140+ Popular German American Names with Meanings

Are you a German parent in America looking for the perfect name for your newborn? You’ve clicked the right link!

German-Americans form the largest self-reported ancestry group in the United States, comprising about 49 million people or roughly 17% of the population. This rich heritage has deeply influenced American culture. To honor this tradition, we’ve curated a list of 140+ popular German American baby names for boys, girls, and gender-neutral options. These names mix German heritage with an American twist, giving you meaningful options for your child.

Scroll down to find the ideal name for your German American baby, and don’t forget to share your favorite name in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you!

German American Baby Boy Names with Meanings

1. Alexander: Defender of the people
2. Armin: Whole or universal
3. Arnold: Eagle ruler
4. Benjamin: Son of the right hand
5. Bernd: Brave bear
6. Christopher: Christ-bearer
7. Daniel: God is my judge
8. Detlef: People’s heritage
9. Dietrich: Ruler of the people
10. Dirk: Ruler of the people
11. Edgar: Wealthy spearman
12. Edward: Wealthy guardian
13. Ferdinand: Brave traveler
14. Frank: Free man
15. Frederick: Peaceful ruler
16. Gabriel: God is my strength
17. Gerhard: Brave spear
18. Gottfried: God’s peace
19. Gregor: Watchful, vigilant
20. Gunther: Warrior, army
21. Gustav: Staff of the gods
22. Hans: God is gracious
23. Heinrich: Ruler of the home
24. Heinz: Ruler of the home
25. Henry: Ruler of the home
26. Hermann: Army man
27. Hubert: Bright mind
28. Isaac: Laughter
29. Jacob: Supplanter
30. Jens: God is gracious
31. Johann: God is gracious
32. Karl: Free man
33. Kevin: Handsome
34. Klaus: Victory of the people
35. Kurt: Bold counselor
36. Lucas: Light-giving
37. Ludwig: Famous warrior
38. Manfred: Man of peace
39. Markus: Warlike
40. Matthias: Gift of God
41. Nathan: Gift of God
42. Norbert: Bright north
43. Oliver: Olive tree
44. Otto: Wealthy
45. Patrick: Nobleman
46. Quentin: Fifth
47. Rainer: Army counsel
48. Raymond: Wise protector
49. Reinhold: Advice ruler
50. Rolf: Famous wolf
51. Rudolf: Famous wolf
52. Samuel: Name of God
53. Siegfried: Peaceful victory
54. Steffen: Crown
55. Thomas: Twin
56. Tobias: God is good
57. Ulrich: Noble ruler
58. Uwe: Health
59. Victor: Winner, conqueror
60. Werner: Defender of the people
61. William: Will, desire, helmet, protection
62. Wolfgang: Wolf path
63. Xavier: New house
64. Zachary: Remembered by God

German American Baby Girl Names with Meanings

1. Alicia: Noble, exalted
2. Allison: Noble, exalted
3. Amber: Jewel, fossilized tree resin
4. Amelia: Work of the Lord
5. Angelina: Messenger of God
6. Ashley: Dweller near the ash tree meadow
7. Audrey: Noble strength
8. Aurora: Dawn
9. Cameron: Crooked nose
10. Dagmar: Day maiden
11. Dakota: Friend, ally (Sioux origin)
12. Diane: Divine
13. Dorothea: Gift of God
14. Ella: Torch, light
15. Emery: Brave, powerful
16. Franziska: Free man
17. Frieda: Peaceful ruler
18. Gretchen: Pearl
19. Gwyneth: Blessed, happy
20. Hadley: Heather field
21. Hannah: Grace
22. Harper: Harp player
23. Hazel: Hazelnut tree
24. Heidi: Noble, kind
25. Helena: Bright, shining light
26. Hilda: Battle woman
27. Ingrid: Beautiful, beloved
28. Jennifer: Fair phantom
29. Jessica: Wealthy, God beholds
30. Julia: Youthful
31. Julianne: Youthful
32. Karina: Pure
33. Kristen: Follower of Christ
34. Leah: Weary
35. Lena: Light
36. Lindsay: From the island of the lime tree
37. Liv: Life
38. Lucy: Light
39. Madison: Son of Matthew
40. Magdalena: Of Magdala
41. Marisa: Of the sea
42. Marlene: High tower
43. Martina: Dedicated to Mars
44. Megan: Pearl
45. Meryl: Shining sea
46. Michelle: Who is like God?
47. Nadja: Hope
48. Naomi: Pleasantness
49. Natalie: Christmas Day
50. Nina: Grace
51. Olivia: Olive tree
52. Paisley: Church
53. Penelope: Weaver
54. Petra: Rock
55. Peyton: Fighting man’s estate
56. Rachel: Ewe
57. Savannah: Open plain
58. Sharon: A fertile plain
59. Sigrid: Beautiful victory
60. Sophia: Wisdom
61. Stefanie: Crowned in victory
62. Vanessa: Butterfly
63. Verena: True
64. Winona: Firstborn daughter
65. Zoey: Life

Gender Neutral German American Names with Meanings

1. Alex: Defender of the people
2. Avery: Elf ruler
3. Casey: Brave in battle
4. Dylan: Son of the sea
5. Ellis: Lord is my God
6. Emerson: Son of Emery
7. Finley: Fair hero
8. Harley: Hare’s meadow
9. Hayden: Hedged valley
10. Jaden: God has heard
11. Jamie: Supplanter
12. Kennedy: Helmeted chief
13. Peyton: Fighting man’s estate
14. Reese: Fiery
15. Riley: Valiant
16. Sawyer: Woodcutter
17. Spencer: Keeper of provisions
18. Taylor: Cutter of cloth
19. Tyler: Tile maker

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