German girl names offer some captivating choices if you’re looking for interesting and unique names for your daughter. While many associate the German language with harsh pronunciations, it’s also known for offering some beautiful German names for girls.
With so many fascinating meanings and exotic pronunciations, how can you choose just one name? Fortunately, we’re here to help.
Whether you have a connection to Germany, have traveled through it, or simply enjoy German myths and folktales, we’ve compiled a detailed list of stunning German female names for you to enjoy.
105 Beautiful German Names for Girls
If you need inspiration for your daughter’s name, you’ll be amazed at the beautiful German girl names below.
Ada
Ada is derived from Adelaide, which has ancient Germanic roots in the word “adal.” Ada is an excellent name choice if you want to inspire your daughter to be generous, courageous, and honest. Ada could also be a variation of Adah, a biblical name that’s one of the first names in the Book of Genesis.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Noble
- Pronunciation: A-dah
- Namesakes: Ada Nicodemou, an Australian actress, best known for Home & Away and Heartbreak High. Ada de la Cruz, a Dominican model, and 2009 Miss Dominican Republic.
- Popularity: Ada ranked in the top 10 U.S girls’ names until 1912 when its popularity waned. Ada has had a little revival and ranked 184th in 2020.
Adelheid
Adelheid is derived from the ancient German name Adelheidis. It’s also the long form of the common Heidi. Adelheid is a superb name if you want to pay tribute to your family and encourage your daughter to live a noble life.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Of noble kin
- Pronunciation: ad-ell-hide
- Variations: Adele, Heidi
- Namesakes: Adelheid Morath, a German Olympic cyclist.
- Popularity: Adelheid is rare, with less than 10,000 girls named Adelheid worldwide in the last century.
Agatha
Saint Agatha is the patron saint of breast cancer patients. She was a 3rd-century Christian martyr and the patron saint of Sicily. Whether you want to pay tribute to a loved one who has succumbed to breast cancer, you have a connection to Sicily, or you simply enjoy a good mystery story, Agatha is a classic and unusual name choice.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Good
- Pronunciation: Ag-ah-tha
- Namesakes: Agatha Christie, an English 19th-century mystery writer.
- Popularity: Agatha is fairly uncommon, with only 1 in every 20,000 girls born in 2020 with the name.
Alice
Alice is derived from the Old Germanic Adalheidis and popularized through the beautiful Lewis Carroll story, Alice in Wonderland. If you’re interested in German girl names that have universal appeal, even in English-speaking countries, Alice is a great option.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Noble
- Pronunciation: Al-iss
- Namesakes: Alice Cooper, an American hard rock singer. Alice Walker, an American novelist.
- Popularity: Alice has been consistently in the top 100 for two decades in the U.S.
Aloisia
Aloisia is a creative, feminine form of Aloysius, an excellent way to pay tribute to a relative without labeling your child with an old-fashioned name. Aloisia is also a great name if you want to inspire your daughter to be a fighter. Whether this is championing a cause, standing up for others, or fighting injustice, Aloisia could be a badass name for your daughter.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Famous fighter
- Pronunciation: al-oo-SEE-ah
- Namesakes: Aloisia Wagner, a famous German performer born without arms and legs known by the stage name Violetta. Lindsay Kay Hayward, an American WWE diva with the stage name Aloisia.
Amalia
Amalia has Latin roots in the word “amal,” meaning “work.” If you want to inspire your daughter to be a diligent hard worker, Amalia could be a good choice. Amalia could also be a great name if you want to name your daughter after human rights barrister and wife of George Clooney, Amal Clooney.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Industrious
- Pronunciation: Ah-mall-ee-ah
- Variations: Amelia
- Namesakes: Amalia Ulman, an Argentinian actress and director.
- Popularity: Amalia has had an increase in popularity since 2015 but only represents less than 0.5% of baby names in the U.S
Andrea
Andrea is a feminine form of Andrew, also used as a male name in several European countries. Andrea has religious significance since it’s associated with Saint Andrew, one of Jesus’ disciples. Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, including fishermen, singers, maidens, and women wanting to be mothers.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Strong
- Pronunciation: An-dray-ah
- Popularity: Andrea has declined in popularity since 2012 in the U.S, but is still ranked in the top 150.
Anja
Anja is the German form of Ann, so it’s an attractive alternative to the more common English name. Anja has a beautiful meaning for your daughter, whether she’s a little girl or a fully grown woman. Since Ann is also a biblical name, Anja could also be an excellent way to connect your daughter with your spiritual beliefs or inspire her to be naturally graceful.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Grace
- Pronunciation: Ann-jah
- Namesakes: Anja Rubik, a Polish model.
Anke
Anke is a German diminutive of Anna. Anna has remained a popular girl’s name for centuries, so Anke could provide a unique alternative. Anke could also be a superb way to connect your daughter to your religious beliefs or surround her with God’s love and grace.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: God has favored me
- Pronunciation: Ahn-ka
- Namesakes: Anke Engelke, a German comedian. Anke Huber, a German tennis player, ranked #4 in 1996.
Anna
Anna is the Latin variant of the Hebrew Hannah. Anna has become one of the most popular names over the centuries. Its variant, Anne also has religious significance as Mary’s mother. If you want to connect your daughter to your spiritual beliefs and move away from the basic Ann, Anna could be a good choice.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Grace
- Pronunciation: Ah-nah
- Namesakes: Anna Kendrick, an American actress best known for the Pitch Perfect movies. Anna Paquin, a Canadian-New Zealand Oscar-winning actress, best known for the True Blood television series.
- Popularity: Anna is consistently popular, remaining in the top 50 for many decades.
Annalise
Annalise may appear to be a modern creation, but it’s a traditional German combination of Anna and Lise, derived from Elizabeth. Naming your daughter Annalise would allow you to enjoy one of the more traditional German girl names while she carries a thoroughly modern-sounding moniker.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Grace, God’s promise
- Pronunciation: Anna-lise
- Variations: Annaliese
Astrid
Astrid is one of the most authentic German girl names but has roots in Old Scandinavian and Latin. Astrid is traditionally feminine, but some parents choose this name for their sons. Astrid is a pretty name that’s familiar-sounding even for English speakers and provides a beautiful way to celebrate your baby girl.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Divinely beautiful
- Pronunciation: As-trid
- Namesakes: Astrid Guyart, a French Olympian. Astrid Freudenstein, a German politician.
- Popularity: Astrid has ranked within the top 1,000 for over a decade.
Bernadette
Bernadette could inspire your daughter to be strong and brave, regardless of her challenges in life. Your daughter could also take inspiration from Saint Bernadette of Lourdes if you want to connect her with your Catholic faith.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Brave as a bear
- Pronunciation: Bern-ah-dett
- Namesakes: Bernadette Peters, an American actress, singer, and author, whose career has spanned over 60 decades.
Bertha
Bertha has a lovely meaning of “bright one” that could inspire your daughter to be a light in the lives of people around her or strive for academic success. Bear in mind that Bertha is pronounced “Bear-ta” in German rather than the English “Bur-tha.”
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Bright one
- Pronunciation: Bear-tah
- Variations: Bertina
- Namesakes: Bertha Moss, an Argentine-Mexican actress.
Birgit
Birgit is the German form of Bridget. Brigit belongs to a saint and goddess in Celtic myths. Bridget has become more popular following the popularity of Bridget Jones’s character in the novel and films. So, if you want a unique form while retaining the same powerful meaning, Birgit is a great alternative.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Strength
- Pronunciation: Ber-geet
- Variations: Brigette
- Namesakes: Birgit Kos, a Dutch fashion model.
Carla
Carla is the feminine form of Carl, which is derived from Charles. Creating a feminine form of male names is common in romantic languages, usually adding an “a” or a softened sound. This makes Carla roll off the tongue and provides a unique alternative to names such as Charlotte or Charlie.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Free-man
- Pronunciation: Car-lah
- Namesakes: Carla Suarez Navarro, a Spanish tennis player. Carla Bruni, an Italian-French singer.
- Popularity: Carla is one of the least popular feminine derivatives of Charles, ranking 1,000th.
Carol
Carol is a perfect name if you’re looking for a way to capture the joy she brings into your life. If you’re passionate about music, naming your daughter Carol could be the ideal way to connect her to your love of music and ensure that music will have a special place in her life.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Joyful song
- Pronunciation: Kah-rol
- Namesakes: Carol Burnett, an American actress, and star of The Carol Burnett show. Carol Vorderman, a British presenter, and columnist.
- Popularity: Carol is quite rare, with only 1 in 17,500 babies given the name in 2020.
Caroline
Caroline is a classic name dating back to the German Queen Caroline of Ansbach. Jane Austen used Caroline in her novel Pride and Prejudice, and it became more mainstream with the 1969 Neil Diamond song “Sweet Caroline.” Caroline has an illustrious history, but it’s also a powerful name.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Strong
- Pronunciation: Cah-ro-line
- Variations: Karoline, Carolyn
- Namesakes: Caroline Wozniacki, a Danish tennis player. Caroline Kennedy, an American author. Caroline, Princess of Monaco.
- Popularity: Caroline is consistently popular, ranking in the top 100 for more than 20 years.
Catrin
Catrin is derived from Katharina, which is derived from Hekaterine, the Greek goddess of magic. Catrin has a lovely sweet meaning, perfect to showcase the purity of your new daughter. Catrin can also be a great alternative to the more common Catherine.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Pure
- Pronunciation: Kah-trin
- Variations: Katrin
- Namesakes: Catrin Stewart, a Welsh actress best known for the television series Doctor Who.
Charlotte
Charlotte is another feminine form of Charles and has been a popular name choice among royals. This includes Charlotte, Princess of Monaco, Charlotte of Savoy, and fourth in line to the British throne, Charlotte of Cambridge. While you may appreciate the regal connotations of Charlotte, you can also use the cute nicknames, Lottie or Char.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Free-man
- Pronunciation: shar-lot
- Namesakes: Charlotte of Cambridge, a British Princess, and daughter of Prince William. Charlotte Brontë, a classic British novelist. Charlotte Church, a Welsh singer with “the voice of an Angel.”
- Popularity: Since 1900, Charlotte has been one of the 500 most popular names, with a spike in popularity over the last decade, reaching the top 5 in 2020.
Christina
Christina is the pretty female form of Christian. Christina is a popular name among celebrities and is a wonderful way to connect her to your religious beliefs. It also offers several nicknames, including Christie, Chrissy, Chris, and Tina.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: A Christian
- Pronunciation: Chris-teen-ah
- Variations: Kristina
- Namesakes: Christina Applegate, an American actress best known for her role in the comedy movies Anchorman and Vacation. Christina Ricci, an American actress, best known as Wednesday in the Addams Family movies. Christina Aguilera, an American singer-songwriter.
- Popularity: Christina peaked in popularity in the 1970s but remained within the top 600.
Claudia
Claudia has Latin roots but is also featured in the Bible. St Paul mentioned Claudia in a letter to Timothy. Claudia is a timeless classic that could connect your daughter to your spiritual beliefs. Claudia could be a way to pay tribute to several celebs throughout pop culture history.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Enclosure
- Pronunciation: Claw-dee-ah
- Namesakes: Claudia Schiffer, a German supermodel. Claudia Christian, an American actress, best known for the television show Babylon 5. Claudia Black, an Australian actress, known for the Sci-Fi show Farscape.
- Popularity: Claudia peaked in popularity in the 1940s and 1950s.
Dorothea
Dorothea is a romantic-sounding name popular in the early 20th-century. Dorothea has a long tradition in literature, including the idealistic heroine in George Eliot’s Middlemarch and the beautiful and clever character in Don Quixote. Dorothea was also the title of a Taylor Swift song. Cool nickname options include Dottie, Dot, Thea, Dorrie and Doro.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Gift of God
- Pronunciation: Dor-oh-thee-ah
- Popularity: Dorothea has waned in popularity since the 1970s.
Edeltraud
If you’re looking for German names for girls that sound authentic, then Edeltraud is a top pick. While it may have a tricky pronunciation, naming your daughter, Edeltraud could inspire her to rise above the challenges in life and tackle any issues with compassion and honesty.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Of noble attitude
- Pronunciation: E-del-trowt
- Namesakes: Edeltraud Hanappi-Egger, an Austrian academic and the first female professor of Gender and Diversity in Organizations at Vienna University.
- Popularity: While Edeltraud is traditionally a German name, it is quite rare.
Edith
Edith was a massively popular name in the 19th-century. Edith was widely used in novels, including Louisa May Alcott’s first novel, The Inheritance. While Edith may be viewed as old-fashioned, it’s gaining some traction among parents who want a traditional name with a strong meaning.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Prosperous in war
- Pronunciation: Ee-dith
- Namesakes: Mrs. Woodrow Wilson and Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt, American First Ladies.
- Popularity: Edith has decreased in popularity since the 19th-century.
Elisabeth
Elisabeth is a variant of Elizabeth, who is a key figure in the Bible. Elizabeth was Mary’s cousin and mother of John the Baptist. Elizabeth also has regal connections, with the Queen of England carrying the moniker. Elisabeth is a great choice if you like the name Elizabeth but want a more unusual form.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: God is my oath
- Pronunciation: Ee-lis-ah-beth
- Variations: Elizabeth
- Namesakes: Elisabeth Moss, an American actress, best known for the television shows Mad Men and The Handmaid’s Tale. Elisabeth Shue, an American actress with a career spanning 40 years.
- Popularity: Elisabeth is more unusual, but Elizabeth ranked 34th in 2020.
Elke
Elke has many cross-cultural connections, as it’s related to the German Adelheid, English Adelaide and the Yiddish form of Eleanor. Elke is an unusual German girl name and could inspire your daughter to adopt the traits of being noble and kind.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Noble and kind
- Pronunciation: El-kay
- Namesakes: Elke Sommers, a German actress, known for The Love Boat, A Shot in the Dark and Carry On Behind.
Ella
Ella is an interesting name, as it appears in several cultures with different meanings. Ella could express how your little girl is everything to you. In Hebrew, Ella means “goddess,” and in Spanish, it’s the pronoun “her” or “she.” Ella has a long history, used as a name for three Anglo-Saxon kings. Ella received a boost in popularity with the release of the 2004 movie Ella Enchanted.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: All
- Pronunciation: El-lah
- Namesakes: Ella Fitzgerald, an American Jazz singer. Ella Scott Lynch, an Australian actress, best known for Enter the Wild.
- Popularity: Ella ranked 15th in 2020 in the U.S.
Elsa
Elsa is considered a form of Elizabeth but has a more cute sound. Elsa gained a massive jump in popularity as fans of the Disney movie Frozen paid tribute to the Snow Queen. Naming your daughter Elsa could ensure that God’s perfection and love surround her.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: God is perfection
- Pronunciation: El-sah
- Namesakes: Elsa Pataky, a Spanish model and wife of Chris Hemsworth.
- Popularity: Elsa has been outside the top 500 since 1917 and received a boost in popularity to 286th in 2020.
Emery
Emery is related to Emma and Emily. Emery is a unisex name, making it ideal if you’re waiting to be surprised when your baby arrives. Emery is an inspiring name that could encourage your child to be a hard worker.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Industrious
- Pronunciation: Em-er-ee
- Popularity: Emery is not as popular as other names in the family, but is ranked in the top 100 in the U.S.
Emilia
Emilia is an increasingly popular alternative to Emily or Amelia. Emilia features in Shakespeare’s Othello as the wife of Iago and Desdemona’s confidente. Likely due to the Game of Thrones actress Emilia Clarke, Emilia has had a surge in popularity in the U.S, Austria, Finland, and Iceland. Naming your daughter Emilia could encourage her to be industrious and always work towards her goals.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Industrious
- Pronunciation: Em-ee-lee-ah
- Namesakes: Emilia Clarke, an English Game of Thrones actress.
- Popularity: Emilia recently moved into the top 50 U.S. baby names.
Emma
While considered an English name, Emma has roots in Old Germanic. Emma is the ideal name to showcase that your new daughter is your entire world. Emma features in literature and has also been the moniker of several English royals, including Emma of Normandy.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Whole
- Pronunciation: Em-mah
- Namesakes: Emma Watson, an English actress and Harry Potter star. Emma Roberts, an American Actress, best know for the Scream television series.
- Popularity: Over the last five years, Emma has ranked as the most popular girl’s name in the U.S.
Emmeline
Emmeline is related to Emma and Eily but is far less common. While Emmeline is an ancient name, it retains a modern sound. Emmeline could inspire your daughter to reach her goals and be a hard worker. You can also use the cute nicknames Em and Emmie.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Work
- Pronunciation: Em-el-line
- Namesakes: Emmeline Pankhurst, an English political activist best remembered for the suffragette movement.
- Popularity: Emmeline was rarely used a century ago but reached the top 1,000 in 2014.
Eva
Eva is a variant of Eve found in many languages, including German. Eve is the first woman in the Old Testament, so Eva has significant religious connections. Eva is a classic, simple name, but with Eve and Ava, you may find lots of little girls with a similar name when your daughter starts nursery or school.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Life
- Pronunciation: Ee-vah
- Namesakes: Eva Mendes, an American actress. Eva Hertzigova, a Czech supermodel who shot to fame through the Wonderbra ad campaign.
- Popularity: Eva has maintained a position in the top 100 since 2014.
Freya
While Freya is one of the more popular German girl names, it’s derived from the Old Norse Freyja. Freyja was the Norse goddess of beauty, love, and fertility. Naming your daughter Freya could encourage her to grow into a noblewoman who exhibits the traits of kindness, courage, and honesty.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: A noblewoman
- Pronunciation: Fray-yah
- Namesakes: Freya Allan, an English actress, best known as Princess Cirilla in The Witcher television series.
- Popularity: 1 in 1,100 baby girls were named Freya in 2020.
Frieda
Frieda is a feminine form of Frederick and is derived from the Old High German Fridu. Frieda is a wonderfully sweet name that could encourage your daughter to be a peacemaker and live a peaceful life. Frieda could also be a good choice if you’re a fan of the work of Mexican artist Frida.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Peaceful
- Pronunciation: Free-dah
- Variations: Frida
- Namesakes: Frieda Hughes, an English poet. Frida Khalo, a Mexican painter.
Gertrud
While Gertrud may seem a bit old-fashioned, it’s a tough name ideal for a strong and independent girl. It belonged to two Saints, Saint Gertrude the Great and Saint Gertrude, the patron saint of cats. Gertrude is also a goddess in Norse myths. If you name your daughter Gertrud, you can use the cute nickname Gertie.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Strength of a spear
- Pronunciation: Ger-trood
- Variations: Gertrude
- Namesakes: Gertrude Stein, an American novelist.
- Popularity: Gertrude peaked in popularity in 1900.
Gisela
Gisela is derived from the Old Germanic “gisal,” which means “pledge.” Gisela is not only a pretty name that will age well as your daughter grows, but it could encourage her to be a woman of her word. Gisela could inspire your daughter to take her promises seriously and be someone to rely on.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Pledge
- Pronunciation: Gis-ell-ah
- Namesakes: Gisela Dulko, an Argentinian tennis player. Gisela, a Spanish singer.
Greta
While Gretel is synonymous with the fairy tale, Greta has a more sophisticated sound. Greta is another form of Margaret, so it could be a great way to pay tribute to a loved one with the name. Naming your daughter Greta could showcase what a precious and rare jewel she is, letting her know just how valuable she is to you.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Pearl
- Pronunciation: Gre-tah
- Variations: Gretel
- Namesakes: Greta Garbo, a Swedish American actress, and icon. Greta Thunberg, a Swedish activist, and climate change advocate.
Hanna
Hanna is related to the name Johanna. It’s a simplified and less common version of Hannah, but you lose the fun palindrome. Hanna is a more unusual form that may set your daughter apart from other Hannahs in her school class. Naming your daughter Hanna could connect her with your spiritual beliefs and ensure that God’s grace surrounds her.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Pronunciation: Han-ah
- Variations: Hannah
- Popularity: Hannah was in the top 5 between 2000 and 2004 but has been less popular in recent years.
Hannelore
Hannelore is a lovely combination of Hanna and Eleonore, so it carries both meanings. Hannelore is an unusual name that became popular in the 1940s but has not seen a great deal of traction since. Hannelore is a good name choice if you can’t decide between Hanna and Eleonore.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Grace, God is my light
- Pronunciation: Hann-ee-lore
Heidi
Heidi remains synonymous with the children’s classic novel by Johanna Spyri and all the subsequent movie and television adaptations. Heidi is a diminutive of Adelheid, making it a classic German girl name. Naming your daughter Heidi could encourage her to develop the characteristics associated with nobility, including generosity, courage, and honesty.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Noble
- Pronunciation: Hi-dee
- Namesakes: Heidi Montag, an American reality television and social media personality.
- Popularity: Heidi is frequently in the top 100 girls’ baby names.
Helga
Helga is a typical German name among many English speakers. While Helga has become less popular in her home country, the character Helga Hufflepuff, the Hogwarts founder in the Harry Potter stories and the drama series Vikings has renewed interest. Naming your daughter Helga could showcase that she is precious and sacred to you.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Sacred
- Pronunciation: Hel-gah
- Popularity: Helga was in the top 10 between 1924 and 1943 in the U.S.
Hilda
Hilda is the short form of Brunhilda, a legendary Valkyrie. Hilda could inspire your daughter to be strong and independent. Hilda is also the patron saint of culture, poetry, and learning. If you want to encourage the scholar in your daughter, Hilda could be a good option.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Battle woman
- Pronunciation: Hil-dah
- Namesakes: Hilda Doolittle, an American poet, regarded as the forerunner of lesbian poetry.
- Popularity: Hilda peaked in popularity in the early 1900s.
Hildegard
Hildegard is a powerful name, but it also has spiritual connections. Hildegard of Bingen was a 12th-century Benedictine nun who experienced visions. She used these extraordinary visions as inspiration for musical compositions. If you want to inspire your daughter to develop a fighting spirit, Hildegard provides a unique name.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Comrade in arms
- Pronunciation: Hil-de-gard
- Namesakes: Hildegard Westerkamp, a Canadian composer who studied piano and flute at the Freiburg Conservatory of Music in Germany.
Holle
While it may seem easy to confuse with the popular English name Holly, Holle has a very different meaning. Holle has no connection to Christmas, instead it’s a form of Hulda from Old High German. Hulda is also a sorceress in Nordic myths. Holle can be a good name choice if you like the sound of Holly, but don’t want a “Christmassy” name for your daughter.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Gracious
- Pronunciation: Holl-ee
Ida
Ida was popular a century ago, hitting the top 10. This is likely due to the Tennyson poem, which inspired the operetta Princess Ida by Gilbert and Sullivan. Ida also features in Hindu and Greek myths and Mount Ida is said to be the birthplace of Zeus. Whether you want to take inspiration from these sources or hope to encourage your daughter to be hardworking and industrious, Ida is a sweet choice.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Industrious one
- Pronunciation: I-dah
- Namesakes: Ida B Wells, an American journalist and early leader within the civil rights movement.
- Popularity: While outside the top 1,000 in the U.S, Ida is ranked in the top 100 in Germany, Austria and Denmark.
Ilse
Ilse is a German diminutive of Elizabeth. If you’re looking for the rarest of Elizabeth variations, Ilse is a good choice. Ilse also has a spiritual meaning that could link your daughter to your religious beliefs and ensure she feels surrounded by God’s love.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Consecrated to God
- Pronunciation: ill-sey
- Variations: Ilsa
- Namesakes: Ilse Bing, a German avant-garde photographer and pioneer of monochrome images.
Ingeborg
Ingeborg has roots in Old Norse and comes from the Germanic god Ing and “bjorg,” meaning “help.” If you’re a fan of Old Norse myths and legends or want your daughter to have an unusual German girl’s name, Ingeborg fits the bill. You can also use the nicknames Gee or Ingie.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: The help of Ing
- Pronunciation: ING-ah-bawrk
- Namesakes: Ingeborg Bachmann, an Austrian poet whose work created an authentic feminine voice embraced by the West German feminist movement in the 1970s.
- Popularity: Ingeborg is rare, with less than 900 babies named Ingeborg since 1880.
Ingrid
Ingrid is a royal name in Scandinavian countries but is also considered a German name. Ingrid is derived from the Norse god Ing but has retained a distinctly European appeal. Whether you want to give your daughter a Germanic or Nordic name or simply express your wonder about her beauty, Ingrid is an appealing option.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Beautiful
- Pronunciation: Ing-grid
- Namesakes: Ingrid Bergman, a Swedish actress, and star of the movie Casablanca.
- Popularity: Ingrid peaked in popularity in the 1960s.
Irma
Irma was popular until the 1930s, when it fell out of favor. Irma is related to Emma and is a short form of several Germanic names that end with “ermen.” Irma also has strong roots from the Old Germanic war goddess Irmin. Then many may associate Irma with the devastating 2017 hurricane that hit the U.S southeast coast.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Universal
- Pronunciation: Er-mah
- Namesakes: Irma Boom, a Dutch graphic designer who has created over 300 books.
- Popularity: In 2020, only 69 baby girls in the U.S were named Irma.
Isolde
If you’re a fan of Wagnerian (Richard Wagner) opera and Arthurian romances, Isolde is a perfect name for your little girl. Isolde is a romantic and artistic name that expresses undying love. Isolde’s powerful meaning could inspire your daughter to be strong and courageous. You could even use Isolde if you’re a fan of Frozen and don’t want to go for the obvious Elsa or Anna.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Ice ruler
- Pronunciation: eh-sol-da
- Variations: Isolt, Idolda, Iseult and Yseult.
Jocelyn
Jocelyn was a male name during medieval times, but is now considered distinctly feminine. Jocelyn traces back to Old German, when the Germanic tribes were referred to as Gauts. If you want a Germanic name that still sounds familiar, Jocelyn is a great option.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Member of the Gauts tribe
- Pronunciation: Jos-say-lyn
- Namesakes: Jocelyn Wildenstein, an American socialite famous for her love of plastic surgery. Jocelyn Brown, an American R&B singer well known for her dance music.
- Popularity: In 2020, 1 in every 1,500 baby girls were named Jocelyn in the U.S.
Johanna
Johanna is the German form of Joanna, also used in Scandinavian countries. Since Joanna is quite common in the U.S and English-speaking countries, Johanna could be a unique alternative. Johanna could be a good choice if you want to inspire your daughter to be sporty, as it belongs to several successful tennis players.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Pronunciation: Jo-han-nah
- Namesakes: Johanna Konta, a British tennis player who represented Australia and ranked #1 in Britain and #4 in the world in 2017.
- Popularity: In 2020, 446 girls in the U.S were named Johanna.
Julia
Julia is Latin, dating back to ancient Roman times, and was given to women in the home of a Julius. Julia is a little more current than Julie, despite its history, if you want a timeless name for your daughter. Naming your daughter Julia could inspire her to approach life with youthful enthusiasm, remaining young at heart despite any challenges she may face in life.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Youthful
- Pronunciation: Joo-lee-ah
- Namesakes: Julia Roberts, a famous American actress and Hollywood girl next door. Julia Child, a chef and television personality who was one of the first women to host her own cooking show.
- Popularity: Julia consistently ranked in the top 100 in the U.S.
Jutta
Jutta is a German form of Judith, and a feminine variant of the High German boy name, Juto. Jutta is also a region of Judah mentioned in the Bible, known as Yatta today. Whether you want a unique form of Judith, or want a biblical connection for your daughter’s name, Jutta is a nice choice.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Woman from Judea
- Pronunciation: Yuh-tah
- Variations: Judith
- Namesakes: Jutta Kleinschmidt, a German offroad race car driver and the first woman to win the Paris Dakar Rally
- Popularity: Jutta is rare in the U.S, with less than 5 babies given the name per year.
Karin
Karin is the German form of Katherine or Karen. Since it has similar pronunciation, Karin could be an excellent alternative to Karen, due to its negative connotations nowadays. Karin also has a beautiful meaning that will allow you to express the pure and unconditional love you have for your new daughter.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Pure
- Pronunciation: Kah-rin
- Variations: Katharina
- Namesakes: Karin Slaughter, an American writer with a back catalog of 21 novels published in 120 countries and 40 million sold copies.
- Popularity: Karin is uncommon, with 26,000 baby girls given the name in the U.S since 1880.
Klara
While Clara is more common in literature, Klara is the typical German variant used in Austria and Poland. If you want a more unusual form of Clara or Claire, Klara could be a good option. Klara retains the lovely meaning of her related names, which could inspire your daughter to be forthright or a bright person.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Clear
- Pronunciation: Kl-arr-ah
- Variations: Clara
Lara
With the popularity of the DC Universe movies, it’s surprising that Lara is not more popular, as she was Superman’s birth mother. This will allow you to stay under the radar with an unusual name that still has pop culture significance. While the meaning may seem a little uninspiring, Lara could inspire your daughter to be protective, bold, and a beacon of strength.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Citadel
- Pronunciation: Lah-rah
- Variations: Larissa
- Namesakes: Lara Flynn Boyle, an American actress, best known for the television show The Practice.
- Popularity: Lara is uncommon as it struggles to breach the top 1,000 in the U.S in most years.
Laura
Laura has Latin roots as it’s derived from the word “laurel.” The laurel plant was used in Roman times to symbolize fame and victory. This is the wreath that Julius Caesar is often shown wearing as a ceremonial piece to indicate his stature. Laura is a timeless name that is popular worldwide.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Crowned with laurel
- Pronunciation: Law-rah
- Namesakes: Laura Dern, an American award-winning actress, best known for the Jurassic Park movies.
- Popularity: Laura frequently ranks in the top 20 in the U.S.
Lea
Lea is often considered a female form of Lee, with a similar meaning to “meadow.” Lea also carries the meaning of “delicate”. Both of these meanings are perfect for nature lovers. Lea could be perfect for your delicate little flower or showcase that your daughter brings the same delight to your lives as a meadow on a warm summer day. Lea also has biblical significance as the wife of Jacob.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Delicate or meadow
- Pronunciation: Lee-ah
- Variations: Leah, Lia
- Namesakes: Lea Thompson, an American actress with a career spanning almost 40 years, best known for the Back to the Future movies. Lea Michele, an American actress, and Glee star.
- Popularity: Lea consistently ranked in the top 1,000 in the U.S.
Lena
Lena was once considered a pet form of Helena, but has long been used as an independent name. Lena has had a boost in popularity in recent years, and for literature fans, you may enjoy Lena as a tribute to the character in Light in August by William Faulkner. Lena also has a very pretty meaning that could inspire your daughter to be bright and beautiful.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Bright and Beautiful
- Pronunciation: lee-nah
- Namesakes: Lena Headey, a British actress best known for Game of Thrones. Lena Dunham, an American writer.
- Popularity: Lena ranked 270th in 2020 in the U.S.
Leonie
Leonie is one of the German female names from the “lion” family. This makes Leonie a feminine form of Leo or Lionel or a variation of Leona. Giving your daughter this name could inspire her to have the courage of a lion. Lions are also associated with protectiveness, bravery, and family focus, which are admirable traits to encourage in your daughter.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Lion
- Pronunciation: Lee-own-ee or Lay-own-ee
- Namesakes: Leonie Hemsworth, the Australian mother of Chris and Liam Hemsworth.
Lieselotte
Lieselotte is another German name that combines two names. Lieselotte is the combination of Liese, derived from Elizabeth and Charlotte, which gives Liselotte two meanings. If you want a pretty, feminine name for your daughter, Lieselotte is an attractive option among German girl names. You can also use Leese or Lottie as nicknames.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: God’s Promise and Womanly
- Pronunciation: Lee-se-lott-ah
Lina
While they may share the same pronunciation, Lena and Lina are not variants of the same name. Lina could inspire your daughter to develop a sweet character or the skills to become a doctor, nurse, or healer.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Tender
- Pronunciation: Lee-na
- Namesakes: Lina Esco, an American actress best known for the television series S.W.A.T.
Linda
Although considered a short form of Belinda and Melinda, Linda derives from the German word “linde.” This refers to pretty trees in the Linden family. Linda is the perfect example if you’re looking for pretty German female names. Naming your daughter, Linda could not only showcase your belief that she is a pretty baby girl but also inspire her to have a beautiful personality.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Pretty
- Pronunciation: Lin-dah
- Namesakes: Linda Ronstadt, a popular American singer-songwriter, forced to retire due to illness. Linda Hamilton, an American actress, best known for the Terminator movies. Popularity: Linda is consistently popular, but peaked in 1947 when almost 5.5% of baby girls born in the U.S were named Linda.
Lisa
In the past, Lisa was considered a nickname for Melissa or Elizabeth, but for many years, it has been considered a stand-alone name. Lisa is a pretty name that could connect your daughter to your spiritual beliefs. Lisa could also be a good choice if you’re a fan of DaVinci’s Mona Lisa, or a Lisa in modern pop culture.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: God’s promise
- Pronunciation: Lee-sah
- Namesakes: Lisa Kudrow, an American actress best known for her role as Phoebe on the hit television show Friends.
- Popularity: Lisa peaked in popularity in the 1960s and 1970s in the U.S.
Lorelei
While most are familiar with the TV series Gilmore Girls, Lorelei dates back to old German myths and legends. Lorelei was a seductress who led sailors on the Rhine River to wreck on hazardous rocks. If you want to encourage your daughter to attract people or be a confident person, Lorelei is an attractive choice. As Gilmore Girls demonstrates, this gorgeous name offers several nickname choices, such as Lori and Rory.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Alluring
- Pronunciation: Lor-ai-lie
Lotte
While Lotte is a short form of Charlotte, it has developed its own identity with a different pronunciation. Lotte can be a great name choice if you want a less formal form of Charlotte but don’t want your daughter’s name to be a nickname. Lotte is also a good option if you want a unique name compared to the popular Charlotte.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Free
- Pronunciation: Lot-ta
- Namesakes: Lotte Verbeek, a Dutch actress known for her role in the Starz television show Outlander.
Luise
Luise is the German form of Louise and can be a great alternative as both share the same powerful meaning. Naming your daughter Luise could inspire her to be prepared to fight for her beliefs. Whether she is an eco-warrior or simply stands up for others, Luise could grow into a confident and self-assured person.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Famous warrior
- Pronunciation: loo-EE-zah
Margarethe
Margarethe is the German form of Margaret, but it has a more modern sound to English speakers. This makes Margarethe a good choice if you want to pay tribute to a relative but don’t want to give your daughter the name Margaret. Of course, you can still use the nickname Maggie or Mags.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Pearl
- Pronunciation: Mar-gah-reeth
- Variations: Margit
- Namesakes: Margarethe II of Denmark. Margarethe Von Trotta, a German filmmaker, considered a leading force in new German cinema.
Marie
Marie has a complicated origin story, as many consider it comes from the Latin “stella maris” or “star of the sea”. It’s also considered a German variant of Mary, which gives the name religious significance. Marie could have Hebrew origins from Miryam, which gives Marie the meaning of “beloved.” Regardless of the meaning that most appeals to you, Marie is a pretty name that has become more uncommon in recent decades.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Beloved or star of the sea
- Pronunciation: Mar-ee
- Namesakes: Marie Curie, a Polish-French physicist who pioneered radioactivity research. Marie Kondo, a Japanese organizational expert.
- Popularity: Marie consistently ranked in the top 100 until the 1960s in the U.S.
Marlene
Marlene is another compound German girl name, made up from Maria and Magdalene. Mary of Magdala was one of the witnesses to Jesus’ Crucifixion and was the first person to see Jesus after his resurrection. Naming your daughter Marlene could connect her to your religious beliefs or inspire her to be as confident as the film icon Marlene Dietrich.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Woman from Magdala
- Pronunciation: Mar-lane
- Namesakes: Marlene Dietrich, a German actress, and 1930s and 1940s film icon.
Martha
Martha is the perfect name for your little lady if you’re looking for something with biblical significance. Martha was the sister of Lazarus, but is best remembered as a solicitous host when Jesus was a guest in her home. For this reason, Martha is the patron saint of cooks, waiters, and housewives.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Lady
- Pronunciation: Mar-tha
- Namesakes: Martha Stewart, an American television personality and writer.
- Popularity: In 2020, 1 in every 5,000 baby girls in the U.S were named Martha.
Mathilda
Mathilda is the perfect name for a brave little girl. If you want to inspire your daughter to be strong-willed and prepared to fight her battles, Mathilda is a great name choice. Mathilda is the more common variant in German compared to the familiar Matilda. As with Matilda, you can still use the nicknames Matty or Tilly.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Mighty in battle
- Pronunciation: Ma-thil-dah
- Variations: Matilda
- Popularity: Mathilda is typically popular in Denmark, Norway and Finland.
Maud
Maud was very popular 100 years ago, but is rare today. Maud was the granddaughter of Queen Victoria and daughter of King Edward VII of England. Maud is related to Mathilda and has a similarly strong meaning. Maud is an excellent option if you want a retro name for your daughter that will inspire her to be strong and independent.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Powerful battler
- Pronunciation: Maw-d
- Variations: Maude
- Namesakes: Maude Apatow, an American actress known for the HBO television show Euphoria.
- Popularity: Maud was rarely used in the last century in the U.S.
Melanie
Melanie can be traced back to ancient Greece, where it’s derived from the word for “dark.” While this may not seem like a good name inspiration, darkness is needed to see those little glimmers of light. Melanie also has some religious significance as the name of two 5th-century Roman saints.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Dark
- Pronunciation: Mel-ah-nee
- Namesakes: Melanie Griffith, an American actress, and mother of actress Dakota Johnson.
- Popularity: Melanie consistently ranks in the top 100 in the U.S.
Mia
While Mia may be a sweet-sounding, simple name, there are some complicated origins. Mia is found in several cultures with different meanings, varying from “bitter” and “mine” to “star of the sea.” Mia could also be derived from Amelia. Naming your daughter Mia could inspire her to stand up for others and continually seek out the right thing to do.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Guardian of justice
- Pronunciation: Me-ah
- Namesakes: Mia Farrow, an American actress.
- Popularity: In 2020, Mia ranked as the 8th most popular girl’s name in the U.S.
Mila
Mila may be considered a diminutive of Camila, which makes Mila a good choice if you’re a fan of the British Duchess of Cornwall, but want a less formal name. Mila is also found in Spanish cultures, meaning “miracles.” Naming your daughter Mila could be a sweet way to let her know she is the apple of your eye.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Favored
- Pronunciation: Mill-ah
- Variations: Milla
- Namesakes: Mila Kunis, an American actress, who gave her voice to Meg Griffin on Family Guy.
Millie
Millie is a short form of Millicent or Mildred, but has become a name in its own right. While long-form names have retained an old-fashioned aesthetic, Millie is cute and appealing. Millie is also a good choice if you want to inspire your daughter to be strong without losing her femininity.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Gentle strength
- Pronunciation: Mill-ee
- Namesakes: Millie Bobby Brown, a British actress best known for her role in Stranger Things.
- Popularity: Millie entered the top 200 in 2020 in the U.S.
Monika
Monika is the German form of Monica. Monica had a surge in popularity due to the character in the television show Friends. Monika also has some religious connections. Saint Monika is the patron saint of mothers and women in North African Christian religion. Monika is also Saint Augustine’s mother.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Advisor
- Pronunciation: Mon-ee-ka
Nadine
Nadine is the German version of the Russian name Nadia. While Nadine is used in other cultures, including France and Slavic countries, it usually has a different meaning. Nadine could inspire your daughter to be strong, independent, and protective, which are admirable traits.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: The courage of a bear
- Pronunciation: Nay-deen
- Namesakes: Nadine Sierra, an American soprano.
Nicole
Nicole is a feminine form of Nicholas and a more common variation than Nicola. Nicole can be traced back to the Middle Ages as a way to honor Saint Nicholas. By naming your daughter Nicole, you could inspire her to strive to win, doing her best to succeed in whatever challenges she tackles.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: People of victory
- Pronunciation: Nic-oll
- Namesakes: Nicole Kidman, an Australian actress with a career spanning almost 40 years.
- Popularity: In 2020, 1 in 1,150 baby girls in the U.S were named Nicole.
Nixie
Nixie appears in German folklore as a water nymph, making it an intriguing mythological name. If you like the names Trixie, Pixie, and Dixie, but want another option, Nixie is a nice choice.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Water nymph
- Pronunciation: nik-see
Paula
Paula is the feminine form of Paul, a key biblical figure. Saint Paul was one of Jesus’ disciples who was crucial in spreading early Christianity. While the meaning of “humble” may seem a little underwhelming, giving your daughter the name Paula could inspire her to have a generous spirit and a likable personality.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Humble
- Pronunciation: Paw-lah
- Namesakes: Paula Abdul, an American singer, and judge on American Idol.
- Popularity: Paula maintained top 100 status in the U.S until 1974.
Rebecca
Rebecca is a biblical figure as the wife of Isaac and mother of Esau and Jacob. Rebecca was considered dynamic and beautiful. Rebecca was introduced to the U.S by the Puritans, with its popularity peaking in the 1970s. Due to the popular television series This is Us and its matriarch Rebecca Pearson, Rebecca may see a boost in popularity.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: To bind
- Pronunciation: Ree-beck-ah
- Namesakes: Rebecca Romijn, an American actress in the Strange New Worlds television series.
- Popularity: Rebecca consistently ranks in the top 250 in the U.S.
Regina
Regina is a common name among British royalty, including Queen Victoria. Regina was also a 3rd-century martyr, and Roman Catholics use “Regina Coeli” or “Queen of Heaven” as one of the Virgin Mary’s titles. Whether you want to connect your daughter to your Catholic faith or want her to have a regal name, Regina is an ideal choice. You can also use the nicknames Reggie or Gina.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Queen
- Pronunciation: Ree-gee-nah
- Namesakes: Regina Hall, an American actress who found fame in the Scary Movie franchise.
- Popularity: Regina is fairly uncommon in the U.S, with less than 0.5% of girls named Regina each year.
Rosamund
Rosamund is a traditional German girl name also used in Britain as Rosamond. It first came to prominence through Rosamond Clifford, Henry II’s mistress. This story was the basis for Rosamund, the opera by Joseph Addison. As an English name, Rosamund has a different meaning of “rose of the world.”
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Horse protection
- Pronunciation: Rosa-mund
- Namesakes: Rosamund Pike, a British actress best known for the movie Gone Girl.
Ruta
Ruta is a German and Polish form of Ruth. Ruta is also the rue plant’s Latin name. By giving your daughter the name Ruta, you could inspire her to strive to be a good friend. Ruta could also link your daughter to your religious beliefs, particularly if you’re fond of the Book of Ruth.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Compassionate friend
- Pronunciation: Roo-ta
Sabine
According to legends, the Sabine people were an Italian tribe from which the ancient Romans kidnapped women to populate their new city. There is a Sabine crater on the moon and a Sabine River in Louisiana. Whether you have a connection to Italy or want to encourage your daughter to look to the skies, Sabine is a pretty and unique name.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Woman of the Sabine people
- Pronunciation: Sah-been
- Variations: Sabina
- Namesakes: Sabine Schmitz, a German motor racing driver, best known for breaking speed records at the Nurburgring.
- Popularity: Sabine has never been in the top 1,000 baby names in the U.S.
Sabrina
According to legends, Sabrina was a princess drowned by her stepmother, who became a water nymph. Sabrina is a Latin form of “Severn,” a British river where the legend may have originated. Whether you see your daughter as a magical being or want to connect her with interesting myths and legends, Sabrina is a lovely name choice.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: River goddess
- Pronunciation: Sah-breen-ah
Sarah
Sarah features in the Old Testament as the wife of Abraham and Isaac’s mother. In the Book of Genesis, Sarah was originally Sarai, but God changed her name when she was ninety years old. Sarah is an excellent choice if you want a biblical nameconnection or want your little princess to have a regal name.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Princess
- Pronunciation: SEHR-ah
- Variations: Sara
- Namesakes: Sarah Paulson, an American actress best known for the television show American Horror Story. Sarah Jessica Parker, an American actress, best known for the Sex in the City television show and movies.
- Popularity: Sarah was a top 10 name until 2002 but remains popular.
Sibylle
Sibylle is the German version of Sybil, offering many variations, such as Sybill and Cybill. If you like the name but want a unique spelling, Sibylle is a great option. By naming your daughter Sibylle, you could encourage her to look to the future and prepare for anything that may come her way.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Oracle
- Pronunciation: Si-bill
- Variations: Sybil
Sigfrida
Sigfrida has Old German origins and is a feminine form of Sigfried. Giving your daughter the name Sigfrida could encourage her to seek conflict resolutions and become a great peacemaker, which are skills that will serve her well in the modern world.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Peaceful victory
- Pronunciation: Sig-free-dah
- Variations: Sigfreda
Silke
Silke is the German form of Cecilia and can be traced back to a Roman clan. There are also Christian connections to Silke, as Saint Cecilia sang to God and became the patron saint of musicians. By giving your daughter the name Silke, you could encourage her to develop strong bonds with family and friends.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Bind
- Pronunciation: Sil-kay
Sophia
Sophia can trace its roots back to ancient Greece. Saint Sophia is an important figure in the Greek Orthodox church. Sophia and Sofia have been consistently popular, so be prepared for your daughter not to be the only one in her class with the name. Naming your daughter Sophia could encourage her to develop the ability to make wise decisions.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Wisdom
- Pronunciation: So-fee-ah
- Variations: Sofia
- Namesakes: Sophia Loren, an Italian actress. Sophia Bush, an American actress, known for the television series One Tree Hill.
- Popularity: Sophia consistently ranked in the top 50 in the U.S.
Stefanie
Stefanie is a powerful name that could inspire your daughter to be competitive and strive for success. Its variant Stephanie is more common in other countries but means “crown.” So, giving your daughter the name Stefanie could also be a perfect choice for your little princess.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Victorious
- Pronunciation: Ste-fan-ee
- Variations: Stephanie
Tamara
Tamara has a beautifully simple meaning perfect for nature lovers. Whether you have an infinity to warm sandy beaches shaded with palms or want to encourage your daughter to travel, Tamara could be a beautiful name choice.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Palm tree
- Pronunciation: Ta-marr-ah
Tanja
Tanja is the German form of Tanya, but both names have the same sweet meaning. If you imagine your daughter is a magical blessing, or you love fairy tales, Tanja is a beautiful name choice. Tanja is also related to Tatiana, creating a Christian connection, as Saint Tatiana was a 3rd-century martyr.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Fairy Queen
- Pronunciation: Tan-yah
- Variations: Tanya
Therese
Therese is another form of Theresa first recorded as the Spanish wife of the 5th-century bishop of Nola, Saint Paulinus. Therese was not seen outside the Iberian Peninsula until the 16th-century when it began to travel with Roman Catholics due to the fame of St Teresa of Avila.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: To reap and sow
- Pronunciation: Teh-reese
Ursula
While most of us are aware that bears are fierce, are you aware that bears are also protective, loyal, and affectionate animals? These are wonderful traits to inspire in your daughter. You could encourage your “little bear” to adopt these admirable characteristics with the name Ursula.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Little bear
- Pronunciation: Urr-su-la
- Namesakes: Ursula Andress, a Swiss actress known as a Bond girl.
Valentina
Many of us associate Valentina with Saint Valentine, making Valentina a romantic name. Valentina also means “strong and healthy,” which is usually the first wish parents have for their children. So, if your main priority is that your daughter grows up to be strong and healthy, Valentina is the perfect name choice.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Strong and healthy
- Pronunciation: Val-en-tee-nah
Willa
Willa is the feminine form of William, making an ideal choice if you want to pay tribute to a male relative. Willa also has a powerful meaning that could encourage your daughter to develop a protective nature and inspire her to always look after others.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Resolute Protector
- Pronunciation: Vill-ah
- Namesakes: Willa Fitzgerald, an American actress known for the television shows Scream and Reacher.
- Popularity: In 2020, 1 in 1988 baby girls were named Willa in the U.S.
Zelda
While many of us think of the Nintendo video game character, Zelda has been a part of German culture for centuries. Zelda has been used for characters in many movies and books, often depicted as a beautiful and fiercely independent woman. If you want to inspire your daughter to have a fighting spirit, Zelda could be a perfect fit.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Fighting maid
- Pronunciation: Zel-da
Zinnia
Floral names tend to be quite timeless, but Zinnia has a modern zing to it. Zinnia is named after the flower, but it’s also derived from a German surname. The Zinnia flower was named after the German 18th-century botanist Johann Gottfried Zinn.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Flower
- Pronunciation: Zin-ee-a
