Names of Nobel Prize Winners

Prospective parents tend to respond more to the softer American pronunciation than the harsher German one, and even more to the Scandinavian version (see GUNNAR).

If you fit this definition, this might be a clever choice, especially as a middle name.

A simple, self-possessed, somewhat serious surname, which might work better as a middle.

Unless it runs in your family, or Alexander Hamilton is your particular hero, you might consider something less imposing -- and without the teasable nickname Ham.

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

Though familiar to all via such childhood icons as Hans Brinker, Hans(el) and Gretel, and Hans Christian Andersen, few Americans have chosen this name for their sons because of its intractably Old Country image.

While teasing about names is not as bad as it once was, the possibilities presented by this name would be difficult for any pubescent boy to resist.

The name of the last Anglo-Saxon king of England before the Norman conquest, and a name that's long been associated with a pipe-smoking, bespectacled grandpa or uncle.

Harry is the medieval English form of Henry, which derived from the Germanic name Heimrich, meaning "estate ruler." Harry was the nickname of all eight King Henrys; it is also a diminutive of Harold and Harrison.

Lovers of Maxwell might like this more unusual – but no less distinguished – surname name, with its adorable nickname of Hart.

A form of Heinrich or Henrike (Henry in English), as well as of their feminine counterparts. Now most commonly feminine, but certainly an attractive choice for either sex.

Traditional German names of this ilk have had a difficult time emigrating into the American name pool, mostly because anti-German sentiment during the two world wars of the 20th century drove German names out of fashion. One of Heinrich's nicknames, Harro, might do better.

No matter how much you love the novels of Papa H., don't saddle your son with this unwieldy appellation.

Bulky surname honoring Grandpa Henry or Saul Bellow's Rain King.

A bit stiff and formal for American use.