German Baby Names You'll Fall In Love With

If you're looking for a unique but elegant name for your baby, think about going with a German name. While the language may sometimes be characterized as a little harsh, this couldn't be further from the truth.

These baby names prove that the German language has more than its fair share of beautiful names. Some might even sound a bit familiar as they are the German forms of popular monickers. You and your baby are sure to fall in love with these stunning German names!

Pronounced "EE-fo," the masculine name Ivo is derived from the German element "iv" which means "yew." The yew tree is known for its longevity and is believed to be one of the most long-lived trees in Europe: some yew trees in Britain are thought to be more than a thousand years old!

The name is used throughout Europe and South America, putting your baby in good company. Famous people with this name include pianist Ivo Pogorelich, author Ivo Robić, politicians Ivo Strejček and Ivo Sanader, and Nobel prize winner Ivo Andrić. If you want to make this unique name stand out even more, you can use one of its variations and spell it as "Yvo."

Pronounced "AH-nee-kah," the girl's name Anika is the diminutive form of Anna which comes from the Hebrew name Channah meaning "grace." The name dates back to ancient times and is found in the Bible. Another beautiful variation of this name is Anina.

The name Anika (with a slight spelling variation) can be found in the Pippi Longstocking books by Astrid Lindgren. The character Annika Settergren is Pippi's best friend. It is also the name of golfer Annika Sorenstrem.

This lovely feminine name is pronounced "ah-LEE-dah." The name Alida has an intriguing history, coming from the name Adelaide which itself is the French form of the German name "Adalheidis" and comes from the words "adal" (meaning "noble") and "heid" (meaning "kind, sort, type").

Adelaide is a beautiful name in its own right. The Australian city of Adelaide was named for the wife of Britain's King William IV. Bearers of the name Alida include actresses Alida Rouffe and Alida Valli, artist Alida Withoos, and swimmer Alida Bolten.

The male name Lutz (pronounced "LOOTZ") is the diminutive form of the name Ludwig which is perhaps best known as the name of the German composer Ludwig van Beethoven. Ludwig is derived from the name Chlodovech, a combination of "hlud" meaning "famous," and "wig" meaning "war" or "battle." Its origins make Lutz a strong choice for your baby boy.

But while Lutz is typically reserved for boys, it is occasionally used as female name, such as with politician Lutz Jacobi.

There are several other politicians who go by the name Lutz including Lutz Heilmann and Lutz Goepel. Other well-known people named Lutz include author Lutz Kleveman, philosopher Lutz Wingert, and astronomer Lutz D. Schmadel.

Astrid is a modern take on the ancient Scandinavian name Astriðr which comes from the Old Norse elements for "god" and "beloved," or "beautiful." The pronunciation of this feminine name varies a little bit from country to country, but the German pronunciation is "AHS-trit."

This name is quite popular in parts of Europe and is gaining some traction in the United States, making it a trendy pick for your bundle of joy. Historically, this name has been given to many royals, including Princess Astrid of Norway and Princess Astrid of Belgium, Archduchess of Austria-Este. Well-known people outside of politics with the name Astrid include singers Astrid Varnay and Astrid Hadad, and athletes Astrid Lødemel, Astrid Strauss, and Astrid Kumbernuss.

This girl's name is actually a combination of two others, which means you'll have lots of options for nicknames! Pronounced "LEE-ze-law-tə," the name Liselotte comes from Lise and Charlotte. Other variations of this pretty name include Lilo and Lotte.

Notable people named Liselotte include photographer Liselotte Grschebina, actress Liselotte Pulver, and painter Liselotte Schramm-Heckmann. Liselotte was also the childhood nickname of Elizabeth Charlotte, Princess Palatine, the sister of France's King Louis XIV.

The feminine form of the German name Aloysius, Aloisia is pronounced "ah-lo-EE-zee-ah." The history of the name demonstrates just how much things can change over time. Aloysius is a Latinized version of "Aloys" which itself is an Occitan form of the name Louis. Louis comes from the name Ludovicus which itself is the Latinized form of the German name Ludwig, making Aloisia quite the international moniker!

Aloisia was the true name of the Austrian novelist Aloisia Kirschner who wrote under the pen name of Ossip Schubin. It is also the name of the former queen of Uvea, Aloisia Brial.

A shortened form of the more well-known name Sebastian which comes from the Greek word "sebastos" meaning "venerable," Bastian, pronounced "BAHS-tee-ahn," is a modern take on a classic. Alternatively, you could give your baby boy the more formal name of Sebastian and use Bastian as a nickname.

Many notable people have had Bastian as either a first name or a last name. Famous Bastians include neuropathologist Frank Bastian, fashion designer Michael Bastian, actor Noah Bastian, and soccer player Bastian Schweinsteiger.

This name is packed with history, making it a great pick for your baby girl. Coming from the Greek name Korinna, the German version is pronounced as "ko-RI-nah." Corinna is a well-known name throughout literature. It was the name of a poet in the 5th century B.C., the name of a character in Ovid's 'Amores," and the subject of Robert Herrick's 17th century poem "Corinna's going a-Maying."

Corinna was also the pen name of the poet Elizabeth Thomas. Other people with this name (or very close variations) include singer Corinna May, journalist Korina Sanchez, and politician Corina Casanova.

The name Lorenz is the German form of the name Laurence. The name is commonly thought to come from the Latin word "laurus," which means "laurel." Pronounced "LO-rents," Lorentz is a great choice if you want an alluring, German-sounding name that will still be somewhat familiar to others.

The moniker has been used for royals dating back as far as 14th century Lord of Werle-Güstrow, Lorenz of Werle. It is also the name of the current Archduke of Austria-Este, Prince Lorenz of Belgium.

Picking out a name for your precious little one is a superwichtig (German for "very important") task and can therefore be quite stressful! If you're looking for something unique, the German language offers many beautiful names to choose from.

Ranging from classic and packed with history, to trendy and modern, German names provide you with a rich cultural fabric from which to choose!