587 Old German Baby Names With Historical Roots

Carry the past forward with these classic names.

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Last Updated on Aug 2, 2024

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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.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Everett	Boy	Brave boar
Adeline	Girl	Noble; Kind; Nobility
Aubree	Girl	Elf ruler; King of the elves
Abel	Boy	Breath; Vapor; Son; Noble; Strength; Fortitude
Ricardo	Boy	Powerful ruler
Charli	Girl	One with a free spirit
Garrett	Boy	Spear; Little spear; Strength of the spear; Warrior
Adelina	Girl	Noble; Nobility
Frederick	Boy	Peaceful ruler
Keiran	Boy	Black; Black-haired; Army's edge

Armando	Boy	Soldier; Army man
Rodrigo	Boy	Famous ruler
Anne	Girl	Grace; Favor; Eagle
Roland	Boy	Famous land; Glorious territory; From the famous land
Ricky	Boy	Brave ruler; Famous ruler; Peaceful ruler; Ruler of the people; Home ruler; Nobleman
Aubrie	Girl	Elf ruler; God is my strength
Aubrey	Boy	Ruler of elves; King of elves
Rosalyn	Girl	Beautiful rose; Gentle horse; Famous and mild
Aubrielle	Girl	Elf ruler; God is my strength
Arleth	Girl	Army remnant; Army legacy

Frida	Girl	Peace; Beautiful; Beloved
Koen	Boy	Brave counsel; Brave advisor
Coen	Boy	Brave counsel; Advice
Rosalina	Girl	Beautiful rose; Gentle horse
Joselyn	Girl	Member of the Gauts tribe; Joyous
Rolando	Boy	Famous land; Glorious territory; From the famous land
Adela	Girl	Noble; Gentle; Serene
Gilbert	Boy	Bright pledge
Rosalind	Girl	Beautiful rose; Gentle horse
Warner	Boy	Cautious army; Defender

Gilberto	Boy	Bright pledge
Roselynn	Girl	Horse; Soft; Flexible; Rose
Joslyn	Girl	A member of the Gauts tribe; From the land of flowing water; Joyful
Aubri	Girl	Elf ruler's grace; Elf ruler's favor
Fredrick	Boy	Peaceful ruler
Odette	Girl	Wealth; Fortune; Heritage
Roan	Boy	A raven; Red-haired; From the rowan tree
Rico	Boy	Brave commander; Powerful leader
Rosalynn	Girl	Gentle horse; Rose lake
Gerard	Boy	Brave spear

Zelie	Girl	Nobleness
Charlize	Girl	Feminine form of Charles; Free woman
Roderick	Boy	Famous ruler
Fredy	Boy	Wise counsel; Peaceful ruler
Arvin	Boy	Copious; Abundant; Rich; Eagle friend
Everette	Boy	Brave boar
Gisselle	Girl	Pledge; Hostage
Cai	Boy	People's victory; Hard spear; Horn; To rejoice
Ervin	Boy	Army friend; Boar friend
Rosalinda	Girl	Beautiful rose; Gentle horse

Riker	Boy	Brave ruler
Bruin	Boy	A person with brown hair or skin; The brown; Brown bear; Armor
Charleston	Boy	Son of Charles
Abriella	Girl	Elf king or ruler; God is my strong man
Rickey	Boy	Brave ruler
Aubrianna	Girl	Elf king; Ruler of the elves
Richie	Boy	Brave ruler
Gisele	Girl	Pledge; Hostage
Charly	Boy	Free man; Army
Fritz	Boy	Peaceful ruler

Everardo	Boy	Brave boar
Abelardo	Boy	Noble; Strong; Generous; Noble strength; Resolute
Erwin	Boy	Army friend; Boar friend
Aubriana	Girl	Elf ruler; Powerful; Graceful
Averee	Unisex	Elf ruler; Elf counsel
Rick	Boy	Brave ruler; Stack of hay or straw
Rosaline	Girl	Beautiful rose; Gentle horse
Roel	Boy	Famous land; Famous wolf; Famous ruler
Armand	Boy	Army person
Oberon	Boy	Elf ruler; King of elves; Royal bear

Josselyn	Girl	A member of the Gauts tribe; Joyful
Rich	Boy	Brave ruler; Brave king
Abrianna	Girl	Elf ruler or king; Powerful elf; Might; Mother of many; High; Exalted; Noble
Rodrick	Boy	Famous ruler
Arlett	Unisex	Army legacy
Josslyn	Girl	A member of the Gauts tribe; Joyful
Garett	Unisex	Power of the spear
Garret	Boy	Spear; Power of spear; Warrior; Strong spear
Joseline	Girl	Member of the Gauts tribe; Joyous
Friedrich	Boy	Peaceful ruler

Odelia	Girl	Heritage; Wealth; I will thank Yahweh
Rickie	Boy	Brave ruler
Rider	Boy	Horse rider; Horseman; Knight; To clear out; A small stream
Ritchie	Boy	Brave ruler
Imelda	Girl	Great battle
Frieda	Girl	Peace; Powerful ruler
Charolette	Girl	Free woman
Garry	Boy	Spear; Spear king; Mighty
Rowena	Girl	Peaceful; White spear; Famous friend; Fame and happiness
Adelle	Girl	Noble; Kind

Rollin	Boy	Renowned land; Famous throughout the land
Adi	Boy	Jewel; Ornament; First; Noble wolf; From Hadria
Joselin	Girl	Member of the Gauts tribe; Joyous
Roi	Boy	Famous ruler; My shepherd
Adelita	Girl	Noble; Kind
Gisela	Girl	Pledge
Rosali	Girl	Rose; Fame
Rolland	Boy	Famous land
Aubery	Boy	Ruler of elves; King of elves
Gertrude	Girl	Spear of strength

1 2 3 … 6 »

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)

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.

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

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