German Baby Names

German baby names are traditionally derived from the Germanic language and from mythology, animals, social status, nature, and war and peace terms. Surnames developed from places, occupations, descriptions and patronymics. Although Germany's history, especially the period of Hitler's regime, has seen extremely harsh restrictions on naming, northern Germanic names are more recently becoming popular. Eastern areas are seeing a popularity increase in Slavonic German baby names and the western parts often include a French twist to German baby names. Saint's names are also popular due to the strong Catholic presence in southern Germany. Popular baby girl names include Marie, Sophie, Maria, Anna or Anne, and Leonie. Popular baby boy names include Leon, Maximilian, Alexander, Lucas, and Paul.