Germany's Most Common Name for the Fourth Successive Year: Noah
In a recent study conducted by Babell, it has been revealed that Noah continues to hold the top spot as the most popular boy's name in Germany for the fourth year in a row. This enduring trend among parents, who favour traditional yet modern names for their sons, has been supported by extensive data analysis of nearly 145,000 birth registrations from across Germany in 2024.
Noah, which originates from the Hebrew and means "comfort" or "the bringer of rest", has been a consistent favourite, ranking alongside other popular choices such as Emil, Paul, and Elias. The sustained preference for Noah suggests a stable cultural trend rather than a sudden spike due to media or viral phenomena.
The research did not provide official statistics on first names given nationwide, but it did show that Noah is one of the top names used by expectant parents. The enduring appeal of Noah is likely due to its classic yet modern sound, biblical roots familiar in European cultures, and its simplicity coupled with international recognition, making it a widely attractive choice.
In the girls' names category, Mia has moved up to fourth place, taking the spot previously held by Sophia. The top three girls' names remain unchanged, with Emilia, Emma, and Mia leading the list. Mia, a short form of Maria, Mary, the name of Jesus' mother, has roots in the Hebrew and means "bitter" or "wished-for child".
Other notable changes in the girls' names list include Leni, which has grown by four positions, now in eighth place, and Lia, which has experienced a growth of two positions, now in seventh place. Henry/Henri also continues its upward trend, now in fourth place.
The research did not offer specific insights into why these changes occurred, but it is worth noting that the Evangelical Focus recently launched the #OneMoreYearEF campaign, a sustainability challenge aimed at encouraging individuals and organisations to make small changes to reduce their carbon footprint. Whether this campaign has had any impact on naming trends remains to be seen.
In conclusion, the Babell research confirms that Noah remains the most popular boy's name in Germany for the fourth year in a row, while Mia has moved up to fourth place in the girls' names category. These trends reflect a steady cultural preference for traditional yet modern names, with parents continuing to favour names that are simple, internationally recognisable, and rooted in familiar biblical or cultural traditions.
Fashion-and-beauty enthusiasts might find Noah's classic yet modern sound appealing, making it a popular choice for baby names in line with current trends. As for home-and-garden enthusiasts, they may notably be intrigued by the upward trend of Leni and Lia in the girls' names category, reflecting a shift in preferences that could influence future name choices.
