Multicultural family? Check one name across 25 countries instantly 110,000+ official names — free, no sign-up Don't let a naming law surprise you — verify before you register Save favorites and compare names side by side Need inspiration? Try the Random Picker From Reykjavik to Athens — every official European name list

🇩🇪 Germany

4,390

Total names

2,044

Male names

2,346

Female names

Germany's Standesamt operates a moderate naming framework: there is no closed approved list, but registrars verify each proposal against the principle that names must clearly indicate sex and not harm the child. Parents who want unusual names can submit a linguistic dossier to support their case.

A strong revival is underway in Germany of pre-1914 short traditional names (Emil, Otto, Anton, Mia, Ida) alongside Latin and Greek classical names (Felix, Maximilian, Sophia, Anna). For families with Nordic heritage living in Germany, our Viking & Norse names guide explains which Old Norse names are accepted by the Standesamt.

Famous German names span Goethe (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe), Beethoven (Ludwig van Beethoven), and modern figures like Angela Merkel and Anne Frank. Bavarian and northern German naming traditions sometimes diverge: northern Germany favours short Hanseatic names, Bavaria leans toward longer Catholic and Habsburg-era choices.

Naming Rules

Must be recognizable as a first name

The name cannot be a surname, brand, geographic location, or object.

Must not harm the child's welfare

Names that could lead to ridicule or social difficulties are rejected.

Should indicate gender

Names should generally allow gender identification, though unisex names are increasingly accepted.

Foreign names accepted with proof

International names are allowed if the Standesamt can verify they are established first names in some culture.

Multiple first names allowed

There is no strict upper limit, though three or four is typical.

Legal basis: Personenstandsgesetz (Civil Status Act) and court precedents.

Authority: Standesamt (civil registry office)

Popular Names in Germany

Top 15 Boy Names

1.Noah

2.Matteo

3.Elias

4.Finn

5.Leon

6.Theo

7.Paul

8.Emil

9.Luca

10.Ben

11.Felix

12.Henry

13.Louis

14.Maximilian

15.Jonas

Top 15 Girl Names

1.Emilia

2.Sophia

3.Emma

4.Hannah

5.Mia

6.Lina

7.Ella

8.Mila

9.Clara

10.Lea

11.Marie

12.Luisa

13.Ida

14.Frieda

15.Charlotte

Check a specific baby name in Germany

50 of the most popular European baby names with full legal-status pages for Germany. Click any name to see its meaning, Germany spelling, registration process, and FAQ.

Adam Alexander Alice Anna Antonio Aurora Beatrice Camila Carla Chloe Clara Daniel David Diego Elio Emilia Emma Ethan Felix Gabriel Ginevra Greta Hugo Ines Isabella Jonas Lea Leo Liam Lorenzo Luca Lucas Lucia Maja Maria Marta Martin Mateo Matteo Mia Noah Oliver Olivia Pablo Sara Sebastian Sofia Theo Tobias Valentina
See Top 30 Most Popular Names

Further reading

Check a name in Germany

Search 4,390 names in our Germany database — plus 24 more European countries.

Check a Name →

Last updated: April 2026. For informational purposes only. Always consult your local Standesamt for definitive answers.

Read the full guides

In-depth guide

Baby name laws in Germany

Step-by-step

How to register a baby name in Europe

Real cases

Rejected baby names: real cases across Europe

For expat families

Names that work across multiple countries

Browse the full European name database · Compare 25 countries

All blog posts · Browse names A-Z