German Dog Names

When you like Eric, but wish it were longer; also the name of a great early English poet.

Although there are plenty of Bachs in the world besides Johann Sebastian, everyone will assume you're honoring the great composer -- and why not.

The authentic pronunciation brings it perilously close to Donna, but most English-speakers would rhyme it more attractively with tanner or manner. A nature name for boys that's both unusual and handsome.

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.

In literature identified with The Sorrows of Young Werther -- not much to wish on a child.

The Selma-Thelma-Velma connection dates it.

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.

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.

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.

A melodic choice for lullaby-lovers.

A daring middle name possibility for classical concertgoers. Alternatives are Wolfgang and Amadeus.

Edgy German capital with definite possibilities as a baby name.

Seventies comic-book-heroine-style name.

Johannes never caught on in the US, but popular European short form Hannes may be more accessible.

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.

The traditional German spelling of this name, used by Goethe, Bach and many other luminaries.

Medieval name that still hasn't crossed the ocean, known here primarily via actress/teacher Uta Hagen.

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.

Mystical overtones.

Old and aristocratic European name that would be tough for an American kid to pull off.