Old German Male Names (1800s): A Guide to Traditional German Nomenclature

Are you interested in discovering the rich history of German naming traditions? This list explores popular male names used in Germany during the 1800s. These names, often rooted in Germanic mythology and religion, offer insight into the values and beliefs of the time. Whether you're researching your family history or simply curious about German culture, this comprehensive guide will provide you with a wealth of information about these timeless names.
1. **Adolph:** Meaning "noble wolf," this name signifies strength and courage. It was popularized by the German king, Adolphus Frederick II.
2. **Albert:** Derived from the Germanic words "adal" (noble) and "beraht" (bright), this name signifies nobility and intelligence. It was a popular name for German royalty.
3. **Alexander:** Meaning "defender of mankind," this name carries a strong sense of heroism and leadership. It was associated with the legendary Macedonian king, Alexander the Great.
4. **Alfred:** Derived from the Old English words "álfr" (elf) and "ræd" (counsel), this name suggests wisdom and magical abilities. It was associated with Alfred the Great, King of Wessex.
5. **Andreas:** Meaning "manly," this name emphasizes strength and masculinity. It is a biblical name, named after one of Jesus' apostles.
6. **Anton:** Meaning "priceless," this name signifies value and importance. It is a biblical name, named after the first Christian saint.
7. **August:** Derived from the Latin word "augustus," meaning "sacred," this name signifies respect and power. It was associated with the Roman Emperor Augustus.
8. **Bernhard:** Meaning "brave bear," this name reflects strength, courage, and fortitude. It was popularized by Saint Bernard, a 12th-century monk.
9. **Carl:** A shortened form of Charles, meaning "free man," this name emphasizes independence and self-reliance. It was a popular name for German emperors.
10. **Christian:** Meaning "follower of Christ," this name signifies faith and devotion. It is a biblical name, named after Jesus' followers.
11. **Conrad:** Derived from the Old High German words "kunni" (brave) and "rat" (counsel), this name signifies wisdom and courage. It was a popular name for German kings and emperors.
12. **David:** Meaning "beloved," this name signifies affection and love. It is a biblical name, named after the second king of Israel.
13. **Emil:** A shortened form of Emilius, meaning "rival," this name emphasizes determination and competition. It was a popular name during the 19th century.
14. **Erich:** Meaning "eternal ruler," this name suggests power and authority. It is a popular name in German mythology, associated with the god of war, Wotan.
15. **Ernst:** Meaning "serious," this name signifies seriousness and purposefulness. It was a popular name for German scholars and intellectuals.
16. **Franz:** A German form of Francis, meaning "free man," this name emphasizes independence and self-reliance. It was a popular name for German royalty.
17. **Friedrich:** Meaning "peaceful ruler," this name suggests a calm and just leader. It was a popular name for German emperors.
18. **Georg:** A German form of George, meaning "farmer," this name signifies hard work and dedication. It was a popular name for German landowners.
19. **Gottlieb:** Meaning "God is my beloved," this name signifies deep faith and devotion. It was a popular name among devout Christians.
20. **Heinrich:** Meaning "ruler of the home," this name signifies leadership and responsibility. It was a popular name for German kings and emperors.
21. **Hermann:** Meaning "man of the army," this name signifies bravery and strength. It was a popular name for German warriors.
22. **Hugo:** Meaning "mind, spirit, or intellect," this name signifies wisdom and intelligence. It was a popular name for German scholars and intellectuals.
23. **Jacob:** Meaning "supplanter," this name signifies perseverance and determination. It is a biblical name, named after the patriarch of the twelve tribes of Israel.
24. **Johann:** A German form of John, meaning "God is gracious," this name signifies kindness and generosity. It was a popular name among Christians.
25. **Josef:** A German form of Joseph, meaning "God will increase," this name signifies hope and growth. It is a biblical name, named after the husband of Mary.
26. **Karl:** A German form of Charles, meaning "free man," this name emphasizes independence and self-reliance. It was a popular name for German emperors.
27. **Klaus:** Meaning "enclosure," this name suggests a protective and secure environment. It was a popular name among those who valued stability and tradition.
28. **Konrad:** Derived from the Old High German words "kunni" (brave) and "rat" (counsel), this name signifies wisdom and courage. It was a popular name for German kings and emperors.
29. **Leonhard:** Meaning "brave lion," this name reflects strength, courage, and fortitude. It was a popular name for German warriors.
30. **Ludwig:** Meaning "famous warrior," this name signifies bravery and strength. It was a popular name for German kings and emperors.
31. **Markus:** Meaning "dedicated to Mars," this name signifies strength and protection. It is a biblical name, named after one of Jesus' apostles.
32. **Martin:** Meaning "warlike," this name signifies courage and determination. It is a biblical name, named after one of Jesus' apostles.
33. **Matthias:** Meaning "gift of God," this name signifies blessings and fortune. It is a biblical name, named after one of Jesus' apostles.
34. **Max:** A shortened form of Maximilian, meaning "greatest," this name signifies power and authority. It was a popular name for German royalty.
35. **Michael:** Meaning "who is like God," this name signifies strength and protection. It is a biblical name, named after the archangel Michael.
36. **Otto:** Meaning "wealth," this name signifies prosperity and abundance. It was a popular name for German kings and emperors.
37. **Paul:** Meaning "small," this name signifies humility and humility. It is a biblical name, named after one of Jesus' apostles.
38. **Peter:** Meaning "rock," this name signifies strength and stability. It is a biblical name, named after one of Jesus' apostles.
39. **Philipp:** Meaning "lover of horses," this name signifies freedom and adventure. It is a biblical name, named after one of Jesus' apostles.
40. **Richard:** Meaning "powerful ruler," this name suggests strength and authority. It was a popular name for German kings and emperors.
41. **Robert:** Meaning "bright fame," this name signifies honor and renown. It was a popular name for German nobles.
42. **Rudolf:** Meaning "wolf-famous," this name signifies courage and strength. It was a popular name for German kings and emperors.
43. **Wilhelm:** Meaning "will and helmet," this name signifies strength and determination. It was a popular name for German emperors.
44. **Walter:** Meaning "ruler of the army," this name signifies leadership and authority. It was a popular name for German warriors.
45. **Werner:** Meaning "defender of the army," this name signifies protection and strength. It was a popular name for German warriors.
46. **Wolfgang:** Meaning "wolf's journey," this name suggests a strong and adventurous spirit. It was a popular name for German explorers.