MOON-duh · ˌroʊzəˈmʊndə
Meaning: originally ‘horse’ + ‘protection’; later reimagined via Latin as ‘rose of the world’
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Rosa, Munde, Mundi.

Adelinde

Origin: Germanic (Old High German)
Pronunciation: ah-duh-LIN-duh · ˌaːdəˈlɪndə
Meaning: noble and gentle
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Adda, Linde, Lindi.

Eleonore

Origin: Old Provençal (uncertain root, German/Provençal form)
Pronunciation: el-eh-oh-NOR-uh · eleoˈnoːrə
Meaning: Light
Popularity: #6,686 and falling (#6,018 → #6,686, 2024)

Nora, Leni, Lore, Ella.

Sophia

Origin: Latin (from Ancient Greek Σοφία / sophia, ‘wisdom’)
Pronunciation: so-FEE-ah · soʊˈfiːə
Meaning: wisdom
Popularity: #6 and falling (#5 → #6, 2024)

Sofi, Pia, Soph — already global.

Antonia

Origin: Latin (feminine form of Antonius, origin unknown)
Pronunciation: an-TOH-nee-ah · ænˈtoʊniə
Meaning: Priceless
Popularity: #1,052 and rising (#1,121 → #1,052, 2024)

Toni, Anni, Toni-Annie.

Marianne

Origin: French (ultimately from Hebrew via Greek)
Pronunciation: mair-ee-AN · ˌmɛəriˈæn
Meaning: Combined Mary + Anne
Popularity: #2,122 and falling (#1,913 → #2,122, 2024)

Mari, Anni, Mia, Manni.

Veronika

Origin: Greek (Macedonian), via Latin
Pronunciation: veh-RON-ih-kuh · vəˈrɒnɪkə
Meaning: bringer of victory
Popularity: #3,038 and rising (#3,172 → #3,038, 2024)

Vroni, Roni, Nika.

Klementine

Origin: German (from Latin Clemens)
Pronunciation: kleh-men-TEE-nuh
Meaning: mild, merciful
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Kleo, Tine, Mina.

Brunhilde

Origin: German/Germanic
Pronunciation: broon-HIL-də · bruːnˈhɪldə
Meaning: armor + battle
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Bruna, Hilde, Brunn — Wagnerian but salvageable.

Hannelore

Origin: German (blend of Hanne + Eleonore)
Pronunciation: HAH-nuh-LOR-uh · ˈhanəˌloːʁə
Meaning: blend of Hanne (a German form of Hannah/Johanna, “grace, favor”) and Eleonore (Eleanor, meaning uncertain/disputed)
Popularity: #12,598 as of 2023 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Hanni, Lore, Hella.

Elisabeth

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: ih-LIZ-ah-beth · ɪˈlɪzəbəθ
Meaning: my God is an oath
Popularity: #906 and rising (#994 → #906, 2024)

Lisa, Liesel, Else, Sabeth, Ilse.

Margarete

Origin: German (from Greek margarites)
Pronunciation: mar-gah-REH-tuh · maʁɡaˈʁeːtə
Meaning: pearl
Popularity: #11,726 and rising (#16,833 → #11,726, 2024)

Greta, Grete, Margit, Meta, Maike.

Konstanze

Origin: German (from Latin Constantia/constans)
Pronunciation: kawn-STAHN-tsə · kɔnˈstant͡sə
Meaning: steadfast, constant
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Konni, Tanz, Stanzi.

Valentina

Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: val-en-TEE-nah · vælənˈtiːnə
Meaning: strong, healthy
Popularity: #47 and rising (#49 → #47, 2024)

Vali, Tini, Vala.

Nature-Inspired German Girl Names

German has a deep relationship with forests, rivers, and mountains, and it shows up in names that mean things like “linden tree,” “valley,” and “ash grove.” These feel right for the slow-living, nature-loving family.

Linde

Origin: German/Dutch (surname, transferred to given-name use)
Pronunciation: LIN-də · ˈlɪndə
Meaning: linden tree
Popularity: #16,086 as of 2012 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Birke

Origin: German
Pronunciation: BEER-kuh · ˈbɪrkə
Meaning: birch (tree)
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Rare, peeling-bark beautiful.

Tanne

Origin: German (nature/plant name)
Pronunciation: TAHN-nuh · ˈtanə
Meaning: fir tree
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Pine-needle-fresh and seasonal.

Esche

Origin: German (common noun, used as a nature name)
Pronunciation: ESH-eh · ˈɛʃə
Meaning: the German word for ‘ash tree’
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Erle

Origin: Disputed: English (rare variant of Earl) or German (common noun ‘alder tree’)
Pronunciation: ERL · ɜːrl
Meaning: either ‘nobleman’ (as a rare English spelling of Earl) or ‘alder tree’ (the German word, used as an unattested nature name)
Popularity: #6,581 as of 1981 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

One-syllable nature pick.

Rosa

Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: ROH-zah · ˈroʊzə
Meaning: rose
Popularity: #663 and rising (#669 → #663, 2024)

The German pronunciation (ROH-sah) feels softer than English.

Veilchen

Origin: German (nature name, diminutive of Viola/violet)
Pronunciation: FYLE-khen · ˈfaɪlçən
Meaning: little violet
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Old-fashioned and storybook.

Astrid

Origin: Old Norse / Scandinavian
Pronunciation: AS-trid · ˈæstrɪd
Meaning: divinely beautiful (popularly also glossed ‘divine strength’)
Popularity: #383 and rising (#399 → #383, 2024)

Means “star” by folk etymology; either way, lovely.

Tau

Origin: Chinese (variant of Tao)
Pronunciation: TOW · ˈtaʊ
Meaning: the Way, path (as a variant spelling of Tao)
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Single-syllable, modern-feeling nature name.

Sonne

Origin: German (transferred use of the common noun)
Pronunciation: ZON-nuh · ˈzɔnə
Meaning: ‘sun’
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Used more often as Sonja, but Sonne itself is striking.

Sonja

Origin: Scandinavian/German (variant of Sonya, from Sophia)
Pronunciation: SOHN-yah · ˈsoʊnjə
Meaning: wisdom
Popularity: #2,959 and falling (#2,697 → #2,959, 2024)

Vintage but never stuffy.

Wolke

Origin: German (common noun used as a nature name)
Pronunciation: VOL-kuh · ˈvɔlkə
Meaning: a cloud, i.e. a visible mass of vapor in the sky, from an old Germanic root
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Genuinely rare; quietly poetic.

Stella

Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: STEL-ah · ˈstɛlə
Meaning: star
Popularity: #49 and falling (#46 → #49, 2024)

Aster

Origin: Greek (via Latin)
Pronunciation: AS-ter · ˈæstər
Meaning: star (namesake of the star-shaped flower)
Popularity: #2,745 and rising (#3,281 → #2,745, 2024)

Botanical without the obvious Lily/Rose route.

Iris

Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: EYE-ris · ˈaɪrɪs
Meaning: rainbow; also the name of the Greek goddess/messenger of the rainbow, and the flower named after her
Popularity: #71 and rising (#78 → #71, 2024)

Marlies

Origin: German (blend of Maria and Elisabeth)
Pronunciation: mar-LEES · mɑːrˈliːs
Meaning: a blended name combining elements of Maria and Elisabeth (“God is my oath”)
Popularity: #13,784 as of 1999 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Folk-feeling, like wildflowers in a jar.

Heide

Origin: German
Pronunciation: HY-də · ˈhaɪdə
Meaning: heath, heathland (open, uncultivated land)
Popularity: #16,132 as of 2021 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

The wild moor as a name — gorgeous.

Wiese

Origin: German (common noun used as a nature name)
Pronunciation: VEE-zuh · ˈviːzə
Meaning: generally understood as the German word for “meadow” or grassy field
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Used as a surname more often, but lovely as a middle name.

– **Hanne** — Grace (German); often heard with Heide as Hanne-Lore. Soft, two-syllable nature companion.

Tilia

Origin: Norwegian (short form of Otilia, ultimately Old High German/Proto-Germanic)
Pronunciation: TEE-lee-uh · ˈtiː.li.ə
Meaning: wealth, riches
Popularity: #11,080 as of 2023 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Tia or Lia as nicknames; very fresh.

Welle

Origin: German (common noun used as a nature name)
Pronunciation: VEL-ə · ˈvɛlə
Meaning: a wave, especially of water, ultimately from an old Germanic root meaning “to turn or swirl”
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Has the same single-syllable nature charm as Wren.

Beere

Origin: German
Pronunciation: BAY-ruh · ˈbeːʁə
Meaning: berry
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Mira

Origin: Multi-origin: Slavic / Latin / Sanskrit / Hindi
Pronunciation: MEER-ah · ˈmɪrə
Meaning: peace (Slavic); wonderful/admired (Latin); sea or boundary (Sanskrit); or from Meera/Mirabai, a 16th-century Hindi poet-saint
Popularity: #380 and rising (#412 → #380, 2024)

German parents use it often; reads modern globally.

Wilda

Origin: Germanic (feminine form of ‘wild’)
Pronunciation: WIL-duh · ˈwɪldə
Meaning: wild, untamed
Popularity: #17,604 as of 2022 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Senta

Origin: uncertain / disputed (see note)
Pronunciation: SEN-tah · ˈsɛntə
Meaning: Assistant, helper
Popularity: #10,601 as of 1986 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Means “blessed one” in some readings; nature-adjacent.

Names With Religious or Saintly Roots

German Christian tradition runs deep, and these names carry that history without feeling locked to a particular faith. Many were borne by saints, abbesses, mystics, and reformers — strong women dressed up as soft names.

Hildegard

Origin: Germanic (West Germanic *Hildigardu)
Pronunciation: HIL-duh-gard · ˈhɪldəɡɑːrd
Meaning: battle enclosure
Popularity: #6,727 and falling (#6,252 → #6,727, 2024)

Hildegard von Bingen — composer, abbess, polymath.

Klara

Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: KLAHR-uh · ˈklɑːrə
Meaning: bright, clear, famous
Popularity: #1,854 and falling (#1,828 → #1,854, 2024)

Saint Clare in her German spelling — graceful and direct.

Brigitte

Origin: French form of Bridget
Pronunciation: bree-ZHEET · bɹiːˈʒiːt
Meaning: exalted one
Popularity: #2,364 and rising (#2,940 → #2,364, 2024)

Saintly, also fashion-icon territory.

Cäcilia

Origin: Latin (German variant of Cäcilie/Cecilia)
Pronunciation: tseh-TSEE-lee-ah · tsɛˈtsiːli̯a
Meaning: linked to the Latin word for ‘blind’
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Patroness of music; the Ä gives it gravitas.

Agnes

Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: AG-nes · ˈæɡnəs
Meaning: pure or chaste
Popularity: #1,063 and rising (#1,079 → #1,063, 2024)

Heavy in English, but the German AHG-nes is suddenly elegant.

Genoveva

Origin: Germanic or Celtic (uncertain), Latinized form of Geneviève
Meaning: kinswoman, woman of the tribe or family
Popularity: #9,105 and rising (#10,591 → #9,105, 2024)

The German form of Genevieve — softer somehow.

Walburga

Origin: Germanic (variant of Walpurga)
Pronunciation: vahl-BOOR-gah · vɑːlˈbʊərɡə
Meaning: ruler of the fortress, strong protector
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Saint Walburga; obscure but striking.

Notburga

Origin: German (Old High German compound)
Pronunciation: NOHT-boor-gah
Meaning: protection in a time of need (Old High German “not, ” need/distress + “burg, ” protection/fortress)
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Folk-saint name; rare and atmospheric.

Kunigunde

Origin: Germanic (Old High German)
Pronunciation: koo-nee-GOON-də · kuːnɪˈɡʊndə
Meaning: kin/family joined with battle (a compound of elements meaning ‘clan’ and ‘war’)
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

A medieval empress and saint — bold name for a bold girl.

Adelgunde

Origin: Old High German
Pronunciation: AH-del-goon-duh · ˈaːdəlˌɡʊndə
Meaning: noble battle
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Adda or Gunda as nicknames.

Mechthild

Origin: Old High German (Germanic, variant of Mathilde)
Pronunciation: MEKH-tilt · ˈmɛçtɪlt
Meaning: powerful in battle
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Saint Mechthild of Magdeburg, mystic poet.

Ursula

Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: UR-suh-luh · ˈɜːrsələ
Meaning: little (she-)bear
Popularity: #5,266 and falling (#3,902 → #5,266, 2024)

Owns its bookish gravity (looking at you, Ursula K. Le Guin).

Monika

Origin: Latin (variant of Monica)
Pronunciation: moh-NEE-kah · moʊˈniːkə
Meaning: Advisor
Popularity: #8,248 and falling (#4,099 → #8,248, 2024)

Saint Monica via the German K spelling — quietly current.

Susanne

Origin: German (from Hebrew via Greek/Latin)
Pronunciation: zoo-ZAH-nuh · zuˈzanə
Meaning: lily
Popularity: #11,995 and rising (#12,055 → #11,995, 2024)

Familiar with a German softening of the S.

Johanna

Origin: German
Pronunciation: joh-HAN-uh · dʒoʊˈhænə
Meaning: feminine form of John: God is gracious
Popularity: #848 and falling (#753 → #848, 2024)

Christina

Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: kris-TEE-nuh · krɪˈstiːnə
Meaning: follower of Christ, Christian woman
Popularity: #704 and falling (#703 → #704, 2024)

Vintage in English, but Christina with German rhythm sounds new.

Lieselotte

Origin: German
Pronunciation: LEE-zuh-lot-uh · ˈliːzəˌlɔtə
Meaning: a blend of Elisabeth (“God is my oath”) and Charlotte (“free one”)
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Combines Liesel + Lotte for a whole-mouth name.

Anneliese

Origin: German (compound of Anna + Liese)
Pronunciation: an-uh-LEEZ · ænəˈliːz
Meaning: grace plus devoted to God (compound of Anna and Liese/Elisabeth)
Popularity: #1,405 and rising (#1,920 → #1,405, 2024)

The full version of Annelise; old-world charm.

Gertrud

Origin: Old High German
Pronunciation: GER-trood · ˈɡɛrtruːd
Meaning: spear + strength (sometimes read as “spear-maiden”)
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Saint Gertrude the Great — heavy but reclaimable.

Edeltraut

Origin: Old High German (compound name)
Pronunciation: AY-del-trowt · ˈeːdl̩traʊt
Meaning: noble strength (compound of ‘noble’ + an element meaning ‘strength’)
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Almost extinct; ripe for revival.

Reinhilde

Origin: Germanic
Pronunciation: ryn-HIL-də · raɪnˈhɪldə
Meaning: ‘counsel/advice’ combined with ‘battle’
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Hilde nickname, Reine as alternative.

Roswitha

Origin: Germanic
Pronunciation: ross-VEE-tah · rɒsˈviːtə
Meaning: ‘fame’ combined with ‘strong’
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Tenth-century nun and playwright Roswitha von Gandersheim.

Mathilda

Origin: Germanic (variant spelling of Matilda)
Meaning: mighty/strong in battle
Popularity: #4,609 and rising (#5,079 → #4,609, 2024)

The H makes it feel European rather than American.

Short, Crisp One-and-Two-Syllable Names

If you love names with quick, clear sounds — Cora, Wren, June, Iris — these German picks land in the same family. They wear well on a birth certificate and sound clean across languages.

Mia

Origin: Germanic (diminutive of Maria, German/Dutch/Scandinavian)
Pronunciation: MEE-uh · ˈmiːə
Meaning: Beloved, mine
Popularity: #5 and rising (#6 → #5, 2024)

Brief, soft, internationally portable.

Lia

Origin: Italian, variant of Leah (Hebrew); also Sicilian short form of Ilìa (Elijah)
Pronunciation: LEE-ah · ˈliːə
Meaning: form of Leah (Hebrew root disputed, traditionally glossed ‘weary’); or, in Sicily, short for Ilìa/Elijah (‘my God is Yahweh’)
Popularity: #187 and rising (#210 → #187, 2024)

Three letters, no filler.

Nela

Origin: German (short form of Cornelia, Petronela, etc.)
Pronunciation: NEH-luh · ˈnɛlə
Meaning: traditionally tied to Latin cornu (“horn”) via the Roman family name Cornelius, though Cornelius’s own root is debated
Popularity: #7,833 and falling (#4,960 → #7,833, 2024)

Reads modern; sounds like Nora’s cousin.

Lou

Origin: French (short form, Germanic root)
Pronunciation: LOO · ˈluː
Meaning: famous warrior
Popularity: #2,541 and rising (#2,570 → #2,541, 2024)

Suse

Origin: German (short form of Susanne)
Meaning: lily
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Pronounced ZOO-zuh; soft and sweet.

Ina

Origin: German/Latin (short form of -ina names)
Pronunciation: EE-nah · ˈiːnə
Meaning: Pure
Popularity: #2,636 and rising (#3,931 → #2,636, 2024)

Eensy and clean.

Una

Origin: Irish (Anglicized form of Úna)
Meaning: possibly ‘lamb’ or ‘one/unity’ (disputed Irish etymology)
Popularity: #3,005 and rising (#3,376 → #3,005, 2024)

Beats with a single warm note.

Ada

Origin: Germanic or Hebrew (dual origin)
Pronunciation: AY-dah · ˈeɪdə
Meaning: noble (or ‘ornament, ‘ dual root)
Popularity: #193 and falling (#178 → #193, 2024)

A palindrome with grandma-cool credentials.

Eva

Origin: Latin (Latinate form of Hebrew Ḥavah, via Eve)
Pronunciation: EE-vah · ˈiːvə
Meaning: life
Popularity: #120 and falling (#112 → #120, 2024)

The German pronunciation (AY-vah) softens it.

Mai

Origin: kanji-dependent (Japanese) or English variant of Mae/May
Pronunciation: MY · ˈmaɪ
Meaning: May
Popularity: #3,245 and falling (#3,207 → #3,245, 2024)

Borrowed-and-naturalized; quietly springlike.

Anni

Origin: Finnish
Pronunciation: AHN-nee · ˈɑːn.ni
Meaning: favor or grace
Popularity: #8,461 and rising (#9,034 → #8,461, 2024)

Friendly and not overheard.

Resi

Origin: German (short form of Theresia)
Pronunciation: RAY-zee · ˈreɪzi
Meaning: uncertain — possibly related to a Greek word for ‘harvest,’ one of several disputed roots proposed for Theresa
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Folk-feeling and rare in English-speaking countries.

Kati

Origin: short form of Katherine-family names (via Katie/Katalin)
Pronunciation: KAH-tee · ˈkɑːti
Meaning: Pure
Popularity: #14,298 and rising (#16,350 → #14,298, 2024)

The German spelling reads younger than Katie.

Marit

Origin: Scandinavian (Norwegian/Swedish)
Pronunciation: MAH-rit · ˈmɑːrɪt
Meaning: form of Margareta/Margaret: pearl
Popularity: #9,966 and rising (#10,846 → #9,966, 2024)

Bavarian and Alpine Picks With a Mountain-Folk Feel

These come from southern Germany, Bavaria, and the Austrian and Tyrolean Alps — they have a folk-music, sheep-bell, embroidered-apron warmth. Great picks if you have Austrian or Bavarian heritage, or just love the sound.

Classic Bavarian — folk-y and warm.

Mali

Origin: uncertain (competing traditions: Thai, a European pet-form of Mary/Maria, or the country name)
Pronunciation: MAH-lee · ˈmɑːli
Meaning: Bitter, beloved
Popularity: #3,609 and falling (#2,871 → #3,609, 2024)

Sounds like a hill town in summer.

Vroni

Origin: Bavarian (short form of Veronika, itself a variant of Greek Berenike)
Pronunciation: FROH-nee
Meaning: bringer of victory
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Bavarian to the bone, and adorable.

Burgi

Origin: German (Bavarian)
Pronunciation: BOOR-gee · ˈbʊʁɡi
Meaning: protection or fortress
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Hansi

Origin: German (Bavarian, diminutive of Hans)
Pronunciation: HAHN-zee · ˈhɑːnzi
Meaning: God is gracious (inherited from Hans, short for Johannes/John)
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Plays jaunty and small.

Gretl

Origin: German/Austrian (Bavarian-Austrian diminutive of Margarete, ultimately Greek)
Pronunciation: GRET-əl · ˈɡrɛtəl
Meaning: pearl (via Margarete, from Greek “margarites”)
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Mizzi

Origin: Bavarian/Austrian German (short form of Maria)
Pronunciation: MIT-see · ˈmɪtsi
Meaning: uncertain; ultimately from Hebrew Miriam, whose original meaning is disputed
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Charming when handled with confidence.

Berti

Origin: German
Pronunciation: BAIR-tee · ˈbɛʁti
Meaning: bright or famous
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Cute and tomboyish.

Steffi

Origin: Greek (via German short form of Stefanie/Stephanie)
Pronunciation: STEF-ee · ˈstɛfi
Meaning: same as Stephanie: ‘crown’ or ‘wreath’
Popularity: #17,654 as of 2019 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Has tennis-court energy, in a good way.

Sissi

Origin: Hebrew (via German short form of Elisabeth)
Pronunciation: SIS-ee · ˈsɪsi
Meaning: same as Elisabeth: roughly ‘God is my oath’
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Empress Sissi; pure romance.

Trudl

Origin: Bavarian/German (short form of Gertrud, from the Germanic element trud ‘strength’)
Pronunciation: TROO-dəl · ˈtruːdl̩
Meaning: strength
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

The L ending is so Bavarian.

Loisl

Origin: Bavarian German (diminutive of Aloisia, Germanic)
Pronunciation: LOY-zəl · ˈlɔɪzəl
Meaning: famous warrior
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Folk-festival warm.

Wastl

Origin: Bavarian/Austrian German
Pronunciation: VAH-stul · ˈvɑːstl̩
Meaning: short form of Sebastian
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Quirky and rare.

– **Resi** — Worth saying twice for the Bavarians.

Liesl

Origin: German/Austrian (pet form of Elisabeth)
Pronunciation: LEE-zəl · ˈliːzəl
Meaning: pet form of Elisabeth, from a Hebrew name usually glossed ‘God is my oath’
Popularity: #5,701 and falling (#4,817 → #5,701, 2024)

Spelled without the E — even more rustic.

Mirl

Origin: Bavarian German (short form of Maria)
Pronunciation: MEERL · mɪʁl
Meaning: uncertain; ultimately from Hebrew Miriam, whose original meaning is disputed
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Sounds like a hand-painted milk jug.

Annerl

Origin: German (Bavarian)
Pronunciation: AHN-erl · ˈanərl
Meaning: favor or grace
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

The -erl ending is irresistibly Bavarian.

Lenerl

Origin: Bavarian German (diminutive of Helena or Magdalena, base uncertain)
Pronunciation: LAY-nerl · ˈleːnɐl
Meaning: Light
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Same -erl charm.

Sepperl

Origin: German (Bavarian diminutive of Joseph)
Pronunciation: ZEP-erl · ˈzɛpərl
Meaning: same as Joseph: ‘God will add’ / ‘God increases’
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Folk inclusion.

Burgl

Origin: Bavarian German (diminutive of Walburga)
Pronunciation: BOOR-gəl · ˈbʊəɹɡəl
Meaning: Protection
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Zenzi

Origin: Bavarian German (short form of Kreszenz/Crescentia)
Pronunciation: TSEN-tsee · ˈtsɛntsi
Meaning: Innocent
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Endearingly weird.

Fanny

Origin: English/German (pet form of Frances/Franziska)
Pronunciation: FAN-ee · ˈfæni
Meaning: pet form of Frances, ultimately from a word for ‘Frank’ that came to connote ‘free person’
Popularity: #5,182 and rising (#6,244 → #5,182, 2024)

German Fanny was never not lovely.

Resli

Origin: German (Swiss/Bavarian short form of Theresia)
Pronunciation: RES-lee · ˈrɛsli
Meaning: uncertain — possibly related to a Greek word for ‘harvest,’ one of several disputed roots proposed for Theresa
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Pure cuckoo-clock charm.

– **Steffi** — Worth listing twice for the Alpine set.

Wally

Origin: English/Germanic (nickname)
Pronunciation: WAHL-ee · ˈwɒli
Meaning: nickname for Wallace (‘Welshman’) or Walter (‘army ruler’)
Popularity: #6,420 and falling (#6,193 → #6,420, 2024)

Mountain-folk feel.

Cool, Modern German Girl Names From the Current German Charts

These are the names actual German parents are choosing for their daughters in 2025–2026. They sound thoroughly current — and many of them are sneaking into English-speaking lists too.

Emilia

Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: ih-MEEL-yuh · ɪˈmiːljə
Meaning: rival, one who strives to equal or surpass
Popularity: #43 and falling (#42 → #43, 2024)

The #1 German baby girl name multiple recent years.

Hannah

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: HAN-ah · ˈhænə
Meaning: favor or grace, from a root meaning ‘to be gracious’
Popularity: #52 and falling (#48 → #52, 2024)

German spelling sometimes drops the H; both feel current.

Emma

Origin: Germanic
Pronunciation: EM-ah · ˈɛmə
Meaning: whole, universal
Popularity: #2, holding steady (2024)

One of the most popular German names year after year.

Lina

Origin: short form (of names like Angelina, Carolina, Evelina); occasionally feminine of Linus
Pronunciation: LEE-nah · ˈliːnə
Meaning: Tender
Popularity: #567 and rising (#584 → #567, 2024)

Quiet, modern, internationally portable.

Marie

Origin: French (from Hebrew, via Mary/Maria)
Pronunciation: muh-REE · məˈriː
Meaning: form of Mary/Maria; root meaning disputed
Popularity: #639 and rising (#641 → #639, 2024)

Ella

Origin: English (short form)
Pronunciation: EL-uh · ˈɛlə
Meaning: diminutive of Eleanor or Ellen, with no independent meaning of its own
Popularity: #30 and rising (#32 → #30, 2024)

German parents love it; English-speaking parents love it too.

Anna

Origin: Hebrew (via Latin/Greek)
Pronunciation: AN-ah · ˈænə
Meaning: grace
Popularity: #94 and falling (#79 → #94, 2024)

Eternal, never stuffy in German.

Leni

Origin: German (diminutive, likely related to Helene, base uncertain)
Pronunciation: LEN-ee · ˈlɛni
Meaning: Light
Popularity: #1,243 and falling (#1,197 → #1,243, 2024)

Has soft-vintage Hollywood vibes (Leni Riefenstahl notwithstanding).

Nora

Origin: diminutive (short form of Eleanor, of disputed origin, rarely of Honora, Latin)
Pronunciation: NOR-ah · ˈnɔːrə
Meaning: Honor, light
Popularity: #22 and rising (#24 → #22, 2024)

Crosses every border without losing itself.

Pauline

Origin: French
Pronunciation: paw-LEEN · pɔːˈliːn
Meaning: French form of Paulina: small, the younger
Popularity: #3,475 and falling (#2,749 → #3,475, 2024)

Used in Germany without the French nasal lilt.

Carla

Origin: Germanic
Pronunciation: KAR-luh · ˈkɑːr.lə
Meaning: free woman
Popularity: #1,012 and falling (#967 → #1,012, 2024)

German Carla has a roundness American Carla doesn’t.

Ronja

Origin: Swedish (literary coinage)
Pronunciation: RAHN-yah · ˈrɑːnjə
Meaning: God’s joyful song, also from Astrid Lindgren
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Cool and a little fierce.

Smilla

Origin: modern literary coinage (from a fictional Greenlandic-styled name)
Pronunciation: SMIL-ah · ˈsmɪlə
Meaning: Smile
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Cool-girl name with a literary anchor.

Maja

Origin: Scandinavian/Slavic/German (multiple parallel origins)
Pronunciation: MY-ah · ˈmaɪə
Meaning: great one (as a form of Maia); also widely used as a pet form of Maria
Popularity: #4,001 and rising (#4,943 → #4,001, 2024)