Germanic names belong to the Germanic language tradition. This collection contains 17,084 Germanic names with their meanings, cultural backgrounds, and pronunciation guides. You'll find 10,283 names traditionally given to boys and 6,578 names for girls, reflecting naming patterns from regions where Germanic is spoken. These names carry the linguistic heritage and cultural values of Germanic-speaking communities. Common themes include noble, divine, strength, showing what Germanic cultures have valued across generations.
This name derives from the Old Norman “Williame,” (French: Guillaume; German: Wilhelm). In turn, the name derives from the Old High German name “Willihelm,” composed of two elements: “*wiljô” (will, wish, desire) plus “*helmaz” (helmet, protection); thus the Old German Name “Wilhelm” and the Old Norse name “Vilhjálmr” have the same roots. The first well-known bearer of the name was Charlemagne’s cousin William of Gellone, William of Orange, and Guillaume Fierabrace (755–812). This William is immortalized in the “Chanson de Guillaume,” and his esteem may account for the name’s subsequent popularity among European nobility. 1) William I (1028–1087), usually known as William the Conqueror and sometimes William, the Bastard, was the first Norman King of England, reigning from 1066 until he died in 1087. 2) William I (Wilhelm Friedrich Ludwig, 1797–1888) of the House of Hohenzollern was the King of Prussia (1861–1888) and the first German Emperor (1871–1888), as well as the first Head of State of a united Germany. 3) William Tell is a famous hero of Switzerland. His legend is tracked in a Swiss chronicle of the late 15th-century.
⭐ PopularThis name means “bright fame, shining glory.” The name derives from the Old High German name “Hrōdebert,” composed of two elements: “*hrōþiz” (praise, fame, glory, renown, honor) plus “*berhtaz” (light, bright, clear, shining one). Robert the Magnificent (le Magnifique) was the Duke of Normandy from 1027 until his death. Owing to uncertainty over the numbering of the Dukes of Normandy, he is usually called Robert I, but sometimes Robert II with his ancestor Rollo as Robert I. Robert I (866–923), King of Western France (922–923). Before succeeding his brother Odo as King, he was the Count of Poitiers, Marquis of Neustria and Orléans, and Count of Paris. After becoming widely used in Continental Europe, it entered England in its Old French form Robert, where an Old English cognate form (Hrēodbēorht, Hrodberht, Hrēodbēorð, Hrœdbœrð, Hrœdberð) had existed before the Norman Conquest.
⭐ PopularFrom a surname which was itself derived from the Norman French form of the given names “Alberich or Alfred.” In turn, the name is of Germanic and Old English (Anglo-Saxon) origin and comes from the roots: (ALBERICH) and (ALFRED). Avery was the 13th most common name for girls born in the United States in 2012.
⭐ PopularSkye is both a surname and a given name and derives from “Skye” or “the Isle of Skye,” the largest and most northerly large island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. Skye is also a variant of Sky, which derives from the Germanic and Old Norse “*skiwją / *skiwô > ský,” meaning “a cloud, cloud, cloud cover.”
⭐ PopularThis name probably derives from the Ancient Germanic “otho,” from the Ancient Germanic “*audaz,” meaning “prosperity, fortune, riches, wealth, heiress” or from “*ōþ- > uodil,” meaning “One’s ancestral land, homeland, home, territory.” Audo and Odo were originally diminutives of all names beginning with the element “od-, ot-.” Otto, also spelled Othon (Greek: Ὄθων, βασιλεὺς τῆς Ἑλλάδος) (1815–1867), was a Bavarian prince who became the first modern king of Greece in 1832 under the convention of London. He reigned until his deposition in 1862. In 1832, Otto, Prince of Bavaria, was proclaimed king of Greece. He adopted the Greek spelling of his name, king Othon, as well as Greek national dress. One of his first tasks as king was to conduct a detailed archaeological and topographical survey of Athens, his new capital. He assigned Gustav Eduard Schaubert and Stamatios Kleanthis to complete this task. Saint Otto of Bamberg was a Medieval German bishop and missionary who, as papal legate, converted much of Pomerania to Christianity.
⭐ PopularThis name derives from the Old High German “raban,” from the Proto-Germanic “*hrabnaz” (Old Norse: hrafn; Old Saxon: hravan; Old English: hræfn), meaning “raven.” In turn, the name means “a thieving person or a dark-haired person.” Raven, by the way, is a unisex given name in the English language. In the United States of America, the name is more commonly used as a feminine name and has ranked amongst the top 1,000 female names given to baby girls since 1977.
This female name derives from the Old English “Eadwine,” composed of two elements: the Anglo-Saxon “hīġ / hīeġ,” which in turn derives from the Proto-Germanic “*hawją,” meaning “grass cut and dried for use as animal fodder, any mix of green leafy plants used for fodder” plus the Old English “*lēah,” meaning “woodland, a clearing ‘especially one used for farming,’ a meadow.” The name was made famous by the child actress Hayley Mills. Mills was 12 when she was discovered by J. Lee Thompson, who was initially looking for a boy to play the lead role in Tiger Bay. Walt Disney’s wife, Lillian Disney, saw her performance and suggested that Mills be given the leading role in Pollyanna.
This name is a short form of Albert, Alba, Albina, and Alban. The name is of Germanic and Latin origin and comes from the following roots: (ADELBERT) (ALBINUS) and (ALBA).
This female name derives from the Old English “Eadwine,” composed of two elements: the Anglo-Saxon “hīġ / hīeġ,” which in turn derives from the Proto-Germanic “*hawją,” meaning “grass cut and dried for use as animal fodder, any mix of green leafy plants used for fodder” plus the Old English “*lēah,” meaning “woodland, a clearing ‘especially one used for farming,’ a meadow.” The name was made famous by the child actress Hayley Mills. Mills was 12 when she was discovered by J. Lee Thompson, who was initially looking for a boy to play the lead role in Tiger Bay. Walt Disney’s wife, Lillian Disney, saw her performance and suggested that Mills be given the leading role in Pollyanna.
This female name derives from the Old English “Eadwine,” composed of two elements: the Anglo-Saxon “hīġ / hīeġ,” which in turn derives from the Proto-Germanic “*hawją,” meaning “grass cut and dried for use as animal fodder, any mix of green leafy plants used for fodder” plus the Old English “*lēah,” meaning “woodland, a clearing ‘especially one used for farming,’ a meadow.” The name was made famous by the child actress Hayley Mills. Mills was 12 when she was discovered by J. Lee Thompson, who was initially looking for a boy to play the lead role in Tiger Bay. Walt Disney’s wife, Lillian Disney, saw her performance and suggested that Mills be given the leading role in Pollyanna.
This name derives from the Ancient Germanic root “*widu / Vitu,” which means “forest as a borderline, forest, wood, tree.” Some forms of the name derived from the Latin “vīta,” which means “life.” Guido In the past was the diminutive form of other names, such as Guidobaldo and Guidalberto, which are Germanic, but already in the past, “Wido” was confused with Latin Vitus (today Vito), which in fact in many languages all names are entirely equivalent. Saint Guy of Anderlecht was a Christian saint. He was known as the Poor Man of Anderlecht. 2) Saint Vitus, according to Christian legend, was a Christian saint from Sicily. He died as a martyr during the persecution of Christians by co-ruling Roman Emperors Diocletian and Maximian in 303. Vitus is counted as one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers of the Roman Catholic Church. 3) Guido is a slang term for a working-class urban Italian American. The “Guido” stereotype is multi-faceted. Initially, it was used as a demeaning term for Italian Americans in general.
This name is linked to three different roots: 1) From the Ancient Germanic “*ermunaz,” meaning “strong, whole, tall, exalted, whole, great, powerful” (making it a relative of Ermenrich). 2) From the Gothic “*amal / ama-l,” meaning “work, brave, diligent, the Amali” (making it a relative of Amalric). 3) From the Old High German “*haimaz,” meaning “home, house” (making it a relative of Henry). The second element is “-ric,” from the Ancient Germanic “*rīkijaz,” meaning “kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich.” It is probable that one Germanic form was merged into a single name and later generated its variants.
This name derives from the Old Norse name Æiríkr > Eiríkr, a younger form of “*Aina-rikiaR / *Aiwa-rikiaR.” The name is composed of two elements: “*aina(z) / *aiwa(z)” (always, one, alone) plus “*rīkijaz” (kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich). The name means “the one and only, ever powerful.” Although the name was in use in Anglo-Saxon England, its use was reinforced by Scandinavian settlers arriving before the Norman Invasion. It was an uncommon name in England until the middle ages when it gained popularity and finally became a common name in the 19th century. In Norway, Sweden, and Finland, the name day for Erik and Eirik is on May 18, commemorating the death of Saint Eric of Sweden. Eric IX of Sweden (Erik the Saint, Eric the Holy, † 1160) was king of Sweden from 1150 to 1960, Eric did much to aid Christianity in his realm and was responsible for codifying the laws of his kingdom, which became known as King Eric’s Law.
This name means “battle of dark results.” It derives from the Ancient Germanic (Latinized) name “Griseldis,” composed of two elements: “*grēwaz,” meaning “grey, aged, very old man, sand” plus “*hildiz,” meaning “battle, fight.” This was the name of a patient wife in medieval tales by Boccaccio and Chaucer. Griselda is a “dramma per musica” in three acts that were composed by Antonio Vivaldi. The opera uses a revised version of the 1701 Italian libretto by Apostolo Zeno based on Giovanni Boccaccio’s The Decameron (X, 10, ‘The Patient Griselda’).
This name is linked to three different roots: 1) From the Ancient Germanic “*ermunaz,” meaning “strong, whole, tall, exalted, whole, great, powerful” (making it a relative of Ermenrich). 2) From the Gothic “*amal / ama-l,” meaning “work, brave, diligent, the Amali” (making it a relative of Amalric). 3) From the Old High German “*haimaz,” meaning “home, house” (making it a relative of Henry). The second element is “-ric,” from the Ancient Germanic “*rīkijaz,” meaning “kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich.” It is probable that one Germanic form was merged into a single name and later generated its variants.
This name derives from Old High German “Reginwald and Raginoald” Latinized as “Reginaldus,” composed of two elements: “*raginą” (decision, advice, counsel) plus “*waldaʐ” (ruler, might, mighty one, power, powerful one). In turn, the name means “the advice of the sovereign.” Raynald of Châtillon (Renaud de Châtillon, Old French: Reynaud de Chastillon), was a knight who served in the Second Crusade and remained in the Holy Land after its defeat. He ruled as Prince of Antioch from 1153 to 1160 and, through his second marriage, became Lord of Oultrejordain. He was an enormously controversial character in his lifetime and beyond.
This name derives from Old High German “Ansehelm,” composed of two elements: “*ansuz” (pagan god) plus “*helmaz” (helmet, protection), meaning “protected by God, under the protection of divinity.” Anselm of Canterbury (~1033–1109), also called Anselm of Aosta (Italian: Anselmo d’Aosta) was a Benedictine monk, abbot, philosopher and theologian of the Catholic Church, who held the office of Archbishop of Canterbury from 1093 to 1109.
This female name derives from the Old English “Eadwine,” composed of two elements: the Anglo-Saxon “hīġ / hīeġ,” which in turn derives from the Proto-Germanic “*hawją,” meaning “grass cut and dried for use as animal fodder, any mix of green leafy plants used for fodder” plus the Old English “*lēah,” meaning “woodland, a clearing ‘especially one used for farming,’ a meadow.” The name was made famous by the child actress Hayley Mills. Mills was 12 when she was discovered by J. Lee Thompson, who was initially looking for a boy to play the lead role in Tiger Bay. Walt Disney’s wife, Lillian Disney, saw her performance and suggested that Mills be given the leading role in Pollyanna.
This name derives from the Old High German “Haimirich,” composed of two elements “*haimaz” (home, house) plus “*rīkijaz” (kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich). The name means “ruler of the home, sovereign of the homeland.” Harry, its English short form, was considered the “spoken form” of Henry in medieval England. Most English kings named Henry were called Harry. At one time, the name was so popular for English men that the phrase “Tom, Dick, and Harry” was used to refer to everyone. The most famous patron Henry II (Saint Henry), was Holy Roman Emperor from 1014 until he died in 1024. The last member of the Ottonian dynasty of Emperors, Henry II, succeeded to the German throne following his second-cousin Emperor Otto III’s sudden death in 1002. Henry was born on May 5, 972, the son of Duke Henry II, Duke of Bavaria, and Gisela of Burgundy.
This name originates from a surname of the same name, which probably derives from the surname “Kinsley,” from “cyning lēah,” meaning “the king of the forest, king’s wood.” The name could be derived from an English given name “Ceolsige,” meaning “ship’s victory,” which could be an Old English (Anglo-Saxon) place name meaning “Cenel’s island.”
This name derives from the Old High German “Haimirich,” composed of two elements “*haimaz” (home, house) plus “*rīkijaz” (kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich). The name means “ruler of the home, sovereign of the homeland.” Harry, its English short form, was considered the “spoken form” of Henry in medieval England. Most English kings named Henry were called Harry. At one time, the name was so popular for English men that the phrase “Tom, Dick, and Harry” was used to refer to everyone. The most famous patron Henry II (Saint Henry), was Holy Roman Emperor from 1014 until he died in 1024. The last member of the Ottonian dynasty of Emperors, Henry II, succeeded to the German throne following his second-cousin Emperor Otto III’s sudden death in 1002. Henry was born on May 5, 972, the son of Duke Henry II, Duke of Bavaria, and Gisela of Burgundy.
Tucker is a surname of disputed origin. The origin of the name is not entirely certain, but since it has a long history as a surname on the continent, as in England and from thereon, also in the United States, it presumably has the same Saxon roots. Recorded as both Tucker and Tooker, the English occupational surname’s derivation comes from the Old English, pre-7th Century verb “tucian,” meaning “to torment.” Linguistically, the word tucker is assumed to be related to the German tucher, which means “towel-maker.”
This female name derives from the Old English “Eadwine,” composed of two elements: the Anglo-Saxon “hīġ / hīeġ,” which in turn derives from the Proto-Germanic “*hawją,” meaning “grass cut and dried for use as animal fodder, any mix of green leafy plants used for fodder” plus the Old English “*lēah,” meaning “woodland, a clearing ‘especially one used for farming,’ a meadow.” The name was made famous by the child actress Hayley Mills. Mills was 12 when she was discovered by J. Lee Thompson, who was initially looking for a boy to play the lead role in Tiger Bay. Walt Disney’s wife, Lillian Disney, saw her performance and suggested that Mills be given the leading role in Pollyanna.
This female name derives from the Old English “Eadwine,” composed of two elements: the Anglo-Saxon “hīġ / hīeġ,” which in turn derives from the Proto-Germanic “*hawją,” meaning “grass cut and dried for use as animal fodder, any mix of green leafy plants used for fodder” plus the Old English “*lēah,” meaning “woodland, a clearing ‘especially one used for farming,’ a meadow.” The name was made famous by the child actress Hayley Mills. Mills was 12 when she was discovered by J. Lee Thompson, who was initially looking for a boy to play the lead role in Tiger Bay. Walt Disney’s wife, Lillian Disney, saw her performance and suggested that Mills be given the leading role in Pollyanna.
This female name derives from the Old English “Eadwine,” composed of two elements: the Anglo-Saxon “hīġ / hīeġ,” which in turn derives from the Proto-Germanic “*hawją,” meaning “grass cut and dried for use as animal fodder, any mix of green leafy plants used for fodder” plus the Old English “*lēah,” meaning “woodland, a clearing ‘especially one used for farming,’ a meadow.” The name was made famous by the child actress Hayley Mills. Mills was 12 when she was discovered by J. Lee Thompson, who was initially looking for a boy to play the lead role in Tiger Bay. Walt Disney’s wife, Lillian Disney, saw her performance and suggested that Mills be given the leading role in Pollyanna.
The name of the city was named in 1859 after James W. Denver (1817–1892), governor of the territory. This name derives from the old English “dena,” meaning (a native of Denmark) from the Germanic “*den-,” meaning (low ground) plus the Old Saxon “vār,” from the Germanic “*fēra-,” meaning (danger). The family name is from the place of that name in Norfolk, literally “ford or passage used by the Danes. 1) Denver sits on a high plain just east of the Rocky Mountains, which offers a view of great beauty to those looking westward from the city. The central district is on the South Platte River’s east bank, near the confluence of the latter with Cherry Creek. 2) Daniel Ramos, better known by his alias, ‘Denver,’ is one of the main characters in the Netflix series Money Heist.
This name derives from the Old High German element “adal” (Ancient Germanic: *aþalaz; Old English: æthel), meaning “noble,” native German short form of names containing the name element “adal.” The name is also directly linked to the names Adelaide, Adelheid, Adelaida. Saint Adela was one of two princesses, the daughters of Saint Dagobert II. Adela was married and had a child by her husband, Alberic. Alberic died within a few years of the marriage. Despite multiple marriage offers, she chose to take up holy orders. Saint Adelina († 1125) was a French Benedictine nun honored as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church.
This name derives from the Old English “winter,” meaning “winter (season),” which in turn derives from the Proto-Germanic “*wentruz,” in relation to the Proto-Indo-European “*wódr̥,” meaning “water.” Traditionally the fourth of the four seasons, typically regarded as being from December 23 to March 20 in continental regions of the Northern Hemisphere or the months of June, July, and August in the Southern Hemisphere. It is the time when the sun is lowest in the sky, resulting in short days, and the time of year with the most moderate atmospheric temperatures for the region.
This female name derives from the Old English “Eadwine,” composed of two elements: the Anglo-Saxon “hīġ / hīeġ,” which in turn derives from the Proto-Germanic “*hawją,” meaning “grass cut and dried for use as animal fodder, any mix of green leafy plants used for fodder” plus the Old English “*lēah,” meaning “woodland, a clearing ‘especially one used for farming,’ a meadow.” The name was made famous by the child actress Hayley Mills. Mills was 12 when she was discovered by J. Lee Thompson, who was initially looking for a boy to play the lead role in Tiger Bay. Walt Disney’s wife, Lillian Disney, saw her performance and suggested that Mills be given the leading role in Pollyanna.
This name derives from the Old English “winter,” meaning “winter (season),” which in turn derives from the Proto-Germanic “*wentruz,” in relation to the Proto-Indo-European “*wódr̥,” meaning “water.” Traditionally the fourth of the four seasons, typically regarded as being from December 23 to March 20 in continental regions of the Northern Hemisphere or the months of June, July, and August in the Southern Hemisphere. It is the time when the sun is lowest in the sky, resulting in short days, and the time of year with the most moderate atmospheric temperatures for the region.
From a surname which was itself derived from the Norman French form of the given names “Alberich or Alfred.” In turn, the name is of Germanic and Old English (Anglo-Saxon) origin and comes from the roots: (ALBERICH) and (ALFRED). Avery was the 13th most common name for girls born in the United States in 2012.
This name derives from Ancient Germanic “Waltheri,” composed of two elements: “*waldaʐ” (ruler, might, mighty one, power, powerful one) plus “*harjaz” (army, army leader, commander, warrior). The name means “ruler of the army, leader of an army.” Waltheri, son of Wacho from his third wife, Silinga, was a king of the Lombards from 539 to 546. He was an infant king, and Audoin administered the rule. The Latinized form is Waltharius, the title of a poem on the legendary Gothic king Walter of Aquitaine. Jacob Grimm in Teutonic Mythology speculates that Walthari, literally “wielder of hosts,” may have been an epithet of the god of war, Ziu or Eor and that the circumstance that the hero of the Waltharius poems loses his right hand in battle may be significant, linking him to the Norse tradition of Tyr.
This name derives from the Old High German “Ekkebert,” composed of two elements: “*agi,ō” (edge, corner, sharpness ‘of a weapon’, sword), and “*berhtaz” (light, bright, clear, shining one). The name means “shining blade, bright as a blade.” Egbert (also spelled Ecgberht) was King of Wessex from 802 until his death in 839. His father was Ealhmund of Kent. In the 780s, Egbert was forced into exile by Offa of Mercia and Beorhtric of Wessex, but on Beorhtric’s death in 802, Egbert returned and took the throne. Saint Ecgberht (or Egbert) († 729) was an Anglo-Saxon monk of Northumbria and Bishop of Lindisfarne.
This name derives from the Old High German “Haimirich,” composed of two elements “*haimaz” (home, house) plus “*rīkijaz” (kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich). The name means “ruler of the home, sovereign of the homeland.” Harry, its English short form, was considered the “spoken form” of Henry in medieval England. Most English kings named Henry were called Harry. At one time, the name was so popular for English men that the phrase “Tom, Dick, and Harry” was used to refer to everyone. The most famous patron Henry II (Saint Henry), was Holy Roman Emperor from 1014 until he died in 1024. The last member of the Ottonian dynasty of Emperors, Henry II, succeeded to the German throne following his second-cousin Emperor Otto III’s sudden death in 1002. Henry was born on May 5, 972, the son of Duke Henry II, Duke of Bavaria, and Gisela of Burgundy.
The first element, “oak” comes from Old English (Anglo-Saxon) “āc” (oak), which in turn derives from the Proto-Germanic “*aiks,” also meaning “oak.” The second element comes from the Old English (Anglo-Saxon) “lēah” (woodland, a clearing (especially one used for farming), a meadow).
This name means “bright fame, shining glory.” The name derives from the Old High German name “Hrōdebert,” composed of two elements: “*hrōþiz” (praise, fame, glory, renown, honor) plus “*berhtaz” (light, bright, clear, shining one). Robert the Magnificent (le Magnifique) was the Duke of Normandy from 1027 until his death. Owing to uncertainty over the numbering of the Dukes of Normandy, he is usually called Robert I, but sometimes Robert II with his ancestor Rollo as Robert I. Robert I (866–923), King of Western France (922–923). Before succeeding his brother Odo as King, he was the Count of Poitiers, Marquis of Neustria and Orléans, and Count of Paris. After becoming widely used in Continental Europe, it entered England in its Old French form Robert, where an Old English cognate form (Hrēodbēorht, Hrodberht, Hrēodbēorð, Hrœdbœrð, Hrœdberð) had existed before the Norman Conquest.
This name derives from the Old High German element “adal” (Ancient Germanic: *aþalaz; Old English: æthel), meaning “noble,” native German short form of names containing the name element “adal.” The name is also directly linked to the names Adelaide, Adelheid, Adelaida. Saint Adela was one of two princesses, the daughters of Saint Dagobert II. Adela was married and had a child by her husband, Alberic. Alberic died within a few years of the marriage. Despite multiple marriage offers, she chose to take up holy orders. Saint Adelina († 1125) was a French Benedictine nun honored as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church.
This name originates from a surname of the same name, which probably derives from the surname “Kinsley,” from “cyning lēah,” meaning “the king of the forest, king’s wood.” The name could be derived from an English given name “Ceolsige,” meaning “ship’s victory,” which could be an Old English (Anglo-Saxon) place name meaning “Cenel’s island.”
This name originates from a surname of the same name, which probably derives from the surname “Kinsley,” from “cyning lēah,” meaning “the king of the forest, king’s wood.” The name could be derived from an English given name “Ceolsige,” meaning “ship’s victory,” which could be an Old English (Anglo-Saxon) place name meaning “Cenel’s island.”
This name originates from a surname of the same name, which probably derives from the surname “Kinsley,” from “cyning lēah,” meaning “the king of the forest, king’s wood.” The name could be derived from an English given name “Ceolsige,” meaning “ship’s victory,” which could be an Old English (Anglo-Saxon) place name meaning “Cenel’s island.”
This name is of Old English (Anglo-Saxon) origin,” composed of two elements: “*hæddre, hæð” (heather, forest, uncultivated land) plus “lēah” (woodland, a clearing ‘especially one used for farming,’ a meadow). In turn, the name means “the man of the forests or open fields.”
This name derives from the Old English “Cyneweard,” composed of two elements: “cyne- / cynn” (royal king, kin, family, clan), from the Proto-Germanic “*kunją” (kind, tribe, people) plus “weard” (guard, the action of looking out for danger). In turn, the name means “the royal guard.”
The etymology of the name comes from the common Germanic noun “*karlaz” meaning “free man,” which survives in English as “churl,” Old English (Anglo-Saxon) “ċeorl,” which developed its deprecating sense in the Middle English period. In turn, this name derives from the West Frankish name “Háriolus,” a pet form of Germanic names beginning with “*harjaz / *charja-,” meaning “army, army leader, commander, warrior.” The name took a Romanic influence. The Germanic “H” would be represented by a “C” in Romanic spelling; this is where the “C” or “K” came in. The feminine form Caroline and Carolina derive from “Carolus” which is Latin for Charles (English), from which it also derives Charlotte and its derivates. The name was brought in particular by Charlemagne “Charles the Great” and was at the time Latinized as Karolus as “in Vita Karoli Magni,” later also as Carolus. Charles the Great (German: Karl der Große; Latin: Carolus or Karolus Magnus) or Charles I, was the King of the Franks from 768, the King of Italy from 774, the first Holy Roman Emperor, and the first emperor in western Europe since the collapse of the Western Roman Empire three centuries earlier.
This name derives from the Ancient Germanic “Roslindis” composed of two elements: 1) From the Germanic “(h)ros” (horse) plus “linþia” (weak, soft, tender, mild), but interpreted as “docile horse, trained horse, meek horse.” 2) From the Germanic “*hrōþiz” (praise, fame, glory, renown, honor) plus “linþia” (weak, soft, tender, mild). During the Middle Ages, it was associated with and influenced by a name with separate origins in the Latin / Spanish “rosa linda,” “Linda” meaning (Beautiful), and “Rosa” meaning (rose). From this root, the name can only mean “Beautiful Rose.”
This name derives from the Old French name “Humbert,” composed of two Old High German elements: “hūn” (child, cub, puppy) plus “*berhtaz” (light, bright, clear, shining one). In turn, the name means “the brightness of the puppy, famous warrior, powerful illustrious.” Humbert is the French form used by immigrants of the “Hunbert” area. The second element may be derived from the name element “hun” derived from the Late Latin “hūn,” from the Turkic Ottoman “Hun-yü,” the name of a Mongolian Uralic tribe “Hiung-nu” (Chinese: Xiōngnú). Humbert (1793), Umberche (1170), Unguebert (1214) is a commune in the Pas-de-Calais department in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France. Umberto I or Humbert I (1844–1900), nicknamed the Good (Italian: Il Buono), was the King of Italy from January 9, 1878, until his death. Umberto III, dubbed the Blessed (Italian: il Benedetto), was Count of Savoy from 1148 to 1189. His parents were Amadeus III of Savoy and Mahaut (or Mafalda, or Matilda) of Albon, the sister of Guy IV of Dauphinois. His memorial day is on March 4. Humbert († 842) was the bishop of Würzburg from 833 until his death.
This name derives from the Germanic name element “*ermunaz,” meaning “strong, whole, tall, exalted, whole, great, powerful.” Originally was a short form of Germanic names that began with the element “ermen,” as Ermengarde, Ermentrude, and Ermenegilda. Emma also represents a diminutive vernacular form of Emily, Emmeline, Amelia, or any other name beginning with “em.” Emma of Normandy, one of the first to be called Emma, was a daughter of Richard the Fearless, Duke of Normandy, by his second wife, Gunnora. She was queen consort of England by successive marriages: first as the second wife to Æthelred the Unready of England (1002–1016); and then the second wife of Cnut (Canute) the great of Denmark (1017–1035). She acted as regent in Wessex in 1040. The name Emma became popular in the United States later in the 20th-century, reaching the top 100 names for girls in the late 1990s and rising to second place on the popularity chart in 2013.
This name derives from the Old High German element “adal” (Ancient Germanic: *aþalaz; Old English: æthel), meaning “noble,” native German short form of names containing the name element “adal.” The name is also directly linked to the names Adelaide, Adelheid, Adelaida. Saint Adela was one of two princesses, the daughters of Saint Dagobert II. Adela was married and had a child by her husband, Alberic. Alberic died within a few years of the marriage. Despite multiple marriage offers, she chose to take up holy orders. Saint Adelina († 1125) was a French Benedictine nun honored as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church.
This name is composed of two elements: From the Old German “lureln” (murmuring) plus the Celtic term “ley” (rock). In turn, the name means “murmur rock, murmuring rock, luring rock.” Lorelei is a feminine given name taken from the name of a rocky headland on the Rhine River. Legends say that a maiden named the Lorelei lives on the rock and lures fishers to their death with her song. Lorelei is also the name of a feminine water spirit, similar to mermaids or Rhinemaidens, associated with this rock in popular folklore and works of music, art, and literature. The name-day is celebrated on November 1, the Feast of All Saints.
This female name derives from the Old English “Eadwine,” composed of two elements: the Anglo-Saxon “hīġ / hīeġ,” which in turn derives from the Proto-Germanic “*hawją,” meaning “grass cut and dried for use as animal fodder, any mix of green leafy plants used for fodder” plus the Old English “*lēah,” meaning “woodland, a clearing ‘especially one used for farming,’ a meadow.” The name was made famous by the child actress Hayley Mills. Mills was 12 when she was discovered by J. Lee Thompson, who was initially looking for a boy to play the lead role in Tiger Bay. Walt Disney’s wife, Lillian Disney, saw her performance and suggested that Mills be given the leading role in Pollyanna.
This name derives from Old High German “Reginwald and Raginoald” Latinized as “Reginaldus,” composed of two elements: “*raginą” (decision, advice, counsel) plus “*waldaʐ” (ruler, might, mighty one, power, powerful one). In turn, the name means “the advice of the sovereign.” Raynald of Châtillon (Renaud de Châtillon, Old French: Reynaud de Chastillon), was a knight who served in the Second Crusade and remained in the Holy Land after its defeat. He ruled as Prince of Antioch from 1153 to 1160 and, through his second marriage, became Lord of Oultrejordain. He was an enormously controversial character in his lifetime and beyond.
This name is of Germanic and Old English (Anglo-Saxon) origin, composed of two elements: “cyng / cyning”, from the Proto-Germanic “*kuningaz” (king) plus “lēah” (a woodland, a clearing “especially one used for farming”, a meadow). The name means “the king of the forest, king’s wood”. Kingsley is both a surname and a given name. This name increases its popularity thanks to the English actor “Ben Kingsley” (born on December 1943).
This name is of Germanic and Old English (Anglo-Saxon) origin, composed of two elements: “cyng / cyning”, from the Proto-Germanic “*kuningaz” (king) plus “lēah” (a woodland, a clearing “especially one used for farming”, a meadow). The name means “the king of the forest, king’s wood”. Kingsley is both a surname and a given name. This name increases its popularity thanks to the English actor “Ben Kingsley” (born on December 1943).
This name derives from the Germanic name element “*ermunaz,” meaning “strong, whole, tall, exalted, whole, great, powerful.” Originally was a short form of Germanic names that began with the element “ermen,” as Ermengarde, Ermentrude, and Ermenegilda. Emma also represents a diminutive vernacular form of Emily, Emmeline, Amelia, or any other name beginning with “em.” Emma of Normandy, one of the first to be called Emma, was a daughter of Richard the Fearless, Duke of Normandy, by his second wife, Gunnora. She was queen consort of England by successive marriages: first as the second wife to Æthelred the Unready of England (1002–1016); and then the second wife of Cnut (Canute) the great of Denmark (1017–1035). She acted as regent in Wessex in 1040. The name Emma became popular in the United States later in the 20th-century, reaching the top 100 names for girls in the late 1990s and rising to second place on the popularity chart in 2013.
The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain. The theories include: 1) From the Germanic “Alfher” (from which Alvaro) or the Old Norse “Áleifr” from the Proto-Norse “*AnulaiƀaR” (from which Olaf). 2) From the Latin “ŏlīva” (olive, a symbol of peace, religious piety, or victory), referring to the fruit or the branch of the olive. 3) A third hypothesis, less accredited, is from the Mycenaean Greek “élaiwon (ἔλαιϝον),” Ancient Greek “élaion (ἔλαιον).” The names “Olaf” and “Oliver” are linked to the Latin root, but related to the Germanic and Norse, from (Alfher) and (Ólæifr). Saint Oliver Plunkett (1629–1681) was the Roman Catholic archbishop of Armagh and chief bishop of all of Ireland, who was the last victim of the papist plot.
This name derives from the Old Norman “Williame,” (French: Guillaume; German: Wilhelm). In turn, the name derives from the Old High German name “Willihelm,” composed of two elements: “*wiljô” (will, wish, desire) plus “*helmaz” (helmet, protection); thus the Old German Name “Wilhelm” and the Old Norse name “Vilhjálmr” have the same roots. The first well-known bearer of the name was Charlemagne’s cousin William of Gellone, William of Orange, and Guillaume Fierabrace (755–812). This William is immortalized in the “Chanson de Guillaume,” and his esteem may account for the name’s subsequent popularity among European nobility. 1) William I (1028–1087), usually known as William the Conqueror and sometimes William, the Bastard, was the first Norman King of England, reigning from 1066 until he died in 1087. 2) William I (Wilhelm Friedrich Ludwig, 1797–1888) of the House of Hohenzollern was the King of Prussia (1861–1888) and the first German Emperor (1871–1888), as well as the first Head of State of a united Germany. 3) William Tell is a famous hero of Switzerland. His legend is tracked in a Swiss chronicle of the late 15th-century.
The name’s etymology is a common Germanic noun “*karlaz” meaning “free man,” which survives in English as “churl,” Old English (Anglo-Saxon) “ċeorl,” which developed its deprecating sense in the Middle English period. In turn, this name derives from the West Frankish name “Háriolus,” a pet form of Germanic names beginning with “*harjaz / *charja-,” meaning “army, army leader, commander, warrior.” The name took a Romanic influence. The Germanic “H” would be represented by a “C” in Romanic spelling; this is where the “C” or “K” came in. The feminine form Caroline and Carolina derive from “Carolus” which is Latin for Charles (English) from which it also derives Charlotte and its derivates. The name was notably borne by Charlemagne “Charles the Great” and was at the time Latinized as Karolus as “in Vita Karoli Magni,” later also as Carolus. Charles the Great (German: Karl der Große; Latin: Carolus or Karolus Magnus) or Charles I, was the King of the Franks from 768, the King of Italy from 774, the first Holy Roman Emperor, and the first emperor in western Europe since the collapse of the Western Roman Empire three centuries earlier.
This name derives from the Old High German “Haimirich,” composed of two elements “*haimaz” (home, house) plus “*rīkijaz” (kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich). The name means “ruler of the home, sovereign of the homeland.” Harry, its English short form, was considered the “spoken form” of Henry in medieval England. Most English kings named Henry were called Harry. At one time, the name was so popular for English men that the phrase “Tom, Dick, and Harry” was used to refer to everyone. The most famous patron Henry II (Saint Henry), was Holy Roman Emperor from 1014 until he died in 1024. The last member of the Ottonian dynasty of Emperors, Henry II, succeeded to the German throne following his second-cousin Emperor Otto III’s sudden death in 1002. Henry was born on May 5, 972, the son of Duke Henry II, Duke of Bavaria, and Gisela of Burgundy.
This name derives from Old English (Anglo-Saxon) “macian,” meaning “to make, form, construct, do, prepare, arrange, transform,” from the West Germanic “*makon.” In turn, it derives from the Old High German “mahhon,” meaning “to construct, make.” The name means stoneworker, one who works with stone. Mason is a traditionally masculine given name, although recently, the name has been used for either sex. Its origin is from the occupational surname Mason.
The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain. The theories include: 1) From the Germanic “Alfher” (from which Alvaro) or the Old Norse “Áleifr” from the Proto-Norse “*AnulaiƀaR” (from which Olaf). 2) From the Latin “ŏlīva” (olive, a symbol of peace, religious piety, or victory), referring to the fruit or the branch of the olive. 3) A third hypothesis, less accredited, is from the Mycenaean Greek “élaiwon (ἔλαιϝον),” Ancient Greek “élaion (ἔλαιον).” The names “Olaf” and “Oliver” are linked to the Latin root, but related to the Germanic and Norse, from (Alfher) and (Ólæifr). Saint Oliver Plunkett (1629–1681) was the Roman Catholic archbishop of Armagh and chief bishop of all of Ireland, who was the last victim of the papist plot.
Ella is a diminutive of Eleanor, Ellen, Helena, Elizabeth, Ariel and a short form of Ariella. It is of Germanic, French (Provençal), Greek and Hebrew origin and comes from the following roots: (ALIÉNOR) (HELÉNĒ) (ELISHEVA) and (ARIĒL) The name also represents the short form of any name beginning with the element “el-” and the short form of any name ending in “-ela / -ella / -ele / -elle.”
Harper is a 12th-century Scottish family name that has also seen popularity as a given name, and means “player on the harp.” The name is believed to have originated in the Dalriadan region of Scotland, especially in the Lennox district, associated with Clan Buchanan. Harper is the Anglicization of the German family name “Härpfer,” from Old English “hearpe” with the addition of the agent suffix “-er,” from Proto-Germanic “*harpǭ.” The name Harper is now one of the thirty most popular names in the United States.
The etymology of the name comes from the common Germanic noun “*karlaz” meaning “free man,” which survives in English as “churl,” Old English (Anglo-Saxon) “ċeorl,” which developed its deprecating sense in the Middle English period. In turn, this name derives from the West Frankish name “Háriolus,” a pet form of Germanic names beginning with “*harjaz / *charja-,” meaning “army, army leader, commander, warrior.” The name took a Romanic influence. The Germanic “H” would be represented by a “C” in Romanic spelling; this is where the “C” or “K” came in. The feminine form Caroline and Carolina derive from “Carolus” which is Latin for Charles (English), from which it also derives Charlotte and its derivates. The name was brought in particular by Charlemagne “Charles the Great” and was at the time Latinized as Karolus as “in Vita Karoli Magni,” later also as Carolus. Charles the Great (German: Karl der Große; Latin: Carolus or Karolus Magnus) or Charles I, was the King of the Franks from 768, the King of Italy from 774, the first Holy Roman Emperor, and the first emperor in western Europe since the collapse of the Western Roman Empire three centuries earlier.
This name derives from Old High German “Reginwald and Raginoald” Latinized as “Reginaldus,” composed of two elements: “*raginą” (decision, advice, counsel) plus “*waldaʐ” (ruler, might, mighty one, power, powerful one). In turn, the name means “the advice of the sovereign.” Raynald of Châtillon (Renaud de Châtillon, Old French: Reynaud de Chastillon), was a knight who served in the Second Crusade and remained in the Holy Land after its defeat. He ruled as Prince of Antioch from 1153 to 1160 and, through his second marriage, became Lord of Oultrejordain. He was an enormously controversial character in his lifetime and beyond.
This name derives from Old High German “Frithuric,” composed of two elements “*friþuz” (peace, tranquility, friendship) and “*rīkijaz” (kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich). The name means “peaceful ruler, peace-keeper.” Frederick II (German: Friedrich II 1712–1786) was a King in Prussia (1740–1772) from the Hohenzollern dynasty. He is best known as a brilliant military campaigner and organizer of Prussian armies. He became known as Frederick the Great (Friedrich der Große) and was dubbed Der Alte Fritz (Old Fritz). Frederick, I was Bishop of Utrecht between 815/816 and 834/838 and is a saint of the Roman Catholic Church.
This female name derives from the Old English “Eadwine,” composed of two elements: the Anglo-Saxon “hīġ / hīeġ,” which in turn derives from the Proto-Germanic “*hawją,” meaning “grass cut and dried for use as animal fodder, any mix of green leafy plants used for fodder” plus the Old English “*lēah,” meaning “woodland, a clearing ‘especially one used for farming,’ a meadow.” The name was made famous by the child actress Hayley Mills. Mills was 12 when she was discovered by J. Lee Thompson, who was initially looking for a boy to play the lead role in Tiger Bay. Walt Disney’s wife, Lillian Disney, saw her performance and suggested that Mills be given the leading role in Pollyanna.
This name derives from the Old High German “Gerlind,” composed of two elements: “*gaizaz” (spear, pike, javelin) plus “lindi / linta” (weak, soft, tender, mild / lime-tree, linden tree / protective shield of linden wood). In turn, the name means “one who protects us with spear and shield.”
This name derives from the West Gothic “Fridunand,” composed of two elements: “*friþuz” (peace, tranquility, friendship) plus “*nanþi-” (bold, to be bold, daring, to dare). The name means “bold protector, brave in peace.” Romance languages adopted the name from its use in the Visigothic Kingdom. It is reconstructed as either Gothic Ferdinanths or Frithunanths. It became popular in German-speaking Europe only from the 16th century, with Habsburg rule over Spain. 1) Ferdinand I, called “the Great” (El Magno), was the Count of Castile from his uncle’s death in 1029 and the King of León after defeating his brother-in-law in 1037. According to tradition, he was the first to have himself crowned Emperor of Spain (1056), and his heirs carried on the tradition. 2) Ferdinand I, called “of Antequera” and also” the Just or the Honest,” was King of Aragon, Valencia, Majorca, Sardinia and (nominal) Corsica and king of Sicily, duke (nominal) of Athens and Neopatria, and count of Barcelona, Roussillon, and Cerdanya (1412–1416). He was also regent of Castile (1406–1416).
This name derives from Old High German “Reginwald and Raginoald” Latinized as “Reginaldus,” composed of two elements: “*raginą” (decision, advice, counsel) plus “*waldaʐ” (ruler, might, mighty one, power, powerful one). In turn, the name means “the advice of the sovereign.” Raynald of Châtillon (Renaud de Châtillon, Old French: Reynaud de Chastillon), was a knight who served in the Second Crusade and remained in the Holy Land after its defeat. He ruled as Prince of Antioch from 1153 to 1160 and, through his second marriage, became Lord of Oultrejordain. He was an enormously controversial character in his lifetime and beyond.
This name derives from the Old High German “Haimirich,” composed of two elements “*haimaz” (home, house) plus “*rīkijaz” (kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich). The name means “ruler of the home, sovereign of the homeland.” Harry, its English short form, was considered the “spoken form” of Henry in medieval England. Most English kings named Henry were called Harry. At one time, the name was so popular for English men that the phrase “Tom, Dick, and Harry” was used to refer to everyone. The most famous patron Henry II (Saint Henry), was Holy Roman Emperor from 1014 until he died in 1024. The last member of the Ottonian dynasty of Emperors, Henry II, succeeded to the German throne following his second-cousin Emperor Otto III’s sudden death in 1002. Henry was born on May 5, 972, the son of Duke Henry II, Duke of Bavaria, and Gisela of Burgundy.
This name is a diminutive form of Gyríðr and Guðrún. The name is of Germanic and Old Norse origin and comes from the following roots: (GODAFRID / GUÐIFRIÐR) and (GUÐRÚN).
This name derives from the reconstructed Old Norse “*Auðvin,” composed of two elements: “auðr” (prosperity, fortune, riches, wealth) plus “vinr” (friend). In turn, the name means “the wealth of friendship.” This form derives from the Ancient Germanic “*audaz *-winiz.” This name also correlates with the name “Odin,” even if considered separately, derives from the Old Norse “Óðinn,” from the Proto-Norse “*Wōdin,” meaning “furious, eager, mad (Odin).” Audun Hugleiksson (Hestakorn) († 1302) was a Norwegian nobleman at the end of the 13th-century. He was the king’s right hand, both under King Magnus Lagabøte and King Eirik Magnusson. He was seen as a prominent politician and lawman in his time and played a central role in reforming the Norwegian law system.
The etymology of the name comes from the common Germanic noun “*karlaz” meaning “free man,” which survives in English as “churl,” Old English (Anglo-Saxon) “ċeorl,” which developed its deprecating sense in the Middle English period. In turn, this name derives from the West Frankish name “Háriolus,” a pet form of Germanic names beginning with “*harjaz / *charja-,” meaning “army, army leader, commander, warrior.” The name took a Romanic influence. The Germanic “H” would be represented by a “C” in Romanic spelling; this is where the “C” or “K” came in. The feminine form Caroline and Carolina derive from “Carolus” which is Latin for Charles (English), from which it also derives Charlotte and its derivates. The name was brought in particular by Charlemagne “Charles the Great” and was at the time Latinized as Karolus as “in Vita Karoli Magni,” later also as Carolus. Charles the Great (German: Karl der Große; Latin: Carolus or Karolus Magnus) or Charles I, was the King of the Franks from 768, the King of Italy from 774, the first Holy Roman Emperor, and the first emperor in western Europe since the collapse of the Western Roman Empire three centuries earlier.
Ed is a short form of Edelbert, Edward, Edwyn, Edmond, Edmund, Edgard, and Edrice. The name is of Germanic and Old English (Anglo-Saxon) origin and comes from the following roots: (ADELBERT) (ĒADWEARD) (ĒADWINE) (EADMUND) (EADGAR) and (EADRIC).
This name derives from the West Gothic “Fridunand,” composed of two elements: “*friþuz” (peace, tranquility, friendship) plus “*nanþi-” (bold, to be bold, daring, to dare). The name means “bold protector, brave in peace.” Romance languages adopted the name from its use in the Visigothic Kingdom. It is reconstructed as either Gothic Ferdinanths or Frithunanths. It became popular in German-speaking Europe only from the 16th century, with Habsburg rule over Spain. 1) Ferdinand I, called “the Great” (El Magno), was the Count of Castile from his uncle’s death in 1029 and the King of León after defeating his brother-in-law in 1037. According to tradition, he was the first to have himself crowned Emperor of Spain (1056), and his heirs carried on the tradition. 2) Ferdinand I, called “of Antequera” and also” the Just or the Honest,” was King of Aragon, Valencia, Majorca, Sardinia and (nominal) Corsica and king of Sicily, duke (nominal) of Athens and Neopatria, and count of Barcelona, Roussillon, and Cerdanya (1412–1416). He was also regent of Castile (1406–1416).
This name is a diminutive form of Gyríðr and Guðrún. The name is of Germanic and Old Norse origin and comes from the following roots: (GODAFRID / GUÐIFRIÐR) and (GUÐRÚN).
This name derives from the Old Norse name “úlfr,” from the Ancient Germanic element “*-wulfaz,” meaning “wolf.” Wulf and Wolf were one of the most prolific elements in early Germanic and Nordic names. It could figure as the first element in dithematic names, as in Wulfstan, but mostly as the second element, “-ulf, / -olf.” The numerous names ending in -wulf, -ulf, -olf gave rise to hypocorisms (pet) from an early time, which was later also treated as given names in their own right. The wolf is a significant figure in Germanic and Norse paganism for more than a thousand years.
This name means “divine power, divine rulership, God rules, illustrious defender, defender of the house.” This name derives from the Old English “ōs” (god) plus “weald” (power), which in turn derives from the Old High German name “Answald,” composed two elements: “*ansuz / ans” (pagan god) plus “*waldaʐ” (ruler, might, mighty one, power, powerful one). Answald and Oswald are closely related to the Old Norse name “Ásvaldr,” which has the same etymology and meaning. Oswald was King of Northumbria from 634 until his death and was venerated as a saint in the Middle Ages. Oswald’s father Æthelfrith was a successful Bernician ruler who, after some years in power in Bernicia, also became king of Deira, and thus was the first to rule both of the kingdoms which would come to be considered the constituent kingdoms of Northumbria. Oswald of Worcester was Archbishop of York from 972 to his death in 992. He was of Danish ancestry but brought up by his uncle, Oda, who sent him to France to the abbey of Fleury to become a monk.
Em is a short form of Emma and Emily. It is of Latin and Germanic origin and comes from the following roots: (AEMILIUS) and (EMMA).
This name derives from the Old High German “Chlodowich and Chlodovech,” composed of two elements: “*hlūdaz,” meaning (to hear, loud, sound, noise / famous) and “wīg,” meaning (fight, battle, fighter, able to fight). The name means “glorious in the battle, famous warrior.” 1) Saint Louise de Marillac was the co-founder, with St. Vincent de Paul, of the Daughters of Charity. She is venerated as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church. 2) The Blessed Louise of Savoy (1461–1503) was a member of the French royal family, who gave up a life of privilege and comfort to become a Poor Clare nun. The Roman Catholic Church has beatified her.
This name derives from the Old Norse word “ǫrn,” meaning “Arn (bird), an eagle.” In turn, the name derives from the Proto-Germanic “*arô,” meaning “eagle.” The modern meaning is “strong as an eagle.” Note: In Iceland, the name Örn is officially rejected as a female given name on 18 December 2001.
This name is a pet form of several names containing the name element “ADAL,” from the ancient Germanic “*aþalaz” meaning “noble, nobleman, aristocratic, eminent, glorious, excellent.”
Æbbe is a short form of Esbjørn and Ernbiorn. It is of Germanic and Old Norse origin and comes from the following roots: (EBERHARD) and (ǢSBIǪRN).
Æbbi is a short form of Esbjørn and Ernbiorn. It is of Germanic and Old Norse origin and comes from the following roots: (EBERHARD) and (ǢSBIǪRN).
This name derives from the Old Norse “týr / tívar,” which in turn derives from the Proto-Germanic *tīwaz (god), itself from Proto-Indo-European *deywós (god), a Germanic name element related to Greek “Zeus.”
This name derives from the Germanic name element “*ermunaz,” meaning “strong, whole, tall, exalted, whole, great, powerful.” Originally was a short form of Germanic names that began with the element “ermen,” as Ermengarde, Ermentrude, and Ermenegilda. Emma also represents a diminutive vernacular form of Emily, Emmeline, Amelia, or any other name beginning with “em.” Emma of Normandy, one of the first to be called Emma, was a daughter of Richard the Fearless, Duke of Normandy, by his second wife, Gunnora. She was queen consort of England by successive marriages: first as the second wife to Æthelred the Unready of England (1002–1016); and then the second wife of Cnut (Canute) the great of Denmark (1017–1035). She acted as regent in Wessex in 1040. The name Emma became popular in the United States later in the 20th-century, reaching the top 100 names for girls in the late 1990s and rising to second place on the popularity chart in 2013.
This name derives from the reconstructed Old Norse “*Auðvin,” composed of two elements: “auðr” (prosperity, fortune, riches, wealth) plus “vinr” (friend). In turn, the name means “the wealth of friendship.” This form derives from the Ancient Germanic “*audaz *-winiz.” This name also correlates with the name “Odin,” even if considered separately, derives from the Old Norse “Óðinn,” from the Proto-Norse “*Wōdin,” meaning “furious, eager, mad (Odin).” Audun Hugleiksson (Hestakorn) († 1302) was a Norwegian nobleman at the end of the 13th-century. He was the king’s right hand, both under King Magnus Lagabøte and King Eirik Magnusson. He was seen as a prominent politician and lawman in his time and played a central role in reforming the Norwegian law system.
This name derives from the reconstructed Old Norse “*Auðvin,” composed of two elements: “auðr” (prosperity, fortune, riches, wealth) plus “vinr” (friend). In turn, the name means “the wealth of friendship.” This form derives from the Ancient Germanic “*audaz *-winiz.” This name also correlates with the name “Odin,” even if considered separately, derives from the Old Norse “Óðinn,” from the Proto-Norse “*Wōdin,” meaning “furious, eager, mad (Odin).” Audun Hugleiksson (Hestakorn) († 1302) was a Norwegian nobleman at the end of the 13th-century. He was the king’s right hand, both under King Magnus Lagabøte and King Eirik Magnusson. He was seen as a prominent politician and lawman in his time and played a central role in reforming the Norwegian law system.
This name derives from the reconstructed Old Norse “*Auðvin,” composed of two elements: “auðr” (prosperity, fortune, riches, wealth) plus “vinr” (friend). In turn, the name means “the wealth of friendship.” This form derives from the Ancient Germanic “*audaz *-winiz.” This name also correlates with the name “Odin,” even if considered separately, derives from the Old Norse “Óðinn,” from the Proto-Norse “*Wōdin,” meaning “furious, eager, mad (Odin).” Audun Hugleiksson (Hestakorn) († 1302) was a Norwegian nobleman at the end of the 13th-century. He was the king’s right hand, both under King Magnus Lagabøte and King Eirik Magnusson. He was seen as a prominent politician and lawman in his time and played a central role in reforming the Norwegian law system.
This name derives from the reconstructed Old Norse “*Auðvin,” composed of two elements: “auðr” (prosperity, fortune, riches, wealth) plus “vinr” (friend). In turn, the name means “the wealth of friendship.” This form derives from the Ancient Germanic “*audaz *-winiz.” This name also correlates with the name “Odin,” even if considered separately, derives from the Old Norse “Óðinn,” from the Proto-Norse “*Wōdin,” meaning “furious, eager, mad (Odin).” Audun Hugleiksson (Hestakorn) († 1302) was a Norwegian nobleman at the end of the 13th-century. He was the king’s right hand, both under King Magnus Lagabøte and King Eirik Magnusson. He was seen as a prominent politician and lawman in his time and played a central role in reforming the Norwegian law system.
This name derives from the Old English name “Godƿin > Godwine,” composed of two Proto-Germanic elements: “*gudą” (god, deity, divine being) plus “*-winiz” (friend). Godwin of Wessex (1001–1053) was one of the most powerful earls in England under the Danish king Cnut the Great and his successors. Cnut made him the first Earl of Wessex. Godwin was the father of King Harold Godwinson and Edith of Wessex, wife of King Edward the Confessor. The name was popular during the Norman conquest of England.
This name derives from the French “Hugues,” which in turn derives from an Old Low Franconian given name based on the Ancient Germanic element “*hugiz,” meaning “mind, bright in mind and spirit, heart, mind, thought, sense, understanding.” The name became widespread in England after the conquest by the Normans. Hugues Capet (Hugh the Great) was the first “King of the Franks” from the eponymous Capetian dynasty, from his election to succeed the Carolingian Louis V in 987 until his death. Hugh of Lincoln (St. Hugh of Avalon), was, at the time of the Reformation, the best-known English saint after Thomas Becket.
This name derives from the French “Hugues,” which in turn derives from an Old Low Franconian given name based on the Ancient Germanic element “*hugiz,” meaning “mind, bright in mind and spirit, heart, mind, thought, sense, understanding.” The name became widespread in England after the conquest by the Normans. Hugues Capet (Hugh the Great) was the first “King of the Franks” from the eponymous Capetian dynasty, from his election to succeed the Carolingian Louis V in 987 until his death. Hugh of Lincoln (St. Hugh of Avalon), was, at the time of the Reformation, the best-known English saint after Thomas Becket.
This name derives from the Germanic element “iv,” which in turn derives from the Proto-Germanic “*īhwaz” (yew ‘tree’). Ivo is the Latinized form of a medieval name of Old French origin, Cognate with modern French Yves. Saint Ivo of Kermartin was a parish priest among the poor of Louannec, the only one of his station to be canonized in the Middle Ages. He is the patron of Brittany, lawyers, and abandoned children. His feast day is May 19. Poetically, he is referred to as “Advocate of the Poor.” Ivo could also be correlated with the Celtic “Ivo,” one of the ancient Celts sacred trees.
This name derives from the Old Norman “Williame,” (French: Guillaume; German: Wilhelm). In turn, the name derives from the Old High German name “Willihelm,” composed of two elements: “*wiljô” (will, wish, desire) plus “*helmaz” (helmet, protection); thus the Old German Name “Wilhelm” and the Old Norse name “Vilhjálmr” have the same roots. The first well-known bearer of the name was Charlemagne’s cousin William of Gellone, William of Orange, and Guillaume Fierabrace (755–812). This William is immortalized in the “Chanson de Guillaume,” and his esteem may account for the name’s subsequent popularity among European nobility. 1) William I (1028–1087), usually known as William the Conqueror and sometimes William, the Bastard, was the first Norman King of England, reigning from 1066 until he died in 1087. 2) William I (Wilhelm Friedrich Ludwig, 1797–1888) of the House of Hohenzollern was the King of Prussia (1861–1888) and the first German Emperor (1871–1888), as well as the first Head of State of a united Germany. 3) William Tell is a famous hero of Switzerland. His legend is tracked in a Swiss chronicle of the late 15th-century.
Odo is a short form of Odoardo, Odorico, Odone, and Odoacre. It is of Germanic, Old English (Anglo-Saxon) and Germanic (Langobardic) origin and comes from the following roots: (ĒADWEARD) (AUDARICHIS) (UOD/AUDO) and (UOD/AUDO WACAR).
This name means “who walks like a wolf, hunter of wolves, one who follows the wolf’s track.” It derives from the Old High German name “Wolfgang,” composed of two elements: “*-wulfaz” (wolf) plus “*ganganą” (to go, walk, turn out, to step). Wulf and Wolf were one of the most prolific elements in early Germanic and Nordic names. In Norse mythology, Gangr or Gang was a giant and a son of Ölvaldi and his brothers Þjazi and Iði. It could figure as the first element in dithematic names, as in Wulfstan, but mostly as the second element, in the form “-ulf, / -olf.” The numerous names in -wulf, -ulf, -olf gave rise to hypocorisms (pet) from an early time, which were later also treated as given names in their own right. The wolf is a significant figure in Germanic and Norse paganism for more than a thousand years. 1) Saint Wolfgang of Regensburg (~934–994) was bishop of Regensburg in Bavaria from Christmas 972 until his death. He is a saint of the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox. 2) Wolfgang, Prince of Anhalt-Köthen (1492–1566), was a German prince of the House of Ascania and ruler of the principality of Anhalt-köthen. He was one of the earliest Protestant rulers in the Holy Roman Empire. 3) Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791) was a prolific and influential composer of the classical era.
This name is a diminutive of Tyburcy, Tyburcjusz, Tyburczy, Dziepołt, and Dypołt. The name is of Germanic and Latin origin and comes from the following roots: (DIETBALD) and (TĪBURTUS�).
This name derives from the Proto-Norse “*AʒilaR,” which in turn derives from the Ancient Germanic “*agi- / *agaz,” meaning “awe, terror, fear, dread,” or from the Ancient Germanic “*agi,ō,” meaning “edge, corner, sharpness (of a weapon), sword” (Proto-Germanic “*Agilaz”). Egil is a legendary hero of the Völundarkviða and the Thidreks saga. The name is from Proto-Germanic *Agilaz, and the same legend is reflected in Old English Ægil of the Franks Casket and Alamannic Aigil of the Pforzen buckle. The Proto-Germanic form of the myth may only be guessed. Still, it appears likely that Egil was a renowned archer who defended a keep together with his wife Aliruna, against numerous attackers. The testimony of the Pforzen buckle is uncertain beyond naming Aigil and Ailrun, possibly adding that they fought a battle at the river Ilz.
This name derives from Old High German “Frithuric,” composed of two elements “*friþuz” (peace, tranquility, friendship) and “*rīkijaz” (kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich). The name means “peaceful ruler, peace-keeper.” Frederick II (German: Friedrich II 1712–1786) was a King in Prussia (1740–1772) from the Hohenzollern dynasty. He is best known as a brilliant military campaigner and organizer of Prussian armies. He became known as Frederick the Great (Friedrich der Große) and was dubbed Der Alte Fritz (Old Fritz). Frederick, I was Bishop of Utrecht between 815/816 and 834/838 and is a saint of the Roman Catholic Church.
This name derives from the Old English (Anglo-Saxon) “ead / ēad” (prosperity, fortune, riches, wealth) plus “weard” (guard, defend). In turn, the name derives from two Germanic elements: “*audaz” plus “*warduz” (Proto-Germanic: *audwaroþō). It is one of the few Old English (Anglo-Saxon) names to gain popularity in other parts of Europe and beyond, for example, as Eduardo and Duarte in Spain and Portugal, respectively. Edward the Confessor (~1004–1066), son of Æthelred the Unready and Emma of Normandy, was one of the last Anglo-Saxon kings of England and is usually regarded as the last king of the House of Wessex, ruling from 1042 to 1066. Edward the Martyr (~962–978) was king of the English from 975 until he was murdered in 978. Edward was the eldest son of King Edgar but was not his father’s acknowledged heir.
Germanic names developed within the Germanic language tradition. The naming traditions from regions where Germanic is spoken have evolved over centuries, shaped by migration, trade, religion, and cultural exchange. Today's Germanic names carry this history.
Germanic naming traditions reflect the values and beliefs of regions where Germanic is spoken. Names served multiple purposes: identifying individuals, honoring ancestors, expressing hopes for a child's future, and marking religious or cultural affiliation. These functions shaped which names became popular and how they were used.
Today, Germanic names appear far beyond regions where Germanic is spoken. Immigration, global media, and cultural exchange have made many Germanic names familiar worldwide. Parents choose these names to honor heritage, appreciate their meanings, or simply because they like how they sound. The 17,084 names in this collection range from ancient choices still popular today to names that have fallen out of use but retain historical interest.
Germanic naming traditions have developed their own patterns and preferences. Names may honor family members, reflect religious beliefs, describe hoped-for qualities, or commemorate significant events. These patterns explain which names stayed popular.
These traditional patterns still matter, but modern parents also mix things up. Some combine traditional and contemporary elements, pick names from other cultures, or create unique variations of classic names.
This collection breaks down to 60% masculine names (10,283) and 39% feminine names (6,578).
Germanic names follow the phonetic rules of their language of origin. English speakers may need to adjust their pronunciation for sounds that don't exist in English. Each name page includes a pronunciation guide to help.
When in doubt about pronunciation, listening to native speakers helps more than reading transliterations. Each name page has a pronunciation guide. If you're considering a Germanic name for your child, say it out loud and think about how others in your community will pronounce it.
With 17,084 names in our database, Germanic is one of our bigger origin categories. These names appear on birth certificates worldwide, from regions where Germanic is spoken to immigrant communities on every continent.
Germanic names for boys outnumber those for girls at roughly 1.6:1 in our database. This reflects historical naming patterns, though modern naming trends are shifting.
Current naming trends show renewed interest in heritage names, with parents seeking meaningful connections to cultural roots. Some Germanic names have crossed over to mainstream use, while others remain specific to Germanic-speaking communities.
Popular Germanic names for boys include Liam, Robert, Avery, Skye, Otto. Our database contains 10,283 Germanic names traditionally given to boys, ranging from classic choices to unique options.
Our collection includes 6,578 Germanic names for girls. Popular choices blend traditional sounds with meaningful origins. Use the feminine tab to explore options organized by popularity.
Germanic names carry meanings from the Germanic language tradition. Common themes in Germanic names include noble, divine, strength, leader. Each name in our database includes its specific meaning and cultural context.
Germanic names follow the phonetic rules of their language. Each name page includes a pronunciation guide. When uncertain, listening to native speakers provides the most accurate reference.
This database contains 17,084 Germanic names: 10,283 for boys and 6,578 for girls. This represents documented names that have been used historically or are in current use. The actual number of Germanic names ever used is certainly higher.
Spelling difficulty depends on the specific name and your familiarity with Germanic phonetics. Some Germanic names have been adapted to English spelling conventions, making them straightforward. Others retain original spellings that may be unfamiliar. Consider how important easy spelling is to you when choosing a name.