First Names in the 17th Century

War, cold, religious disputes – and yet the Baroque flourished! In the 17th century, children were given names that still surprise today: from Maria and Anna to Johann, Georg, and Caspar. Many bear the marks of great rulers, artists, and saints. These first names tell the dramatic and magnificent sound of an entire era.

1. Adam

Adam is a name with biblical origins that was widely used in the 17th century. It symbolizes the first human and was particularly popular in religious circles.

2. Andreas

Andreas, derived from the Greek word for "manly" or "brave," was a frequently chosen name. Parents often selected it for their sons to impart strength and courage on their life journey.

3. Antonius

Antonius, a name with Roman roots, was especially popular in Catholic regions during the 17th century. It represents nobility and dignity, making it a preferred choice for sons from esteemed families.

4. Balthasar

Balthasar, inspired by one of the Three Wise Men, was a name often associated with wisdom and wealth. It was particularly favored among the upper class.

5. Bernhard

Bernhard, a name of Germanic origin, means "strong bear." In the 17th century, it symbolized strength and protection, making it a popular choice.

6. Caspar

Caspar, also one of the names of the Three Wise Men, was widely used in the 17th century. It was seen as a sign of generosity and prosperity.

7. Christian

Christian, a name with Christian roots, was particularly common among devout families in the 17th century. It signifies belonging to Christianity and was an expression of faith.

8. Christoph

Christoph, derived from the Greek "Christ-bearer," was a name frequently given in the 17th century. It symbolized faith and hope for divine assistance.

9. Claus

Claus, a diminutive of Nikolaus, was a popular name in the 17th century. It was often associated with the patron saint of children and sailors.

10. Conrad

Conrad, a name with Old High German roots, means "brave advisor." In the 17th century, it was a sign of wisdom and leadership.

11. Daniel

Daniel, a biblical name meaning "God is my judge," was widely used in the 17th century. It stood for justice and reverence for God.

12. David

David, a name with Hebrew origins, was popular in the 17th century. It symbolized royalty and strength, inspired by the biblical King David.

13. Dietrich

Dietrich, a name of Germanic origin, means "mighty ruler." In the 17th century, it was a symbol of authority and leadership.

14. Dirk

Dirk, a Low German diminutive of Dietrich, was particularly popular in Northern Germany during the 17th century. It represented strength and independence.

15. Eberhard

Eberhard, a name with Old High German roots, means "strong boar." In the 17th century, it was a sign of courage and bravery.

16. Elias

Elias, a name with biblical origins, was widely used in the 17th century. It stands for faith and prophetic wisdom.

17. Fabian

Fabian, a name of Latin origin, was particularly popular in Catholic areas during the 17th century. It symbolized fertility and growth.

18. Friedrich

Friedrich, a name with Germanic roots, means "peaceful ruler." In the 17th century, it was a symbol of peace and justice.

19. Georg

Georg, a name of Greek origin, means "farmer." In the 17th century, it was a sign of groundedness and diligence.

20. Hans

Hans, a diminutive of Johannes, was widely used in the 17th century. It stood for tradition and reliability.

21. Heinrich

Heinrich, a name with Old High German roots, means "ruler of the house." In the 17th century, it was a symbol of power and influence.

22. Jakob

Jakob, a name with biblical origins, was popular in the 17th century. It stands for cunning and wisdom, inspired by the biblical figure Jacob.

23. Johann

Johann, a variant of Johannes, was widely used in the 17th century. It symbolized grace and God's blessing.

24. Johannes

Johannes, a name with biblical background, was particularly common in the 17th century. It stands for grace and divine favor.

25. Ludwig

Ludwig, a name with Germanic roots, means "famous warrior." In the 17th century, it was a sign of glory and bravery.

26. Markus

Markus, a name of Latin origin, was particularly popular in Catholic regions during the 17th century. It symbolized strength and determination.

27. Martin

Martin, a name with Latin roots, means "dedicated to Mars." In the 17th century, it was a symbol of courage and fighting spirit.

28. Michael

Michael, a name with biblical origins, was widely used in the 17th century. It stands for protection and divine power.

29. Paul

Paul, a name with Latin roots, means "small" or "humble." In the 17th century, it was a sign of modesty and virtue.

30. Wilhelm

Wilhelm, a name with Germanic roots, means "willful protector." In the 17th century, it was a symbol of determination and protection.

31. Adelheid

Adelheid, a name with Old High German roots, means "of noble kind." In the 17th century, it was a symbol of nobility and grace.

32. Agnes

Agnes, a name with Greek roots, means "pure" or "holy." In the 17th century, it was a sign of purity and innocence.

33. Anna

Anna, a name with biblical origins, was widely used in the 17th century. It stands for grace and elegance.

34. Barbara

Barbara, a name with Greek roots, means "the foreigner." In the 17th century, it was a sign of strength and independence.

35. Christina

Christina, a name with Christian background, was particularly common among devout families in the 17th century. It signifies belonging to Christianity.

36. Clara

Clara, a name with Latin roots, means "bright" or "clear." In the 17th century, it was a symbol of clarity and purity.

37. Dorothea

Dorothea, a name with Greek roots, means "gift of God." In the 17th century, it was a sign of divine grace.

38. Esther

Esther, a name with Persian roots, means "star." In the 17th century, it was a symbol of beauty and grace.

39. Hannah

Hannah, a name with biblical origins, was widely used in the 17th century. It stands for grace and elegance.

40. Katharina

Katharina, a name with Greek roots, means "pure" or "clear." In the 17th century, it was a symbol of purity and virtue.

41. Sophia

Sophia, a name with Greek roots, means "wisdom." In the 17th century, it was a sign of intelligence and education.

42. Veronica

Veronica, a name with Latin roots, means "true image." In the 17th century, it was a symbol of truth and sincerity.

43. Walburga

Walburga, a name with Old High German roots, means "protective fortress." In the 17th century, it was a sign of protection and security.

44. Ruth

Ruth, a name with Hebrew roots, means "friendship" or "companion." In the 17th century, it was a symbol of fidelity and loyalty.

45. Juliana

Juliana, a name with Latin roots, was particularly popular in noble circles during the 17th century. It symbolized nobility and grace.

46. Mechthild

Mechthild, a name with Old High German roots, means "mighty warrior woman." In the 17th century, it was a sign of strength and determination.

47. Gerlind

Gerlind, a name with Germanic roots, means "spear of the dragon." In the 17th century, it was a symbol of courage and bravery.

48. Otilia

Otilia, a name with Old High German roots, means "rich heiress." In the 17th century, it was a sign of wealth and abundance.

49. Trine

Trine, a diminutive of Katharina, was particularly popular in rural areas during the 17th century. It represented simplicity and groundedness.

50. Ursel

Ursel, a diminutive of Ursula, was widely used in the 17th century. It symbolized protection and security.