What's in a Name | Elegant German Girl Names
We chose German/French origin names for both of our girls. Jakob’s family is from (and is still in) Germany. French names, classically, have been some of my favourites, so I had fun trying to find names that have that shared heritage. Of course we wound up with Louella and Sabine. Read on for some of my other top contenders!
Ulla
The name Ulla is a girl's name of German, Scandinavian, Norse origin meaning "will, determination". It started as a nickname for Ursula but has grown into a stand alone first name. Ulla Johnson designs some of my favourite dresses! “People with this name tend to initiate events, to be leaders rather than followers, with powerful personalities.” - I like!
Odetta
German, French origin meaning "wealthy". I love Odette but something about Odetta sounds even more musical. “O” names are very on trend! True to it’s meaning, it does sound ‘rich’.
Giselle
We all know Giselle Bündchen is a lot to live up to. This is a strong yet soft name. My favourite nickname of all time happens to have another supermodel connection: Gigi. The German origin means "pledge/hostage". Not so sure I love the meaning… but I do love the soft way Giselle rolls off the tongue.
Eleonora
The name Eleanor has made a comeback along with other classics (Alice, Beatrice, Charlotte and the like). While Eleanor is more serious, this version feels softer. The name Eleonora is a girl's name of German, Italian, Polish (amongst others). A universal name lending itself to sweet nicknames like Ellie or Nora.
Angelika
I like a lot of variations including Angel. Sabine was almost Angeline. I’ve always loved Angelina Jolie and the Rolling Stone’s song “Angie”, so it felt like it checked a lot of my boxes! I also liked the numerology: “People with this name have a deep inner need for quiet, and a desire to understand and analyze the world they live in, and to learn the deeper truths.” The German meaning of Angelika is “Messenger”.
Emmeline
My all time favourite names tend to have a mixed French and German heritage. The French influence grants a name a more delicate sense. Though this name meaning in particular is far from delicate: "work” / ”hardworking”. Emmeline Pankhurst is a strong namesake and a woman worthy of emulating. Plus this offers the sweet nicknames Em and Emmy. If you go for another spelling, Emmaline, the meaning changes to “peaceful home”.
Ada
Another name that spans multiple cultures and languages. This is a family name that I’m still saving as a potential middle name. The German meaning is "noble and serene". Ada Lovelace is yet another impressive woman that any one should be proud to be named after. This name is also on trend in the family of Adeline, Adele and Adelaide.
Romy
Romy means “dew of the sea” which I find to be very romantic. Romy could be short for Rosemary or could be shortened further to Ro. I like this shorter, no-frills unisex name. It pairs well in sib-sets of 2 syllable names: Willa, Stella, Hazel, Harper, Ella, Pippa or Piper.
Ingrid
A classic name that also gives me Supermodel vibes (as Russian and Scandinavian names tend to do). You have another lovely namesake in Ingrid Bergman. It means “beautiful” / ”feminine”. In Norse mythology, Ing, god of earth's fertility, rides the land each year to prepare it for spring planting. Inga is a nice variation or nickname.
Dorothea
Pronounced Do-ro-teh-a. Another name with Greek origins, this is the feminine form of Dorotheos which meant "gift of God". Dorothy is a beautiful classic name, but I prefer this variation. Thea makes for a nice nick name.
I hope this has inspired you to consider some German heritage names for your future daughters!