AHEAD: The ultimate list of German names for baby girls — and which ones could go viral in 2025.

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On the hunt for an amazing German girl’s name that’s cool in the United States?

You’re in the right place!

Below is a list of over 100 German names for girls along with their meanings and current popularities.

You’ll also find a shortlist of German girl names posied to go viral in 2025.

Related: German Boy Names

Popular German names in the U.S.

These German names are ranked in the top 500 in the United States.

Unless otherwise noted, the popularity data throughout this article is for names in the United States.

Ada

• Name meaning: Noble. Ornament.
• Popularity: #177

Adelaide

• Name meaning: Noble. South Australia’s cosmopolitan coastal capital.
• Popularity: #284

Alice

• Name meaning: Noble.
• Popularity: #65

Amelia or Emilia

• Name meaning: Work.
• Popularity: Amelia ranks #4 and Emilia ranks #42.
• 🇩🇪 Emilia #1 in Germany

Related: Middle Names for Amelia

Annalise

• Name meaning: Beauty, elegance, graced by God.
• Popularity: Annalise ranks #427 and Annalyse isn’t ranking.

Astrid

• Name meaning: Divine strength.
• Popularity: #399

Ella

• Name meaning: Fairy maiden.
• Popularity: #32
• 🇩🇪 #6 in Germany

Related: Middle Names for Ella

Emerson or Emersyn

• Name meaning: Emery’s daughter.
• Popularity: Emerson ranks #161 and Emersyn ranks #146. Emerson ranks #268 for boys.

Emery or Emory or Emerie

• Name meaning: Brave or industrious.
• Popularity: Emery ranks #70, Emory ranks #831, and Emerie ranks #557.

Emma

• Name meaning: Whole.
• Popularity: #2
• 🇩🇪 #2 in Germany

Related: Middle Names for Emma

Eva

• Name meaning: Life.
• Popularity: #112
• 🇩🇪 #42 in Germany

Freya

• Name meaning: Noble woman.
• Popularity: #136
• 🇩🇪 #82 in Germany

Giselle

• Name meaning: To pledge.
• Popularity: #345

Heidi

• Name meaning: Noble.
• Popularity: #351

Jocelyn

• Name meaning: Member of a German tribe.
• Popularity: #347

Julia

• Name meaning: Youthful.
• Popularity: #122
• 🇩🇪 #74 in Germany

Margot 🔥

• Name meaning: Pearl.
• Popularity: #148

Matilda or Tillie

• Name meaning: Strength in battle.
• Popularity: Matilda ranks #437 and Tillie isn’t ranking.
• 🇩🇪 #16 in Germany (Mathilda)

Millie or Milly

• Name meaning: Having strength or being industrious.
• Popularity: Millie ranks #102 and Milly isn’t ranking.

Rosalie

• Name meaning: Rose garden.
• Popularity: #182
• 🇩🇪 #66 in Germany

Willa

• Name meaning: With gilded helmet, will, desire, protection.
• Popularity: #428

If you like these popular German girl names you might also like this list of modern names.

Familiar German names

The majority of these German girls’ names have a mainstream feel in the United States.

Amalia

• Name meaning: Work.
• Popularity: #528
• 🇩🇪 #40 in Germany

Amelina

• Name meaning: Work.
• Popularity: This German A name isn’t ranking.

Elsa

• Name meaning: Pledged to God.
• Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.

Frida

• Name meaning: Peace.
• Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
• 🇩🇪 #17 in Germany (as Frieda)

Isa

• Name meaning: God is abundance. Muslim name for Jesus.
• Popularity: This short baby name isn’t in the top 1000.

Karla

• Name meaning: Free woman, strong.
• Popularity: #712
• 🇩🇪 #55 in Germany (as Carla)

Leonora or Leonore

• Name meaning: Light.
• Popularity: Neither spelling of this elegant girls’ name is ranking.

Louise

• Name meaning: Famous warrior.
• Popularity: #586
• 🇩🇪 #73 in Germany (as Luise)

Magdalena

• Name meaning: Woman from Magdala.
• Popularity: #908

Martha

• Name meaning: Lady, mistress.
• Popularity: #673
• 🇩🇪 #75 in Germany

Romy or Romi

• Name meaning: Dew of the sea.
• Popularity: Neither spelling of this R name is ranking in the United States.
• 🇩🇪 #37 in Germany

If you like these familiar German girl names you might also like this list of names ending in A.

Popular German names in Germany

Surprisingly, most of the top 100 names in Germany are *not* of German origin. Here are a few that are.

Anni

• Name meaning: Grace. (Variant of Anna).
• Popularity: This German name isn’t ranking but Annie ranks #202.
• 🇩🇪 #78 in Germany

Ida

• Name meaning: Industrious or prosperous.
• Popularity: This 3-letter German name isn’t ranking in the U.S.
• 🇩🇪 #14 in Germany

Leni

• Name meaning: Shining light.
• Popularity: This German girls’ name isn’t ranking in the U.S.
• 🇩🇪 #10 in Germany

Lotte

• Name meaning: Free woman. (Diminutive of Charlotte).
• Popularity: This German name isn’t ranking in the U.S.
• 🇩🇪 #98 in Germany

Maja

• Name meaning: Splendid.
• Popularity: This German/Scandinavian M name isn’t ranking in the U.S.
• 🇩🇪 #23 in Germany

Nele

• Name meaning: Horn. (Pronounced NEE-la).
• Popularity: This German N name isn’t ranking in the U.S.
• 🇩🇪 #31 in Germany

Tilda

• Name meaning: Strength in battle.
• Popularity: This German/Estonian T name isn’t ranking in the U.S.
• 🇩🇪 #49 in Germany

If you like these popular names in Germany you might also like this list of exotic names.

Additional popular names in Germany

These global names are also ranked in Germany’s top 100.

Chiara

• Name meaning: Bright, clear.
• Popularity: This Italian name isn’t ranking in the U.S.
• 🇩🇪 #79 in Germany

Juna

• Name meaning: Month of June.
• Popularity: This Latin J name isn’t ranking in the U.S.
• 🇩🇪 #35 in Germany

Leonie

• Name meaning: Lion.
• Popularity: This Latin L name isn’t ranking in the U.S.
• 🇩🇪 #18 in Germany

Lotta

• Name meaning: Free person.
• Popularity: This Italian name isn’t ranking in the U.S.
• 🇩🇪 #30 in Germany

Malina

• Name meaning: Raspberry.
• Popularity: This Slavic name isn’t ranking in the U.S.
• 🇩🇪 #80 in Germany

Merle

• Name meaning: Blackbird.
• Popularity: This French bird name isn’t ranking in the U.S.
• 🇩🇪 #52 in Germany

Popular names in Germany and the U.S.

Interestingly, the vast majority of Germany’s top-ranking names overlap with those of the United States.

Amelie

• Name meaning: Work.
• Popularity: #893
• 🇩🇪 #22 in Germany

Amira

• Name meaning: Princess, leader.
• Popularity: #131
• 🇩🇪 #61 in Germany

Anna

• Name meaning: Grace.
• Popularity: Anna ranks #79, Ana ranks #224, and Anne ranks #581.
• 🇩🇪 #20 in Germany

Arya

• Name meaning: Noble, honorable.
• Popularity: Arya ranks #139 and Aria is #24.
• 🇩🇪 #91 in Germany

Aurelia 🔥

• Name meaning: Golden one.
• Popularity: #371
• 🇩🇪 #84 in Germany

Charlotte

• Name meaning: Free woman. The most populous city in North Carolina.
• Popularity: #3
• 🇩🇪 #24 in Germany

Clara

• Name meaning: Clear and bright.
• Popularity: #99
• 🇩🇪 #11 in Germany

Cleo

• Name meaning: Glory, pride.
• Popularity: #608
• 🇩🇪 #100 in Germany

Elena

• Name meaning: Shining light.
• Popularity: Elena ranks #47 and Elaina ranks #272.
• 🇩🇪 #51 in Germany

Elisa

• Name meaning: Pledged to God.
• Popularity: Eliza ranks #116 and Elisa ranks #421.
• 🇩🇪 #44 in Germany

Emily

• Name meaning: Rival or to excel.
• Popularity: Emily ranks #18 and Emely ranks #423.
• 🇩🇪 #19 in Germany

Fiona

• Name meaning: Fair, white.
• Popularity: #400
• 🇩🇪 #71 in Germany

Hannah

• Name meaning: Grace.
• Popularity: Hannah ranks #48, Hanna ranks #525, and Hana ranks #725.
• 🇩🇪 #4 in Germany

Related: Middle Names for Hannah

Johanna

• Name meaning: God is gracious.
• Popularity: #750
• 🇩🇪 #29 in Germany

Lara

• Name meaning: Fortress.
• Popularity: #732
• 🇩🇪 #32 in Germany

Laura

• Name meaning: Bay laurel plant (a symbol of victory or honor).
• Popularity: #365
• 🇩🇪 #46 in Germany

Leah or Lea

• Name meaning: Weary.
• Popularity: Leah ranks #53 and Lea ranks #801.
• 🇩🇪 #12 in Germany

Lena

• Name meaning: Ray of light.
• Popularity: #271
• 🇩🇪 #28 in Germany

Lia

• Name meaning: Bringer of good news.
• Popularity: #209
• 🇩🇪 #9 in Germany

Liana

• Name meaning: To climb, graceful vine.
• Popularity: #479
• 🇩🇪 #85 in Germany

Lily or Lillie

• Name meaning: Flower.
• Popularity: Lily ranks #20 and Lillie ranks #699.
• 🇩🇪 #15 in Germany

Lina

• Name meaning: Sunlight.
• Popularity: #583
• 🇩🇪 #8 in Germany

Liv

• Name meaning: Life, protection.
• Popularity: #702
• 🇩🇪 #96 in Germany

Livia

• Name meaning: Olive tree, peace.
• Popularity: #824
• 🇩🇪 #88 in Germany

Louisa or Luisa

• Name meaning: Famous warrior.
• Popularity: Louisa ranks #810 and Luisa ranks #949.
• 🇩🇪 #21 in Germany

Malia

• Name meaning: Bitter.
• Popularity: #273
• 🇩🇪 #26 in Germany

Mara

• Name meaning: A river.
• Popularity: #582
• 🇩🇪 #41 in Germany

Marie

• Name meaning: Drop of the sea; or beloved.
• Popularity: #649
• 🇩🇪 #13 in Germany

Melina or Milena

• Name meaning: Honey or gracious.
• Popularity: Melina ranks #654 and Milena ranks #700.
• 🇩🇪 Melina #53 and Milena #99 in Germany

Mia

• Name meaning: Mine. (From biblical name Miriam).
• Popularity: #6
• 🇩🇪 #5 in Germany

Related: Middle Names for Mia

Mila

• Name meaning: Beloved.
• Popularity: #28
• 🇩🇪 #7 in Germany

Mina

• Name meaning: Love, devoted.
• Popularity: #585
• 🇩🇪 #89 in Germany

Mira

• Name meaning: Wonderful, peaceful, prosperous. Means rising water in Hebrew.
• Popularity: #411
• 🇩🇪 #27 in Germany

Nora

• Name meaning: Light.
• Popularity: Nora ranks #25 and Norah ranks #201.
• 🇩🇪 #34 in Germany

Sarah or Sara

• Name meaning: Princess.
• Popularity: Sarah ranks #91 and Sara ranks #189.
• 🇩🇪 #36 in Germany

Sophia or Sofia

• Name meaning: Wisdom.
• Popularity: Sophia ranks #5 and Sofia ranks #12.
• 🇩🇪 #3 in Germany

Sophie

• Name meaning: Wisdom.
• Popularity: #60
• 🇩🇪 #25 in Germany

Stella

• Name meaning: Star.
• Popularity: #46
• 🇩🇪 #97 in Germany

Thea

• Name meaning: Gift of God.
• Popularity: #321
• 🇩🇪 #38 in Germany

Valentina

• Name meaning: Strong, healthy.
• Popularity: #49
• 🇩🇪 #64 in Germany

Victoria

• Name meaning: Winner.
• Popularity: #45
• 🇩🇪 #50 in Germany

German-ish names

You’ll see these names on lots of “German Girls’ Names” lists, probably because they’ve been popular in Germany over the years (though, not currently).

However, their origins aren’t German.

I’m including them here just in case they still appeal.

Or jump ahead to 🔥 which German girl names will go viral in 2025.

Alexandra

• Name meaning: Defender.
• Origin: Greek
• Popularity: #204

Related: Middle Names for Alex

August or Augusta

• Name meaning: Magnificent.
• Origin: Latin or Slavic
• Popularity: August ranks #104 for boys and isn’t ranking for girls. Augusta isn’t ranking.

Carolina

• Name meaning: Free woman.
• Origin: French
• Popularity: #424

Edith

• Name meaning: Prosperous in war.
• Origin: Old English
• Popularity: #504

Emmeline

• Name meaning: Work.
• Origin: German/French/English
• Popularity: #948

Ingrid

• Name meaning: Loved or beautiful.
• Origin: Norse
• Popularity: This 2-syllable girls’ name isn’t ranking.

Julianne

• Name meaning: Youthful.
• Origin: Latin
• Popularity: This baby girls’ name isn’t ranking.

Madison

• Name meaning: Child of Matthew.
• Origin: Old English
• Popularity: Madison ranks #36 and Maddison ranks #482.

Related: Middle Names for Madison

Nadine

• Name meaning: Hope.
• Origin: Russian
• Popularity: This great rainbow baby name isn’t ranking.

Nicole

• Name meaning: People of victory.
• Origin: Greek
• Popularity: #327

Nina

• Name meaning: Little girl.
• Origin: Russian
• Popularity: #338

Odette

• Name meaning: Wealthy.
• Origin: French
• Popularity: This O name isn’t ranking.

Stella

• Name meaning: Star.
• Origin: Latin
• Popularity: #46

Taylor

• Name meaning: Clothing tailor.
• Origin: Old English
• Popularity: This nonbinary name ranks #261 for girls and #591 for boys.

Vera

• Name meaning: Faith.
• Origin: Russian
• Popularity: #223

Zoey or Zoe or Zoie

• Name meaning: Life.
• Origin: Greek
• Popularity: Zoey ranks #51 and Zoe ranks #37.

Now we’ll pair all of these German girl names with pretty middle names!

Will any German girl names go viral in 2025?

Yes, I believe so!

Keep an eye on the following 2 names with true viral potential, plus 3 names expected to grow steadily in 2025.

Margot

This German girl’s name shows all the hallmarks of a name about to explode in popularity.

Since reentering the U.S. top 1000 in 2013 at #944, it has climbed an astounding 796 spots to reach #148 in 2023. This represents an 84% improvement in ranking over just a decade.

The name’s recent momentum is particularly striking. It jumped 45 spots between 2022-2023 alone, marking its biggest single-year leap yet.

What’s fascinating about this timing is that the 2023 data predates the Barbie phenomenon. Margot Robbie’s leading role in the highest-grossing film of 2023 ($1.4 billion worldwide) has standardized the name’s pronunciation and given it unprecedented cultural visibility.

The name also shows remarkable international strength. As of 2023, Margot ranks in the top 100 in multiple countries: #53 in France, #68 in Australia, #74 in Canada, and #106 in Scotland.

2024 brought even more visibility through Margot Robbie’s role as Lady Margot Fenring in Dune: Part Two – a character whose name will be heard repeatedly in one of the year’s most anticipated films.

This perfect storm of factors – proven statistical momentum, peak cultural relevance, and upcoming media exposure – positions Margot for potential viral growth in 2025.

Aurelia

This Latin name, which is popular in both the U.S. and Germany, is showing all the statistical markers of a name poised to go viral.

After steadily climbing since entering the top 1000 in 2012, the name suddenly accelerated in 2023 with its most dramatic single-year gain ever – jumping 117 spots from #488 to #371.

The timing of Aurelia’s rise is particularly significant. In March 2023, Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan chose it for their daughter, providing the kind of high-profile exposure that historically catalyzes dramatic growth. The Zuckerberg effect on baby names is well-documented, with his previous children’s names seeing significant bumps in popularity.

Aurelia’s current position at #371 is remarkably similar to where Aurora (now #22) stood in 2003 before its meteoric rise to the top 25. The parallel is especially noteworthy as both names share celestial meanings and appeal to parents drawn to Luna (#10) and similar cosmic names.

The name benefits from multiple current trends: its “lia” ending connects it to perennial favorite Amelia (#4), while its four-syllable elegance appeals to parents seeking longer, sophisticated choices.

Its strong European rankings (Poland #45, Austria #55, Germany #84) suggest global appeal.

With its dramatic 2023 momentum, celebrity backing, and alignment with multiple naming trends, Aurelia shows strong potential for viral growth in 2025.

Millie

This German name shows impressive but measured growth, climbing steadily from #814 in 2011 to #102 in 2023.

While its 26-spot jump from #128 to #102 between 2022-2023 shows momentum, this pace suggests steady popularity rather than viral potential.

The name’s strength in English-speaking countries is remarkable: #8 in Scotland, #18 in England, #19 in New Zealand, and #32 in Australia.

This international success, particularly in the UK, can be partly attributed to actress Millie Bobby Brown’s continued cultural influence since Stranger Things debuted in 2016.

However, Millie’s current U.S. ranking at #102 suggests it may be approaching its peak. Names rarely achieve viral status after entering the top 100, as they’ve already captured significant mainstream attention.

While this German girl’s name maintains broad appeal – ranking in the top 75 across multiple countries including Sweden (#75) and Belgium (#65) – its growth pattern indicates it’s more likely to settle into steady popularity than experience explosive viral growth in 2025.

Cleo

This girl’s name shows impressive momentum, climbing from #968 in 2019 to #608 in 2023 – a jump of 360 spots in just four years.

The name’s upward trajectory has been particularly strong recently, rising 55 positions between 2022-2023 alone.

International data reinforces Cleo’s appeal: it ranks #91 in Australia and #82 in New Zealand, suggesting global momentum. The name has also found success in Northern Europe, particularly in Sweden and Germany.

Christina Ricci chose Cleo for her daughter in 2021, providing celebrity validation that often precedes broader popularity.

Meanwhile, Nickelodeon’s Monster High reboot (2022) features the character Cleo de Nile, maintaining the name’s youth appeal.

While the name is predicted to continue its steady climb, it’s more likely to see consistent gains rather than explosive viral growth in 2025.

This measured ascent actually works in Cleo’s favor – it suggests lasting appeal rather than a temporary spike.

Parents drawn to its blend of vintage charm (it peaked at #191 in 1920) and modern simplicity can feel confident the name has staying power.

Lia

This baby name shows impressive movement in the U.S. rankings, climbing steadily from #310 in 2021 to #209 in 2023 – a gain of 101 positions in just two years.

Lia also has strong international appeal, ranking #9 in Germany and #6 in Switzerland.

The name’s trajectory suggests steady growth rather than viral potential.

Its 40-spot improvement from 2022 to 2023 (from #249 to #209), while solid, falls short of the dramatic 150+ spot jumps we typically see before a name goes viral.

The name benefits from its connection to popular choices like Aaliyah (#86) and Leah (#53).

Its short, feminine sound aligns with current naming trends. But Lia lacks the clear cultural catalyst or celebrity influence that often drives viral growth.

While Lia will likely continue its gradual climb through the rankings, the data points to steady popularity rather than explosive viral growth in 2025.

What do you think?!

Whether you’re drawn to potentially viral names or those with more measured popularity, these German girl names offer something special: they work beautifully in both German and English, carry rich cultural heritage, and feel both classic and contemporary.

Next, let’s explore some beautiful middle names that pair perfectly with these choices…

Middle name ideas

(How cute is this old-fashioned German postcard?!)

Here is a consolidation of all of the middle names on the graphics throughout this article—plus a bunch you haven’t seen yet!

Note: All of the first names on this list are of German origin. The middle names are from all over!

A

• Ada Noelle
• Adelaide Blair
• Adella Marie
• Alda Madelyn
• Alice Mirabel
• Amalia Hazel
• Amelina Ruby
• Annalise Lily

C

• Carly Sage

E

• Ella Rose
• Elsa Magnolia
• Emerson Brooke
• Emery Violet
• Emilia Reese
• Emma Paige

F

• Frederica Everly
• Frida Emerald

Related: Cool Middle Names for Girls: The Only List You’ll Ever Need

G

• Giselle Lacey
• Greta Avery
• Gretchen Hannah
• Gretel Alexandra

H

• Heidi Madison
• Hilda Mackenzie

I

• Ida Penelope
• Ilsa Maribelle
• Isa Lilianna

J

• Jocelyn Blake
• Juna Hadley

L

• Leni Olivia
• Leonie Jane
• Leonora Aubrey
• Lorelei Harlow
• Lotta Evangeline

M

• Maja Scarlett
• Matilda Jade
• Merle Everleigh
• Millie Abigail

N

• Nele Charlotte

R

• Romi Addilyn

T

• Tilda Sophie

W

• Willa Emberly
• Willamina Belle

Z

• Zelda Blakely
• Zinnia Embry

More baby names for girls:

• 100 Perfect 4-Syllable Girl Names
• 115 Magnificent Royal Girls’ Names
• 250 Winter Names for Girls [Cold Weather + Winter Holidays]

Final thoughts on German names for girls

While all these names have German connections, many showcase the fascinating way names evolve and travel between cultures.

Some, like Adelaide and Matilda, come directly from Old High German. Others, like Ada and Ella, have multiple origin points including German roots.

Names like Annalise represent German innovations, combining elements from different languages.

Emerson and Emery trace back to Germanic elements but developed in English-speaking countries.

Even names like Giselle and Jocelyn, which came to us through French, ultimately stem from Germanic tribes and words.

This rich mixture of origins reflects how German culture has influenced naming traditions across Europe and beyond.

Whether you’re looking to honor your German heritage or you’re just someone who appreciates German culture, hopefully, you’ve found a few lead contenders on this list, or at least come away with some baby name inspiration.

Congratulations and good luck choosing the perfect German name for your daughter!

The source for popularity data is SSN.

This article was originally published on Mar 14, 2022 and was updated on Dec 14, 2024.

German Girl Names