German Names of the 1900s: A Comprehensive List

Delving into the world of German names from the 1900s reveals a rich tapestry of tradition, meaning, and cultural influence. This era witnessed a blend of classic and modern choices, reflecting the changing social landscape of the time. From timeless favorites like Wilhelm and Anna to emerging trends like Helga and Wolfgang, these names offer a glimpse into the history and values of the period. Let's explore the fascinating origins and meanings behind these names, offering a unique window into the naming practices of early 20th century Germany.
1. **Wilhelm:** meaning "resolute protector," this name embodies strength and determination.
2. **Anna:** a classic and beloved name, it signifies "grace" and "favor."
3. **Fritz:** a diminutive form of Frederick, it translates to "peaceful ruler."
4. **Marie:** a timeless name of French origin, meaning "bitter" or "beloved."
5. **Heinrich:** a strong and traditional name, meaning "ruler of the home."
6. **Karl:** a popular choice, it derives from the Germanic "karl" meaning "free man."
7. **Otto:** a powerful name meaning "wealthy" or "prosperous."
8. **Emil:** a name of Latin origin, meaning "rival" or "industrious."
9. **Walter:** meaning "ruler of the army," it signifies strength and leadership.
10. **Max:** a shortened form of Maximilian, it stands for "greatest."
11. **Sophie:** a name of Greek origin, meaning "wisdom."
12. **Martha:** a name with Hebrew roots, meaning "lady" or "mistress of the house."
13. **Helene:** a name of Greek origin, meaning "torch" or "light."
14. **Gerda:** a name of Germanic origin, meaning "enclosure" or "protected."
15. **Erika:** a name derived from "Erica," a type of flowering plant.
16. **Greta:** a name of Germanic origin, meaning "pearl."
17. **Ingrid:** a name with Scandinavian roots, meaning "beautiful" or "fertile."
18. **Ursula:** a Latin name, meaning "little she-bear."
19. **Elfriede:** a name with Germanic roots, meaning "elf peace" or "noble peace."
20. **Hildegard:** a name meaning "battle maiden," it signifies strength and resilience.
21. **Gisela:** a name of Germanic origin, meaning "hostage" or "pledge."
22. **Brigitte:** a name with Celtic origins, meaning "high" or "strong."
23. **Hedwig:** a name of Germanic origin, meaning "battle" or "war."
24. **Ilse:** a name of Germanic origin, meaning "battle oath."
25. **Ruth:** a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "friend" or "companion."
26. **Margot:** a French diminutive of Margaret, meaning "pearl."
27. **Eva:** a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "life."
28. **Lieselotte:** a name meaning "God is my oath" or "God is my strength."
29. **Gertrude:** a name of Germanic origin, meaning "spear strength."
30. **Frieda:** a name of Germanic origin, meaning "peaceful" or "tranquil."
31. **Erika:** a name of Germanic origin, meaning "powerful ruler."
32. **Wolfgang:** a name of Germanic origin, meaning "wolf's journey."
33. **Dieter:** a name of Germanic origin, meaning "people's defender."
34. **Klaus:** a name of Germanic origin, meaning "cloister" or "hermit."
35. **Günter:** a name of Germanic origin, meaning "war chief."
36. **Herbert:** a name of Germanic origin, meaning "bright army" or "famous army."
37. **Bertram:** a name of Germanic origin, meaning "bright raven."
38. **Kurt:** a name of Germanic origin, meaning "brave" or "strong."
39. **Hans:** a German diminutive of Johannes, meaning "God is gracious."
40. **Werner:** a name of Germanic origin, meaning "army defender."
41. **Rudolf:** a name of Germanic origin, meaning "famous wolf."
42. **Alfred:** a name of Germanic origin, meaning "wise counsel."
43. **Reinhold:** a name of Germanic origin, meaning "powerful ruler."
44. **Siegfried:** a name of Germanic origin, meaning "victorious peace."
45. **Herbert:** a name of Germanic origin, meaning "bright army."
46. **Eberhard:** a name of Germanic origin, meaning "strong boar."
47. **Theodor:** a name of Greek origin, meaning "gift of God."
48. **Franz:** a German form of Francis, meaning "free man."
49. **Gustav:** a name of Germanic origin, meaning "staff of the spear."
50. **Richard:** a name of Germanic origin, meaning "powerful ruler."
51. **Hermann:** a name of Germanic origin, meaning "army man."
52. **Otto:** a name of Germanic origin, meaning "wealthy" or "prosperous."
53. **Leo:** a name of Latin origin, meaning "lion."
54. **Georg:** a name of Greek origin, meaning "farmer."
55. **Walther:** a name of Germanic origin, meaning "ruler of the army."
56. **Friedrich:** a name of Germanic origin, meaning "peaceful ruler."
57. **Manfred:** a name of Germanic origin, meaning "brave man."
58. **Werner:** a name of Germanic origin, meaning "army defender."
59. **Günther:** a name of Germanic origin, meaning "war chief."
60. **Klaus:** a name of Germanic origin, meaning "cloister" or "hermit."