Declining since 1990, #1,539 for boys today.
Popularity of German since 1882
Babies named German per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 |
| 1890s | 0 |
| 1900s | 14 |
| 1910s | 93 |
| 1920s | 117 |
| 1930s | 92 |
| 1940s | 99 |
| 1950s | 212 |
| 1960s | 371 |
| 1970s | 766 |
| 1980s | 1,349 |
| 1990s | 2,488 |
| 2000s | 2,402 |
| 2010s | 1,585 |
| 2020s | 697 |
Meaning & origin
German is a name with layered history and modest modern use. First recorded in U.S. data in 1882, it peaked in popularity in 1991 and has since followed a falling trajectory. In 2025, it ranked 1539 with about 1 in 15251 boys receiving the name, reflecting its rare but persistent presence. The name has been most prevalent in Arizona, North Carolina, and California, suggesting a scattered geographic appeal. Its dual possible meanings, "brother" from Latin or an ethnic reference, give it a weighty, historical feel, though it remains uncommon compared to its variant Jermaine.
The name German has two possible derivations. It may be from the Latin "germanus" meaning "brother" or "genuine," used as a given name in early Christian contexts, notably Saint Germanus. Alternatively, it may have originated as an ethnic name for someone from Germany, from the Latin "Germanus," though this usage as a personal name is rarer. The name was used in medieval England but declined, seeing a modest revival in the 19th century. It is distinct from the Spanish variation Germán.
Where German is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Germ
Sibling names for German
Names that share German's style, for a brother or sister.
