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This section includes first names of German origin. One of the most widespread languages, German is the origin for first names used in countries and communities around the world.
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Browse German male and female names by alphabetical order to find out the meanings of the names. Click on the first letter of the name you're looking for.
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The German language is a West Germanic language which is spoken by over 90 million native speakers in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, and other countries, and another 80 million non-native speakers around the world.
There are two main dialects spoken today: Standard German (modern High German) in southern and central Germany, and modern Low German in the north.
Early New High German, which became standard German, was based on the German dialects spoken in the highlands in southern and central Germany. Martin Luther used this language to translate and distribute the Bible in the mid-16th century, which led to its eventual adoption as the standard language. The language evolved from Middle High German by the 14th century.
The Middle High German language was used in the southern and central parts of Germany from around the 11th to the 15th century. The dialects developed from Old High German after a process of sound changes and grammar simplification.
The Old High German language was the earliest stage of the German language which covers the period from around the 6th to the 11th century. It was spoken in southern part of Germany and was the basis of Middle High German.
The Middle Low German language was used in the northern Germany and the eastern part of the Netherlands from the 12th to the 16th century. It evolved from Old Low German around the 12th century.
The Old Low German language (also called Old Saxon) was used in the northern part of Germany and in the Netherlands from around the 8th to the 12th century. It was the basis of Middle Low German.
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