- LIFE
72 Glowing Baby Names That Mean Light
German girl names carry a sense of tradition, strength, and elegance that spans centuries of history and culture. Many of these names have roots in Old High German, Latin, and Norse mythology, and they often convey powerful meanings—such as nobility, protection, wisdom, or peace. Whether you’re looking for a strong and classic name, something soft and poetic, or a name with royal or mythological flair, German names offer a wide range of beautiful and meaningful options.
With both timeless classics and charming modern picks, this list of 100 German girl names and their meanings celebrates the richness of German linguistic heritage. It’s perfect for parents seeking a meaningful baby name, writers developing strong characters, or anyone who loves names with European charm and substance.
Classic German Girl Names
Adelheid – “Noble” and “kind”
Bertha – “Bright one” or “famous”
Clothilde – “Famous in battle”
Frieda – “Peaceful ruler”
Gertrud – “Spear of strength”
Hedwig – “Battle fighter”
Helga – “Holy” or “blessed”
Ingrid – “Beautiful goddess”
Irma – “Universal” or “entire”
Liselotte – Combination of “God is my oath” and “free woman”
Strong and Noble German Girl Names
Mathilde – “Strength in battle”
Hildegard – “Protecting battle maiden”
Waltraud – “Powerful strength”
Brunhilde – “Armored battle woman” (Norse myth)
Sigrid – “Victory and beauty”
Ottilie – “Prosperous in battle”
Kriemhild – “Battle mask” or “warrior”
Elfride – “Elf strength”
Mechthild – “Mighty in battle”
Walda – “Power” or “rule”
Popular German Girl Names Today
Emma – “Whole” or “universal”
Mia – “Mine” or “beloved”
Lea – “Weary” or “delicate”
Hannah – “Grace”
Lina – “Tender” or “light”
Laura – “Laurel” or “victory”
Anna – “Grace” or “favor”
Sophia – “Wisdom”
Lena – “Bright” or “shining one”
Amelie – “Hardworking”
Sweet and Simple German Girl Names
Elsa – “Noble”
Heidi – “Of noble birth”
Tilda – Short for Mathilde; “mighty in battle”
Anke – Diminutive of Anna; “grace”
Greta – “Pearl”
Ute – “Prosperity” or “wealth”
Klara – “Bright” or “clear”
Erna – “Serious” or “battle to the death”
Romy – “Rosemary” or “dew of the sea”
Liesl – “God is my oath”
German Girl Names with Nature Meanings
Anneliese – “Graceful meadow”
Birgit – “Strong” or “exalted one”
Dagmar – “Glorious day”
Alma – “Nurturing” or “soul”
Silke – “From the forest”
Maren – “Sea”
Senta – “To feel” or “to sense”
Gretchen – “Little pearl”
Ida – “Industrious one”
Rosalinde – “Gentle rose”
Elegant & Royal German Girl Names
Carla – “Free woman”
Beatrix – “She who brings happiness”
Isolde – “Ice ruler” or “fair lady”
Margarete – “Pearl”
Eleonore – “Sunray” or “light”
Thekla – “Fame of God”
Adelina – “Little noble one”
Luitgard – “Protected by the people”
Erika – “Eternal ruler”
Sibylle – “Prophetess”
Modern & Stylish German Girl Names
Jana – “God is gracious”
Nele – “Horn” or diminutive of Cornelia
Svea – A poetic name for Sweden, but also used in Germany
Tabea – “Gazelle”
Mira – “Peace” or “wonder”
Alina – “Bright” or “beautiful”
Jasmin – “Jasmine flower”
Yara – “Water lady” or “small butterfly”
Finja – Popular in Northern Germany; “peace”
Chiara – “Clear” or “bright”
German Girl Names from Folklore & Mythology
Lorelei – “Alluring enchantress” from the Rhine River legend
Berengar – “Bear spear”; fierce and legendary
Wiebke – Northern German name; “warrior maiden”
Siglinde – “Victorious” or “gentle”
Hannelore – Blend of Hannah and Eleonore; “grace and light”
Undine – Water spirit in German mythology
Minna – “Love” or “will”
Friedegard – “Peace protector”
Elisabetta – “God is my oath”
Brunhild – “Armor and battle” (Valkyrie figure)
Short & Strong German Girl Names
Leni – Diminutive of Helena or Magdalena
Ulla – “Will” or “determined”
Ruth – “Companion”
Meta – “Pearl”
Lina – “Tender” or “light”
Traudl – Short form of Waltraud
Inga – “Protected by Ing,” a Norse god
Vera – “Truth”
Ilse – “God is my oath”
Toni – Short for Antonia; “priceless”
Rare & Beautiful German Girl Names
Benita – “Blessed”
Dorle – Diminutive of Dorothea; “gift of God”
Franziska – “Free” or “Frenchwoman”
Gisela – “Pledge” or “hostage”
Leonie – “Lioness”
Monika – “Advisor” or “wise”
Ottilia – “Fortune in battle”
Wilhelmina – “Strong-willed protector”
Ziska – Pet form of Franziska
Lieselotte – A compound of Liesel and Charlotte; “free and noble”
German girl names are full of strength, warmth, tradition, and poetic meaning. Whether you’re drawn to royal-sounding names like Adelina and Eleonore, or softer options like Lena and Mira, these 100 German girl names provide beautiful inspiration rooted in culture and character. Whether you have German heritage or just love how these names sound and feel, there’s something here for every parent or storyteller.
