This page brings together 16 German boy names that start with the letter N, arranged alphabetically from “Nikolaus” to “Neithard”. You’ll find a mix of timeless classics, biblical favorites, and rare old Germanic options. Parents use this list to compare choices, check how each name sounds, and understand what every name means before deciding.

German boy names are the traditional and modern given names used for boys across Germany and other German-speaking countries. Many trace back to old Germanic roots, while others come from biblical or international sources. The name Nikolaus, for example, is tied to Saint Nicholas, who still brings gifts to German children every December 6th.

Below you’ll find the table with Name, Pronunciation, Meaning, and Description.

Name: This shows the German boy name exactly as it is spelled, so you can see the correct form and compare each option side by side.

Pronunciation: This gives you a simple phonetic guide, helping you say each name out loud with confidence before you settle on a favorite.

Meaning: This explains the original sense behind each name, letting you choose one whose message or symbolism feels right for your child.

Description: This offers a short background on each name, covering its history, popularity, and cultural ties so you can understand its full story.

German boy names

NamePronunciationMeaning
NikolausNEE-koh-lowsVictory of the people
NiklasNIK-lahsVictory of the people
NicoNEE-kohVictory of the people
NikoNEE-kohVictory of the people
NilsnilsVictory of the people
NisnissVictory of the people
NorbertNOR-bairtNorth bright or famous
NormanNOR-mahnNorthman or Norseman
NotkerNOT-kairNeed spear or distress spear
Nathanaelnah-TAH-nah-ellGod has given
NathanNAH-tahnHe gave or gift
NicknikVictory of the people
NoahNOH-ahRest or comfort
NepomukNEH-poh-mookFrom Pomuk (a Bohemian town)
NestorNES-torHomecoming or traveler
NeithardNITE-hartBattle hardness or bold in strife

Descriptions

Nikolaus
A traditional German form of Nicholas, long popular thanks to Saint Nicholas. It carries festive associations in Germany, where Nikolaus brings gifts to children on December 6th.
Niklas
A shortened, modern German variant of Nikolaus that has been a top-ranking boys’ name for decades. It feels both classic and contemporary across German-speaking countries.
Nico
A friendly short form of Nikolaus used widely in Germany. Its easy, international sound has made it popular well beyond German borders.
Niko
A spelling variant of Nico, common in Germany and neighboring countries. It works as both a nickname and a stand-alone given name.
Nils
A German and Scandinavian form derived from Nicholas. Short and crisp, it has long been a steady favorite in northern Germany.
Nis
A North Frisian short form of Nicholas common in Schleswig-Holstein. It is brief, regional, and rooted in coastal German tradition.
Norbert
An old Germanic name combining elements meaning north and bright. Saint Norbert helped spread the name across medieval Germany.
Norman
A Germanic name originally describing a man from the north. It signals Viking and Norse heritage and has stayed in modest German use.
Notker
A rare old Germanic name borne by medieval monks of St. Gallen. It blends words for need and spear, evoking an early monastic past.
Nathanael
The German biblical form of Nathaniel, found in the Gospels. It is favored by religious families for its meaning of a gift from God.
Nathan
A biblical Hebrew name used in Germany for its gentle sound and meaning. Nathan was a prophet who advised King David.
Nick
A casual short form of Nikolaus borrowed into German from English. It feels modern, brief, and informal.
Noah
A biblical name that has surged to the very top of German baby-name charts. It belongs to the patriarch who built the ark in Genesis.
Nepomuk
A distinctive Bavarian name honoring Saint John of Nepomuk. It is rare, traditional, and strongly tied to southern German Catholic culture.
Nestor
A name from Greek myth borne by a wise elder king at Troy. It appears occasionally in Germany for its scholarly, classical feel.
Neithard
An old Germanic name combining words for strife and strength. It is now very rare but reflects early medieval naming customs.
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