This page brings together 49 German boy names that start with the letter H, running alphabetically from “Hans” to “Helmfried.” Most carry deep Germanic roots, with strong meanings tied to home, battle, faith, and protection. Parents use this list to find a name that feels timeless, sounds distinctly German, and fits a new baby boy.
German boy names are the traditional and modern first names given to boys across Germany and German-speaking regions. Many draw on old Germanic words for “ruler,” “army,” or “home,” which is why so many feel powerful and historic. A name like “Heinrich,” for example, was carried by kings and emperors for centuries.
Below you’ll find the table with Name, Pronunciation, Meaning, and Description.
Name: The German boy name itself, listed alphabetically so you can quickly scan the H names and spot the one you like.
Pronunciation: A simple phonetic guide that shows you how to say each name correctly, even if the spelling looks unfamiliar at first.
Meaning: The original sense behind the name, helping you understand its history and choose one whose message matches the qualities you value.
Description: A short, friendly note on each name’s background, style, and feel, giving you helpful context before you make your choice.
German boy names
| Name | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Hans | HAHNS | God is gracious |
| Heinrich | HINE-rikh | Home ruler |
| Heinz | HINES | Home ruler |
| Helmut | HEL-moot | Brave protector |
| Hermann | HER-mahn | Army man |
| Holger | HOL-gur | Island spear |
| Horst | HORST | Wooded hill, thicket |
| Hubert | HOO-bert | Bright mind |
| Hugo | HOO-go | Mind, intellect |
| Hartmut | HART-moot | Brave and strong |
| Hartwig | HART-vikh | Strong in battle |
| Hannes | HAH-ness | God is gracious |
| Helge | HEL-guh | Holy, blessed |
| Hellmuth | HEL-moot | Brave protector |
| Hennig | HEN-ikh | God is gracious |
| Henning | HEN-ing | God is gracious |
| Henrik | HEN-rik | Home ruler |
| Henry | HEN-ree | Home ruler |
| Herbert | HER-bert | Bright army |
| Herwig | HER-vikh | Army battle |
| Hilmar | HIL-mar | Famous warrior |
| Hubertus | hoo-BER-toos | Bright mind |
| Hagen | HAH-gen | Enclosure, protected place |
| Hanno | HAH-no | God is gracious |
| Harald | HAH-ralt | Army ruler |
| Hartwin | HART-vin | Strong friend |
| Hasso | HAH-so | God is gracious / Hessian |
| Hatto | HAH-to | Combat, fighting |
| Heimo | HY-mo | Home |
| Heiko | HY-ko | Home ruler |
| Hein | HINE | Home ruler |
| Helmar | HEL-mar | Famous protector |
| Hendrik | HEN-drik | Home ruler |
| Henner | HEN-ner | Home ruler |
| Hilbert | HIL-bert | Bright battle |
| Hilger | HIL-gur | Holy spear |
| Hinrich | HIN-rikh | Home ruler |
| Hubald | HOO-balt | Bright and bold |
| Humbert | HUM-bert | Bright warrior |
| Hunold | HOO-nolt | Bear cub ruler |
| Halvard | HAHL-vart | Rock defender |
| Hanno | HAH-no | God is gracious |
| Harro | HAH-ro | Army ruler |
| Hartmann | HART-mahn | Strong man |
| Heribert | HEH-ree-bert | Bright army |
| Hermann-Josef | HER-mahn YO-zef | Army man, God shall add |
| Hieronymus | hee-eh-RO-nee-moos | Holy name |
| Hartfried | HART-freet | Strong peace |
| Helmfried | HELM-freet | Protective peace |
Descriptions
Hans
A classic German short form of Johannes, Hans has been one of the most iconic German boy names for centuries and is woven into folklore and fairy tales.
Heinrich
A regal old German name borne by many kings and emperors, Heinrich blends the elements for “home” and “ruler” and remains a dignified traditional choice.
Heinz
A short form of Heinrich, Heinz was hugely popular in early 20th-century Germany and carries a friendly, down-to-earth feel.
Helmut
Made famous by leaders like Helmut Kohl, this name combines “helmet” and “courage” and feels solidly mid-century German.
Hermann
An ancient Germanic name meaning “warrior,” Hermann honors the legendary chieftain Arminius and stays popular as a strong, historic choice.
Holger
Of Norse-German origin, Holger evokes a warrior with a spear and is shared across Germany and Scandinavia.
Horst
A nature-rooted German name referring to a small wood or eagle’s nest, Horst was especially fashionable in the early to mid 1900s.
Hubert
This old Germanic name pairs “heart/mind” with “bright” and is linked to Saint Hubert, the patron of hunters.
Hugo
A short, punchy name meaning “intellect,” Hugo has made a strong international comeback while keeping its German roots.
Hartmut
Combining “hard” and “spirit,” Hartmut is a sturdy traditional German name suggesting toughness and courage.
Hartwig
An old Germanic name joining “hard” with “war,” Hartwig conveys a fierce, battle-ready strength.
Hannes
A warm short form of Johannes, Hannes is a relaxed, approachable German name still in regular use today.
Helge
Of Norse-German heritage, Helge means “holy” and is used in both Germany and Scandinavia for boys.
Hellmuth
A spelling variant of Helmut, Hellmuth carries the same meaning of courage and protection with a slightly older flavor.
Hennig
A North German diminutive of Johannes, Hennig has a regional, traditional charm.
Henning
Popular especially in northern Germany, Henning is a friendly elaboration of Hannes and Johannes.
Henrik
A Scandinavian-influenced form of Heinrich, Henrik is widely used in Germany for its crisp, modern sound.
Henry
The anglicized form of Heinrich, Henry has become fashionable with German parents seeking an international classic.
Herbert
This old Germanic name joins “army” and “bright,” and Herbert enjoyed great popularity in the early 20th century.
Herwig
An ancient warrior name combining two words for army and war, Herwig has a heroic, epic ring.
Hilmar
Of Germanic and Norse roots, Hilmar pairs “battle” with “fame,” suggesting a celebrated fighter.
Hubertus
A Latinized, more formal form of Hubert, Hubertus has aristocratic associations and ties to the hunting saint.
Hagen
Known from the Nibelungenlied saga, Hagen is a dramatic, legendary German name meaning a sheltered spot.
Hanno
A short, modern-feeling pet form of Johannes, Hanno is simple and easy across languages.
Harald
A Germanic-Norse name meaning “leader of the army,” Harald has royal connections throughout northern Europe.
Hartwin
An old Germanic name combining “hard” and “friend,” Hartwin suggests a loyal, steadfast companion.
Hasso
A short German name sometimes linked to the region of Hesse, Hasso has a vintage, distinctive feel.
Hatto
An ancient Germanic name rooted in a word for battle, Hatto is rare and old-fashioned.
Heimo
A short Germanic name drawn from the element for “home,” Heimo feels gentle and traditional.
Heiko
A North German and Frisian short form related to Heinrich, Heiko was very popular in mid-century Germany.
Hein
A clipped northern German form of Heinrich, Hein is plain, sturdy, and folksy.
Helmar
Combining “helmet/protection” with “fame,” Helmar is an uncommon but strong-sounding German name.
Hendrik
A Low German and Dutch-influenced form of Heinrich, Hendrik is popular in northern Germany for its polished sound.
Henner
A regional German pet form of Heinrich, Henner has a cozy, informal character.
Hilbert
An old Germanic name joining “battle” and “bright,” Hilbert is shared with the famous mathematician David Hilbert.
Hilger
A medieval German name combining “holy” and “spear,” Hilger is now quite rare and antique.
Hinrich
A Low German variant of Heinrich common in the north, Hinrich keeps a strong regional identity.
Hubald
An old Germanic name pairing “mind/heart” with “bold,” Hubald is an uncommon historic choice.
Humbert
This Germanic name joins “warrior” or “cub” with “bright,” and Humbert has an old, literary flavor.
Hunold
An ancient Germanic name suggesting a young, strong leader, Hunold is rare and medieval in feel.
Halvard
Of Norse-German origin, Halvard combines “rock” and “guardian,” evoking a steadfast protector.
Hanno
A short, friendly form of Johannes used in Germany, Hanno has a clean, modern simplicity.
Harro
A North German short form related to Harald and Herbert, Harro is brisk and uncommon.
Hartmann
An old Germanic name joining “hard” with “man,” Hartmann conveys resilience and is also a common surname.
Heribert
A fuller, older form of Herbert, Heribert means “shining army” and has a saintly, classic feel.
Hermann-Josef
A traditional German double name pairing Hermann with Josef, often chosen for its devout, old-fashioned dignity.
Hieronymus
The German form of Jerome, Hieronymus is a grand, scholarly name famous through painter Hieronymus Bosch.
Hartfried
An old Germanic name combining “hard” with “peace,” Hartfried is rare and quietly noble.
Helmfried
A Germanic name joining “helmet/protection” with “peace,” Helmfried is unusual and old-fashioned.