German Dog Names
- Brahms
Origin:
German surnameDescription:
A melodic choice for lullaby-lovers.
- Bach
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"dweller near the brook"Description:
Although there are plenty of Bachs in the world besides Johann Sebastian, everyone will assume you're honoring the great composer -- and why not.
- Herrick
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"war ruler"Description:
When you like Eric, but wish it were longer; also the name of a great early English poet.
- Lisbeth
Origin:
German, diminutive of ElizabethDescription:
Lisbeth is one of the many short forms of Elizabeth that are used on their own. Not only is it the name of the mother of the main character in George Eliot's novel Adam Bede, but it takes on a whole new, powerful image as the heroine of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo trilogy. Lizbeth is another spelling.
- Werther
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"worthy warrior"Description:
In literature identified with The Sorrows of Young Werther -- not much to wish on a child.
- Zelma
Origin:
German, diminutive of AnselmaMeaning:
"God helmet"Description:
The Selma-Thelma-Velma connection dates it.
- Malte
Origin:
German, Scandinavian diminutive of HelmoldMeaning:
"helmet rule"Description:
Malte began as a short form of the now-obsolete Ancient Germanic name Helmold. Helmold has gone extinct, but Malte has survived and is now enjoying a popularity resurgence in Germany and Sweden.
- Lasse
Description:
Lasse is a Top 100 name in Germany and is well used throughout Scandinavia and The Netherlands, but English speakers will have problems with the pronunciation, which is LAH-say. Neither lass nor Lassie would be acceptable manglings.
- Hanne
Origin:
Danish, Norwegian, German, DutchMeaning:
"grace"Description:
This spin on the popular Hannah is widely-used in Europe and pronounced similarly to Hannah. It may also be a short form of Johanne, from John/Joan.
- Rohmer
Origin:
German surnameMeaning:
"pilgrim; fame"Description:
Like other stylish choices from Roman to Romy to Romeo, Rohmer is a German surname that relates to both Roman pilgrims and the root word for fame.
- Mozart
Origin:
German musical nameDescription:
A daring middle name possibility for classical concertgoers. Alternatives are Wolfgang and Amadeus.
- Berlin
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"borderline"Description:
Edgy German capital with definite possibilities as a baby name.
- Valda
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"battle heroine"Description:
Seventies comic-book-heroine-style name.
- Johann
Origin:
Variation of JohanDescription:
The traditional German spelling of this name, used by Goethe, Bach and many other luminaries.
- Mats
Origin:
Scandinavian diminutive of Matthias, AramaicMeaning:
"gift of God"Description:
If you're looking for a Euro-chic alternative to Max, Mats is a strong possibility. It's a fading classic in Norway, but is popular in the Netherlands and Belgium, where short names are the height of style.
- Hannes
Origin:
German, Dutch, Scandinavian variation of JohannesMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Johannes never caught on in the US, but popular European short form Hannes may be more accessible.
- Uta
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"prosperity, riches"Description:
Medieval name that still hasn't crossed the ocean, known here primarily via actress/teacher Uta Hagen.
- Clotilda
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"famous in battle"Description:
Old and aristocratic European name that would be tough for an American kid to pull off.
- Senta
Origin:
German feminine diminutive of Roman name CrescensMeaning:
"to grow"Description:
Senta is a lovely name, but if you name your daughter Senta, will the kids call her Santa? Maybe, but this obscure yet simple German name for girls.may appeal to parents searching the untraveled name routes.
- Vala
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"singled out"Description:
Mystical overtones.